Parts Needed To Tow Trailer With 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500

Question

Question:

I have a stock 2016 144wb Sprinter 2500, 4wd, standard roof. I need to tow a car hauler trailer with a GVW of 4,800 lbs. electric brakes. The Sprinter has a listed towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and an Aluminess integrated bumper/hitch rated at 5,000 lbs with 500 lb max tongue weight. What upgrades would you suggest: Brake controller? Suspension upgrades? Weight Distributing Hitch? Gen-Y torsion coupler?

asked by: William C

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Expert Reply:

In order to tow your trailer you will first need a 7-way connection if you don't have one already. I recommend the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector # TK22115. Once installed you will be able to use a brake controller and power the electric brakes on your car hauler.

I would definitely add a brake controller so you can use the brakes on your trailer. For a brake controller, I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED24FR. The main unit of this brake controller installs out of site so only the control knob will be visible in the cab of your Sprinter. The knob controls the braking power and also acts as a manual override. You will also need the # RED69FR for installation.

Suspension enhancement wouldn't be a bad idea, but realistically I would try out a weight distribution hitch first. You will also need to confirm if your Aluminess hitch can be used with weight distribution. If you install a WDH and think you could still use the additional support then I would go with SumoSprings. You would need the # SSR-327-40-2 for your 4 wheel drive model. These will help absorb bumps and shocks while also reducing sway and keeping you level. They also have a minimal impact on ride quality when you aren't towing.

Assuming you can use a WDH with your vehicle hitch, you will want to choose a system based on the loaded tongue weight of your trailer. Tongue weight is typically 10-15% of your trailer weight. Using your 4,800 lbs you would be looking at 480-720 lbs. I recommend using a scale like the # e99044 to be sure. Based on this information a good choice would be the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # FA94-00-0800. This has a tongue weight range of 400-800 lbs which would have you covered.

I have attached some review and installation videos for your reference.

expert reply by: Robin H

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Answer 1

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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Answer 2

If your 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 came with a factory 7-way trailer connector then there should be a green connector located under the driver's seat. This green connector would then be plugged into a Mercedes-Benz speciality harness and…

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Answer 3

If Mercedes installed the factory brake controller harness on your 2016 Mercedes Sprinter Motorhome, it would be under the driver's seat. It would have a green connector. If the harness is not under the seat, then from our experience, it was not…

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Answer 4

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…

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Answer 5

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.

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Answer 6

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 7

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 8

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 9

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 10

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 11

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 12

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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