Can I Increase Tongue Weight of 2017 Mercedes Benz GLS 550 With an Aftermarket Hitch

Question

Question:

Hi, My 2017 MB GLS550 factory installed hitch has tow weight rating of only 600 LB. My 2018 Airstream Globetrotter has a tongue weight of 871 LB. Will this C13190 do the trick? It states 900 LB tongue weight. Also will a weight distribution and stabilizer help?

asked by: Lukas V

0

Expert Reply:

I'll start out by saying that a trailer hitch does not determine your vehicle's tongue weight rating or towing capacity, these are determined by your vehicle and when it comes to adding components to the equation you're always going to be limited to the lowest rated component. If your vehicle has a tongue weight capacity of 600-lbs, but the hitch says 900-lbs- you're still only safe with putting 600-lbs of tongue weight on the vehicle. The best source of information on what your capacities are is going to be the owner's manual of your vehicle, so I would recommend checking what yours lists as the actual tongue capacity for the 2017 Mercedes Benz GLS 550.

When it comes to adding the Curt # C13190 hitch, this hitch is a confirmed fit on your vehicle and, assuming that your vehicle can actually handle 900-lbs of tongue weight capacity would be a good choice to allow you to utilize that additional weight. However, the C13190 is not compatible with a weight distribution hitch, so that's not really going to be an option for you because of the added stress it's going to put on the frame of the vehicle.

With all of that said, if you're worried about sway in the trailer while towing, you should have a look at the Tuson Asymmetric Sway Control # 335TSC-1000 which will activate your trailer's brakes to help keep the trailer under control during sway situations. This installs on the trailer frame and inline with your trailer wiring so you don't have to worry about remembering to connect it each time you tow.

I've linked a great video about the Sway Master for you to have a look at, as well.

expert reply by: Erik B

0

Answer 1

You're in luck! I just confirmed with Curt that as long as your 2019 Mercedes Benz GLS 450 does not have the Mercedes Active Curve System, then the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13190 is confirmed to fit. There is no drilling required to install…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" Item #C13190 is a perfect fit for your GLS Class Mercedes-Benz. This hitch has a 900 lb tongue weight, a 7500 lb towing capacity, 2" by 2" receiver tube opening so it will…

view full answer...

Answer 3

On each individual electric brake magnet the amperage draw would be 3.0 to 3.2 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 7-inch brake magnets and 3.2 to 4.0 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 10 and 12-inch brake magnets. The max amperage draw for the brake magnets…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C13190 is a great fit for your 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS550. It is a great hitch that will work well for you. There isn't a specific custom fit for your trailer wiring, so I…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The driver assist package will not affect towing on your 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The only thing that will affect the fit of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13190 on your GL450 is if it has the Active Curve System, which based on my research, the…

view full answer...

Answer 6

I checked with Curt and if its a 2013 with one muffler that runs left to right on the vehicle its the #C13190 or if its 2013 with 2 mufflers that run front to back its the #C13102.

view full answer...

Answer 7

Based on the 27 foot length you mentioned it sounds like you have the Airstream Flying Cloud 27FB or 27FB Twin model, both of which have a maximum loaded trailer weight of 7,600 pounds. If this is correct I highly recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The best way to pick out a weight distribution system is to base it off of the loaded tongue weight of the setup when it is loaded and ready to tow. This figure also includes the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. I attached…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The best way to determine what system will work for you is to know what your total tongue weight is. The total tongue weight is the tongue weight of your fully-loaded-ready-to-tow trailer added to the weight of any cargo you place behind the rear…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...