This article will give information regarding towing capacities of the Mercedes Benz GLB model series. And answer the question, can a Mercedes Benz glb tow a caravan? This article will also take a look at the trailer hitch hike mechanism and the process involved in attaching a trailer to a vehicle.

Can a Mercedes GLB tow a caravan? 

Yes, Mercedes Benz GLB can easily tow a  caravan weighing up to 1800 Kg with reduced speeds (less than 100 km per hour). It is important to note that Mercedes Benz GLB is not rated for towing in the United States of America. Only the GLB 35 AMG is available for sale and no manual gearbox option is available for any variant.

The Mercedes Benz GLB model series X247 was launched in 2019. It is only available in selected countries. Unlike its sibling GLA, GLB features 7 seats and engine options are similar to the Mercedes Benz A-class.  Recently launched  EQB  is also based on GLB models and features a fully electric drive system.

Let’s take a look at the following table of trailer loads for braked trailers.

Braked trailers  have an independent mechanical braking system that applies brakes to  the trailer through linkage connected to the trailer hitch mechanism and does not rely on braking force from the vehicle.  Thus Braked trailer loads are always higher compared to unbraked trailers.

As you can see the Mercedes Benz GLB 4 Matic will offer higher towing capacity as all wheels are driven and provide better traction on the road compared to two-wheel drive variants. The towing loads also depend upon the minimum initial incline climbing ability of the vehicle. 

The unbraked towing capacity for the GLB model series is 750kg. Unbraked permissible trailer loads are lower compared to braked trailers as they must be slowed down with the braking force provided by the vehicle. If unbraked trailer loads are higher than the gross weight of the vehicle, there won’t be sufficient brake force available to stop and this will lead to accidents. 

To summarize, the GLB model series offers a maximum braked towing capacity of 2000kg and for unbraked trailers, it is 750kg. The permissible trailer loads also depend on the combined weight of occupants and cargo in the vehicle.

Important weight terms to remember before attaching the tailor.

• Gross weight – Total  weight of the vehicle with the weight of occupants and cargo in the vehicle. The permissible gross  vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is usually available on the Vehicle identification plate located on the B-pillar of the vehicle. Actual gross weight must not exceed this rating
• Nose weight of trailer- Nose weight of the trailer is the total weight  at the coupling head connected to the towball of the towing vehicle. This nose weight naturally affects the gross weight of the vehicle. The nose weight is between 10 to 15 % of the weight of the trailer and its loads. This is also known as maximum drawbar load.
• MRO- mass in running order indicates the average weight of an unloaded caravan. Refer to manufacturing details before towing the caravan.
• MTPLM- maximum technically permissible laden mass this is the total weight the caravan is rated for, generally the maximum weight of the loaded caravan.
• Towing capacity- it is the maximum weight the vehicle can tow minus the gross weight of the vehicle. The higher gross weight reduces the towing capacity and affects the weight distribution.

Connecting a Trailer to the vehicle.

If the vehicle is fitted with a trailer hitch mechanism from the factory, it is usually electrically operated from a switch in the load compartment. Pressing the switch will lower the towing ball of the trailer hitch. Mechanical levers can also be used to lower the towing ball. Retro fitment of trailer hitch is also done at authorized dealerships. Trailer hitch code must be entered in the vehicle data card and depending on the country, special certification may be required to operate the vehicle with a trailer hitch.

2a- tow ball 2b-ball cover 3- electrical coupler 2 neck

The ball neck must be pulled and locked into towing position, if the ball is damaged due to accident it must be replaced, and the condition of the ball neck must be checked before attaching the trailer to the vehicle. No grease should be applied to the ball as it will limit the function of the stabilization device on the trailer.

• The vehicle transmission should be in P (parked) gear.
• The electrical parking brake must be engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
• The trailer must be positioned behind the vehicle in a straight line before connecting the trailer.
• The nose load of the trailer affects the position of coupling on the trailer; a trailer with height-adjustable drawbars helps to connect with the towing ball more easily.
• Lastly, connect the electrical coupler for the lights to the vehicle.

GLB is equipped with a trailer recognition control unit that controls the lighting system on the trailer.  The vehicle trailer socket is factory fitted with a permanent power supply. 

If the vehicle is travelling downhill with the trailer attached, selecting lower gear will use the engine braking effect on the automatic transmission. This reduces the load on the vehicle braking system, especially in the case of unbraked trailers and prevents brake fade due to overheating.

Engine and gearbox available on the New GLB model series.

Mercedes-Benz GLB is an SUV available between the GLA and larger GLC Model with inline-four petrol and diesel engines.

The M282 engine is used for the petrol variant with a maximum  power of 120 KW & 230 NM torque, for the GLB 180 variant the maximum power is limited to 100kW. M282 is the successor of the M270 engine and it has a cylinder shut off function inbuilt for improved economy. The M260 is only offered in GLB 35AMG in a higher state of tune.

The OM654 diesel engine is used in diesel variants of model series GLB, OM 654 produces about 140KW of power with 400NM torque. Diesel engine with its superior torque and the all-wheel-drive system naturally has the highest towing capacity in all available  variants. The diesel engine also comes equipped with an AdBlue injection system for exhaust after-treatment.

New improved 8-speed DCT 400 transmission is mated to all the l available variants. Hence maximum torque is available right from low engine speeds. 

Other articles about Mercedes Benz you may be interested in

Can a Mercedes be flat towed?

Can a Mercedes GLA tow a caravan?

Can a Mercedes GLC tow a boat?

Conclusion

Although the Mercedes Benz GLB has a great towing capacity with a braked trailer, it is not good for towing large caravans over long distances. GLB is also limited to fewer markets with plug-in hybrid models yet to launch. The maximum speed is hugely impacted by higher gross weight and fuel economy is also reduced. GLB only comes in the AMG 35 series.

FAQs: can a Mercedes GLB tow a caravan?

Can you fit a towbar to a Mercedes Benz GLB?

A towbar can be installed to the towing eye provided with the vehicle but towing a trailer is not suitable for this method. A proper trailer hitch mechanism with a tow ball must be used to tow a trailer.

Which Mercedes can tow a caravan?

Mercedes Benz models can be retrofitted with a trailer hitch. Visit the nearest dealership to check if retro fitment for your Mercedes is available. AMG model services are not recommended to tow a caravan.

Does adding trailer hitch void warranty?

If the trailer hitch is available for the model and installed by authorized personnel at the dealership then the warranty is not void. Installing an aftermarket trailer hitch with modification to the rear bumper can lead to damages to the vehicle and void the warranty.

Is the Mercedes Benz GLB worth buying?

Mercedes Benz GLB is not yet launched across all markets and in countries like the united states of America, it is not rated to tow a trailer. However, It has an excellent seating capacity of 7 occupants and is perfectly suited for customers looking for an SUV between GLA and GLC.

References

• https://peakanddale.co.uk/caravan-weight/#:~:text=So%20exactly%20how%20much%20do,depending%20on%20manufacturer%20and%20age.
• https://towcar.info/GB/outfitmatch.php