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2016 - 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350
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Complete CURT Class 3 2" trailer hitch and 5-flat wiring kit (with 4-way to 5-way adapter for surge brakes) engineered for the 2016 - 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. Vehicle-specific hitch fit, with a universal taillight converter for trailer wiring; all hardware and instructions included.
This custom kit fits the following vehicles:
All Hardware and Installation Instructions Included!
Whatever your task at hand -- whether it's launching that boat before daybreak, setting up your camper before the rush or getting a final load to the dump before close -- CURT class 3 trailer hitches offer the strength needed for serious towing. They make it easy to hitch up and Bring It, offering a vehicle-specific fit and the weight capacity to handle a variety of trailers. Custom class 3 hitches are the most common type of receiver hitch for pickup trucks and SUVs. Because of their weight range, they are also found on full-size cars, crossovers and minivans. Each custom-fit class 3 hitch package is made for vehicle-specific mounting. This particular kit fits certain years of the Mercedes-Benz GLE350 (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 7,500 lbs. GTW and 750 lbs. TW. CURT class 3 trailer hitches are typically used to attach and haul utility trailers, boat trailers, campers, snowmobile or ATV haulers and more (NOTE: Never exceed the lowest-rated towing component). Each class 3 hitch has a 2" receiver tube and is tested in accordance with SAE J684 for safety. To ensure that CURT class 3 receiver hitches have what it takes for serious trailering, they are designed using a hands-on approach and are constructed with rugged, high-strength steel and precise welding. We also protect our class 3 hitches in a co-cured finish of liquid A-coat and black powder coat for superior resistance to rust, chipping and UV damage.
This CURT universal taillight converter is the go-to solution when a vehicle-specific custom harness isn't available for your make and model. It provides a standard 4-way flat trailer connector for tail lights, brake lights and turn signals, and is compatible with most vehicles (light splicing required). Built with surface-mount circuitry and a potted enclosure for durability against moisture, vibration and road debris. Includes a dust cover and is backed by a limited one-year warranty.
CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
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Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 - 2018 | Mercedes-Benz GLE350 | — |
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The 16 - 18 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13294 (Part #5W-CHW-2367) fits 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 models. The 2018 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the 16 - 18 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13294 (Part #5W-CHW-2367) is designed to fit the 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350.
The 16 - 18 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13294 (Part #5W-CHW-2367) fits the following vehicles: 2016-2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 16 - 18 Mercedes-Benz GLE350 Curt 2" Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 5-Flat Wiring Kit Tow Boat/Utility Trailer with Surge Brakes 13294 (Part #5W-CHW-2367) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, CURT part number 13294 is designed for 2016-Present Mercedes-Benz GLE350 SUV models. Verify your vehicle year and model match before purchase.
The CURT 13294 is rated for a maximum trailer weight of 7,500 lbs and tongue weight of 750 lbs. You must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
Required tools include: torque wrench, ratchet, 8-inch socket extension, sockets in 8mm, 10mm, 16mm, and 7/16 inch sizes, E-10, T-30, and T-40 Torx bit sockets, and a 7/16 inch boxed end wrench. A second person is recommended to ease installation.
No, drilling is not required. The CURT 13294 uses existing vehicle mounting points and fasteners.
You must temporarily remove trunk contents and the heat shield. The exhaust must be lowered by removing the rubber isolators from the hangers attached to the vehicle frame (one on each side). Support the exhaust to prevent damage. All components are reinstalled after hitch installation.
1. Remove fascia tab bracket screws and nut. 2. Lower exhaust by removing rubber isolators. 3. Remove heat shield fasteners. 4. Remove trunk liner guard and access bumper beam nuts. 5. Remove bumper beam nuts from inside trunk (2 per side). 6. Remove bumper beam nuts from under vehicle (2 per side). 7. Push bumper beam away and loosely secure vehicle hardware with hitch sandwiched between. 8. Secure fascia tab brackets to hitch with 1/4 inch hardware and align nylon retainer clips. 9. Torque all fasteners and reinstall components in reverse order.
After removing all eight bumper beam nuts, push the bumper beam away from the vehicle so the hitch is sandwiched between the bumper beam and the vehicle frame. Keep the rear fascia still attached during this step. Loosely secure the vehicle hardware at this point; final torquing comes after fascia tab bracket installation.
Torque all 1/4 inch hardware to 10 ft-lbs. Torque all M10 hardware to 45 ft-lbs. These torque values apply after the hitch is positioned and before reinstalling removed components.
The kit includes: 2 fascia tab brackets (part 13294-FTB), 2 black push clips 11/32 x 13/16 inch (part 10-10522), 4 pieces of 1/4-20 x 1.00 inch hex bolts (part 10-10424), and 4 pieces of 1/4-20 hex flange nuts (part 20-00199).
