How Much Can a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 Tow

Question:

I own a 2017 Mercedes Benz GLE350 with factory tow package, and am contemplating purchase of a travel trailer, but am confused about capacities- My owners manual shows I can tow up to 6615 lb, with a tongue wt. of 530 lb. The hitch label shows 7200 lb capacity, 580 lb tongue wt. There is no information regarding use of a WD setup. The favored trailers all are 5000 lb or under, with hitch weights varying from 480 to 610 lb. Ive spoken to other GLE owners towing trailers similar to ones Im looking at, one towing a 5300 lb trailer with a 608 lb tongue wt, He states he has no issues.. Bottom line- what is the max safe load, and can I use a WD hitch setup?

asked by: Rod W

Expert Reply:

The max trailer towing weights for a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE are the ones listed in the owner's manual of 6,615 lbs for gross trailer weight and 530 lbs for tongue weight. The capacities listed on the hitch are for the hitch only which is tested separately of the vehicle. In a towing setup, you're always limited by the weakest link so in this case it's your vehicle so that's the one you'll need to abide by. In regards to weight distribution, this vehicle is a unibody so it's not recommended.

Please note, if you plan to be towing at or near the weight capacity of the vehicle there's a good chance the trailer is going to have brakes and that's one thing not included with your tow package. Therefore, I recommend using the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180 because it does not require any splicing into the vehicle, just plug and go.

expert reply by: Conner L