I have been researching trailer brake controllers in this forum and elsewhere for ideas on a custom installation in my '07 GL450. Does anyone have pictures they can post of their installs and any feedback about locations?
gbigpapa
I don't have a photo handy, but we mounted the Prodigy brake controller on the dash to the left of the speedo. Because the dash is curved, I made a cherry block to approximately match the dash and screwed it to the holder for the Prodigy. The cherry block is attached to the dash with double-stick tape. This has held perfectly for 22,000 miles. Finished with satin polyurethane, the cherry block also closely matches the interior wood trim.
The wires go around the A-pillar base (wrapped in black tape so they are less noticeable) and then are concealed in the weatherstrip until they can disappear behind the dash.
In the 2009 GL note that you CANNOT mount a brake controller below the dash (the usual spot) because of a driver's side knee airbag. There aren't many other places to fit one.
The wires go around the A-pillar base (wrapped in black tape so they are less noticeable) and then are concealed in the weatherstrip until they can disappear behind the dash.
In the 2009 GL note that you CANNOT mount a brake controller below the dash (the usual spot) because of a driver's side knee airbag. There aren't many other places to fit one.
Mine has AIRBAG embossed on the plastic, just to the right of the parking brake release. Can't tell from the pictures if yours is the same, but if there is an airbag installed there should be some indication in the vicinity.
Tekonsha RF $299
Find it at Got Chrome $299 no tax, no shipping. Cheapest on the net, others wanted $329 to $450. They shipped brand new, Fedex ground and I got it 5 days.
I bought the Tekonsha RF because it does not require any modification or installation on my 2010 GL450. Basically, you mount the Tekonsha RF no the trailer frame near the nose. The trailer 7-pin connector plugs into the RF. The RF itself has a 7-pin cable that then plugs into the GL's receiver.
Inside the car you will plug the portable handheld RF controller into any available 12volt cigarette lighter socket. The handheld controller communcates wireless to the trailer mounted unit. This is quite handy if you want to move the trailer among vehicles. By the way, even if you unplug the handheld controller, the trailer brakes still function because they have a built in proportional inertial sensor that detects when you apply the brakes.
The only downside is the expense. At $299 this controller is 3 times as expensive as the wired kind. But I figured by skipping out on paying the dealer install, I came out about even. Also, I can keep this one with me when I trade cars and I totally avoid warranty questions from the dealer claiming that my towing is causing problems.
Find it at Got Chrome $299 no tax, no shipping. Cheapest on the net, others wanted $329 to $450. They shipped brand new, Fedex ground and I got it 5 days.
I bought the Tekonsha RF because it does not require any modification or installation on my 2010 GL450. Basically, you mount the Tekonsha RF no the trailer frame near the nose. The trailer 7-pin connector plugs into the RF. The RF itself has a 7-pin cable that then plugs into the GL's receiver.
Inside the car you will plug the portable handheld RF controller into any available 12volt cigarette lighter socket. The handheld controller communcates wireless to the trailer mounted unit. This is quite handy if you want to move the trailer among vehicles. By the way, even if you unplug the handheld controller, the trailer brakes still function because they have a built in proportional inertial sensor that detects when you apply the brakes.
The only downside is the expense. At $299 this controller is 3 times as expensive as the wired kind. But I figured by skipping out on paying the dealer install, I came out about even. Also, I can keep this one with me when I trade cars and I totally avoid warranty questions from the dealer claiming that my towing is causing problems.
Tekonsha RF $299
You could make this a portable unit. It came with 4 self-tapping screws to mount it on the side of the trailer's nose frame. You could move it around by simply unscrewing the four mount screws. Another option would be to use tie-down straps or buckle straps to just do a temp mount to the trailer. The unit itself is about the size of a large hand and weighs less than a couple of pounds.
You could make this a portable unit. It came with 4 self-tapping screws to mount it on the side of the trailer's nose frame. You could move it around by simply unscrewing the four mount screws. Another option would be to use tie-down straps or buckle straps to just do a temp mount to the trailer. The unit itself is about the size of a large hand and weighs less than a couple of pounds.
ALL trailer brake controller installations on ML/GL are "custom," as Mercedes doesn't factory fit them nor do they market an installation kit.
There IS, however, a WIS instruction for installing them and IMHO that should be followed to the letter.
One shudders at the thought of "hack" mechanics (any not Mercedes-trained, that is) working with a Mercedes electrical system.
There IS, however, a WIS instruction for installing them and IMHO that should be followed to the letter.
One shudders at the thought of "hack" mechanics (any not Mercedes-trained, that is) working with a Mercedes electrical system.
No Mercedes Installation Needed
I plugged the Tekonsha RF into the 2010 GL450 factory receptacle, ran the sync test and everything is working perfect. My electric brakes on the 2 axle HiLo 22' trailer are active and responsive as expected.
And no dealer wiring or ugly mounted controller in the cockpit needed. The Tekonsha controller is RF and simply plugs into the cigarette lighter receptacle for charging.
I plugged the Tekonsha RF into the 2010 GL450 factory receptacle, ran the sync test and everything is working perfect. My electric brakes on the 2 axle HiLo 22' trailer are active and responsive as expected.