Secure the two provided fascia tab brackets to the hitch main body plates using the 1/4 inch hardware (hex bolts and flange nuts). Use a 7/16 inch socket and 7/16 inch boxed end wrench. Then align and secure the two center fascia tabs by pushing the nylon retainer clips into the fascia tab brackets.
Eight bumper beam nuts total must be removed: two on each side from inside the trunk (using 16mm socket) and two on each side from under the vehicle (using 16mm socket). All eight must be removed before positioning the hitch.
Remove six nuts using an 8mm socket, two screws using an E-10 Torx bit socket, and two screws using a 10mm socket. After removal, set the heat shield aside for reinstallation after the hitch is secured.
The fascia tab bracket (part 13294-FTB) connects the hitch main body to the vehicle's rear fascia. Two brackets are provided and secured with 1/4 inch hardware. They align with nylon retainer clips that hold the center fascia tabs in place.
The CURT 13294 is rated for 7,500 lbs trailer weight and 750 lbs tongue weight. However, you must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower than the hitch rating. Always follow your vehicle's specifications.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times while installing this product.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. This is especially important after initial installation and before each towing use.
All non-trailer loads applied to this hitch must be supported by CURT 18050 stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support non-trailer loads will void the product warranty.
CURT Manufacturing warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship at the time of retail purchase by the original purchaser. If defective, CURT may repair or replace the product at their option when returned prepaid with proof of purchase. Warranty is voided by alteration, misuse, or improper installation.
Yes, removing the exhaust tips using a T-40 socket may ease installation. This is optional but recommended if you encounter difficulty lowering the exhaust.
Yes, removing the trunk liner bin on the driver side may ease installation. This is optional but recommended if you encounter difficulty accessing the bumper beam nuts inside the trunk.
Yes, completing one side at a time may ease installation. This approach can make it easier to manage the bumper beam positioning and hardware alignment.
Locate the fascia tab bracket and remove two screws from the rear fascia and one nut located on top of the bracket using a 10mm socket. Remove the bracket and return it to the owner.
Use a T-30 Torx bit socket to remove the screw. Gently unclip the trunk liner guard and remove it. Set aside trunk contents and the trunk liner guard for reinstallation after the hitch is secured.
Reinstall components in reverse order of steps 2 through 4: reinstall the trunk liner guard, reinstall trunk contents, reinstall the heat shield, and reinstall the exhaust by reattaching the rubber isolators to the frame hangers.
Yes, the CURT 13294 is designed specifically for 2016-Present Mercedes-Benz GLE350 SUV models.
Maximum 7,500 lbs trailer weight and 750 lbs tongue weight. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
No drilling is required. The hitch uses existing vehicle mounting points.
Torque wrench, ratchet, 8-inch socket extension, sockets (8mm, 10mm, 16mm, 7/16 inch), Torx bit sockets (E-10, T-30, T-40), and 7/16 inch boxed end wrench. A second person is recommended.
Temporarily remove trunk contents and heat shield. Lower the exhaust by removing rubber isolators from frame hangers. All components are reinstalled after hitch installation.
Torque all 1/4 inch hardware to 10 ft-lbs and all M10 hardware to 45 ft-lbs.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times during installation.
All non-trailer loads must be supported by CURT 18050 stabilizing straps. Failure to do so voids the warranty.
Periodically check that all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound before each towing use.
The CURT taillight converter (56496) is a module that converts a vehicle's taillight wiring to a 4-flat trailer connector. It allows you to connect a trailer with a 4-flat plug to vehicles that do not have a factory trailer connector. The converter interprets your vehicle's existing taillight signals (brake, turn, and tail lights) and outputs them through the 4-flat connector to power the trailer lights.
The converter is designed for SUVs, mini and full-sized vans, passenger cars, and pickup trucks. The manual provides wiring location guides for three vehicle categories: SUVs/vans (S-series locations), passenger cars (P-series locations), and pickup trucks (T-series locations). However, the manual does not provide a specific year, make, or model compatibility list. Contact CURT or consult a fitment database to confirm compatibility with your specific vehicle.
The converter is designed only for 12-volt negative ground electrical systems. Before purchasing, confirm your vehicle uses a 12-volt negative ground system. If your vehicle uses a different voltage or positive ground system, this converter will not work. Check your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer to verify your system type.
Included with the converter: snap locks, double-sided tape, cable ties, ground screw, and white ground wire with ring terminal. You must source separately: 12 gauge wire (or larger), 10-amp fuse (maximum), fuse holder, butt connectors, and ring terminal. Alternatively, CURT part 55151 is a kit that includes these items. Tools needed: multimeter or test light for wiring identification, wire strippers, and a drill with 3/32" bit (if drilling a ground hole is necessary). A socket wrench or screwdriver may be needed to disconnect the battery terminal.
Yes. Step 3 of the installation instructions requires you to locate the vehicle battery and disconnect the negative battery terminal before wiring the converter. The negative terminal must remain disconnected until Step 7, after all wiring is complete and the fuse is installed. This prevents electrical shorts and damage during installation.
