What Is The Purpose Of The Rear Support Arm On The Curt Trailer Hitch C13190 For 2013 Mercedes GL450

Question

Question:

I saw a picture of the c13190 on your product page. The perpendicular piece of metal that bolts from the back of the hitch to the middle rear frame of the mercedes gl450. If I were rear ended hard by a vehicle will that bent my rear frame of the mercedes. It seems like a design flaw but maybe you can shed some light into this situation. Thanks

asked by: Raymond W

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Expert Reply:

The rear mounting arm of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13190 you were looking at for your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is designed to add extra strength and stability to the trailer hitch receiver, which is shown in its much higher ratings of 900lbs tongue weight and 7500lb trailer weight rating.

I guess it is possible if you were rear ended hard enough directly on the receiver it could cause frame damaged, but that is pretty unlikely as it would first need to bend frame where your bumper is mounted, in which case the frame is already going to be very significantly damaged.

If you are not comfortable with this style of hitch then a better option would be the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13102 which only mounts to the frame where the bumper is mounted, and does not have the rear support. The only down side of this is the hitch has a much lower rating at 350lbs tongue weight and 3500lb trailer weight.

If you are planning on towing with your GL450 you will also need a vehicle wiring harness # 119250KIT, and a ball mount, hitch ball, and hitch pin and clip which can all be found in the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900.

I included installation videos for each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

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Answer 1

Yes the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part #C59236 does have a 4-way flat that can be turned into a 7-way connector. For just basic lighting functions the Buyers Products Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way to…

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Answer 2

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…

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Answer 3

Having the 4-way run out of the back hatch is actually the preferred method although it seems like it wouldn't be. Having the 4-way stored inside the cab of the keeps it protected from rain and moisture to prevent corrosion and keeps it protected…

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Answer 4

There is not a Class I trailer hitch receiver confirmed to fit your vehicle from any of our manufacturers. As you stated the Class III #C13190 will also not fit due to the Active Curve System, so there is not a hitch option for you at this time. The…

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Answer 5

For your 2015 Mercedes Benz GL450 the Curt hitch part #C13190 is a confirmed fit that would work well. A very popular cargo carrier is the Curt part #C18150 which measures 20 inches by 60 inches and has a weight capacity of 500 lbs.

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Answer 6

We don't carry OEM towing components for your 2013 Mercedes Benz GL450 but we do have great options like with the Curt hitch part #C13190 which is a similar design. Then for trailer wiring you'd need to start with a 4-way like the part…

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Answer 7

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13190 will work on your 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS450. There is not a specific custom fit trailer wiring for your vehicle so I recommend using The Tekonsha ZCI #119250KIT which we have installed and confirmed to fit your…

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Answer 8

The only hitch our vendors offer for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL450 is the Curt #C13102, which has the 3500 lb weight capacity you mentioned. The #C13190 hitch you'd looked at isn't a fit for your vehicle, it's for a later model Mercedes GL…

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Answer 9

We have recently rolled out with a new feature on our website where you can search by your zip code for nearby installers. From the product page you want to have installed you will be able to search for a local installers that you can take your 2018…

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Answer 10

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…

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Answer 11

I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13102 for your 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. This is custom fit for your GL450 and requires no drilling. It is rated for a maximum tongue weight of 350lbs and a maximum trailer weight of 3,500lbs. The Curt…

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Answer 12

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…

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