And no dealer wiring or ugly mounted controller in the cockpit needed. The Tekonsha controller is RF and simply plugs into the cigarette lighter receptacle for charging.
Most Excellent Trailer Brake
Updated Aug.13.2010 - OK, I've now mounted the RF Tekonsha unit on my Hi-Lo 22' RV Trailer and hooked up to my 2010 GL450. I plug the wireless handheld into the 12volt socket that's at the bottom of the console (the one you see if you were sitting in the 2nd row backseat). Everything works perfect. It was easy to install (took about 20 minutes to initially mount the trailer part). The unit syncs up and works effortlessly. When we got back from out trip, I unplugged the handheld remote, stored it inside the trailer. Now my GL does not have the unsightly controller mounted hanging off the dash or in the way some other place. It's clean. Next time I need to pull the trailer, I just plug the remote into the 12volt and I'm off again. Did I mention, I now totally avoid any dealer discussion about electrical problems etc.
I cannot recommend going this way enough. If you have a GL and an RV, a boat, a ski-doo, whatever, get one of these.
Updated Aug.13.2010 - OK, I've now mounted the RF Tekonsha unit on my Hi-Lo 22' RV Trailer and hooked up to my 2010 GL450. I plug the wireless handheld into the 12volt socket that's at the bottom of the console (the one you see if you were sitting in the 2nd row backseat). Everything works perfect. It was easy to install (took about 20 minutes to initially mount the trailer part). The unit syncs up and works effortlessly. When we got back from out trip, I unplugged the handheld remote, stored it inside the trailer. Now my GL does not have the unsightly controller mounted hanging off the dash or in the way some other place. It's clean. Next time I need to pull the trailer, I just plug the remote into the 12volt and I'm off again. Did I mention, I now totally avoid any dealer discussion about electrical problems etc.
I cannot recommend going this way enough. If you have a GL and an RV, a boat, a ski-doo, whatever, get one of these.
Installing Brake Control on a 2014 Mercedes GL450
I just finished Installing a brake Control on a 2014 Mercedes GL450 with a factory hitch and 7 way Trailer plug.
Though it was difficult to find the plug under the dash for installing the Electronic Brake control IS THERE!!!
I removed the drivers side Kick panel, pulled the carpet way back and there it was a little Green plug with 4 wires going to it.
I cut off the plug and hard wired my brake control, all is good.
Wire colors are as follows.
Brown-ground
Red w/purple tracer-12V +
Yellow w/red tracer-Trailer Brake feed
Black w/red tracer-Brake signal
Hope this helps! Ryan @ Home and Park RV Fenton Michigan
I just finished Installing a brake Control on a 2014 Mercedes GL450 with a factory hitch and 7 way Trailer plug.
Though it was difficult to find the plug under the dash for installing the Electronic Brake control IS THERE!!!
I removed the drivers side Kick panel, pulled the carpet way back and there it was a little Green plug with 4 wires going to it.
I cut off the plug and hard wired my brake control, all is good.
Wire colors are as follows.
Brown-ground
Red w/purple tracer-12V +
Yellow w/red tracer-Trailer Brake feed
Black w/red tracer-Brake signal
Hope this helps! Ryan @ Home and Park RV Fenton Michigan
I don't know why some folks think it is such a big deal to use the factory tow harness -- as Fordo writes, it is all right there tucked just behind the carpet. That was the biggest issue for me is wondering how much I'd have to tear it apart to look for it. (Turns out hardly any at all.) They've done a really nice job and even have a special clip holding it up so it stays tucked just behind at the top of the carpet there.
If you don't like the look of a mounted tow controller, just install it so you can unplug it when not in use and leave the connection so it is easy to grab the next time. Then it will look a heck of a lot nicer than having some cigarette lighter cord crossing over your center console. I hate all the unsightly cords just for phones so I'm more than happy to use the factory wiring for the brake controller. Plus, it's a heck of a lot cheaper and although the RF controller sounds very robust, I still think hardwiring something is a safer way to go. Plus, there is a heck of a lot less to go wrong and wire up on the trailer side. However easy it is to install it... it seems like there is a bit of kit back there exposed to the weather and the road. More complicated = more things to break or go wrong.
If you don't have the factory option, then by all means consider the RF. Otherwise, don't get scared off from using the very convenient factory tow harness.
If you don't like the look of a mounted tow controller, just install it so you can unplug it when not in use and leave the connection so it is easy to grab the next time. Then it will look a heck of a lot nicer than having some cigarette lighter cord crossing over your center console. I hate all the unsightly cords just for phones so I'm more than happy to use the factory wiring for the brake controller. Plus, it's a heck of a lot cheaper and although the RF controller sounds very robust, I still think hardwiring something is a safer way to go. Plus, there is a heck of a lot less to go wrong and wire up on the trailer side. However easy it is to install it... it seems like there is a bit of kit back there exposed to the weather and the road. More complicated = more things to break or go wrong.
If you don't have the factory option, then by all means consider the RF. Otherwise, don't get scared off from using the very convenient factory tow harness.
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