The manual provides a 'How to Determine Vehicle Wiring Types' procedure on page 2. With the vehicle running and all lights off, probe the taillight connectors (still connected to the vehicle) using a multimeter set to DC volts or a test light. Wires carrying less than 2 volts (or that do not illuminate a test light) are not used. Then activate each light circuit (left turn, right turn, tail, brake) one at a time and probe the remaining wires to identify which wires carry which signals. This determines whether your vehicle has a two-wire system (combined stop/turn with independent tail) or three-wire system (independent stop, turn, and tail signals). This information is essential for correctly splicing the converter wires in Step 4.
Mount the converter near the taillight. The manual provides a wiring location guide showing eight possible locations for SUVs/vans (S1–S8), seven for passenger cars (P1–P7), and five for pickup trucks (T1–T5). These locations are behind taillight housings, rear bumpers, rear access panels, or under rear floor panels, depending on vehicle type. Once you have selected the location, adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape and secure it with the included cable ties. Ensure the area is clean and dry before applying the tape.
In Step 4, use snap locks to attach the converter's input wires to the corresponding vehicle harness wires. The converter has four input wires: red (brake), yellow (left turn), green (right turn), and brown (tail). The wiring installation table on page 3 shows which converter wire splices to which vehicle wire, depending on whether your vehicle has a two-wire or three-wire system. For a two-wire system: green splices to the right stop/turn wire, yellow to the left stop/turn wire, brown to the tail wire, and red is grounded. For a three-wire system: green splices to the right turn wire, red to the stop wire, yellow to the left turn wire, and brown to the tail wire. Photos A, B, and C on page 3 show how to install the snap locks.
In Step 6, locate a suitable grounding point near the taillight. The white ground wire has a ring terminal attached. If an existing screw with nut is available in the vehicle frame, attach the ring terminal to that screw. If not, drill a 3/32" pilot hole in a clean, rust-free, paint-free area of the vehicle frame and use the provided screw to secure the ring terminal. Before drilling, check for hidden items behind or under surfaces to avoid damage and personal injury.
Route 12 gauge wire (or larger) from the converter's black power wire to the vehicle battery positive (+) terminal, taking care to avoid pinch points and hot or rotating components. At the battery, use a ring terminal (not included) to attach the wire to the positive post. Install a 10-amp fuse (maximum) in a fuse holder (not included) on this power wire, positioned as close to the battery as possible. Install the fuse only after all other wiring steps are complete. The negative battery terminal must remain disconnected until the fuse is installed.
In Step 7, secure any loose wires with the provided cable ties. This prevents wires from moving, chafing, or becoming pinched during vehicle operation. Route the 4-flat connector to the center of the vehicle when in use, and secure it in a convenient out-of-the-way location when not in use.
The converter is rated for a maximum of 3.0 amps per signal circuit (left turn, right turn, brake) and 6.0 amps total for tail and running circuits. Do not exceed these ratings. Also do not exceed your tow vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating, and potential fire.
The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a 10-amp maximum fuse. Do not use a fuse larger than 10 amps. The fuse holder and fuse are not included and must be purchased separately, or as part of CURT part 55151 kit. Install the fuse after all other wiring steps are complete and immediately before reconnecting the negative battery terminal.
Use 12 gauge wire or larger to route from the converter's black power wire to the vehicle battery. This wire must be routed carefully to avoid pinch points and hot or rotating components. The wire is not included and must be purchased separately, or as part of CURT part 55151 kit.
The converter has four input wires: red (brake signal), yellow (left turn signal), green (right turn signal), and brown (tail/running light signal). There is also a white ground wire with a ring terminal. Each input wire is spliced to the corresponding vehicle taillight wire using snap locks, according to your vehicle's wiring type (two-wire or three-wire system). The black power wire connects to the vehicle battery positive terminal through a fused connection. The white ground wire connects to the vehicle frame or body.
Before drilling any holes, check for miscellaneous items (wires, fuel lines, brake lines) that may be hidden behind or under surfaces to avoid damage and personal injury. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning any wiring work. When routing the power wire to the battery, avoid pinch points and hot or rotating components. Ensure the area where you ground the converter is free of rust, dirt, and paint. Do not exceed the converter's amperage rating (3.0 amps per signal circuit, 6.0 amps total for tail/running) or your vehicle's lamp load rating, as this can cause overheating and fire. Use a 10-amp maximum fuse on the battery connection.
The manual provides two testing methods. Method 1 (test light): Attach the ground lead of the tester to the exposed ground terminal of the 4-flat connector. Activate the tow vehicle's left turn, right turn, tail, and brake lights one at a time. Probe the three receptacles of the 4-flat to confirm proper functionality. Method 2 (trailer): Mate the 4-flat with a trailer and run the same test using the trailer lights. If a function on the trailer lights does not work, disconnect the trailer 4-flat, turn the vehicle functions off, and recheck with a circuit tester. If the circuit tester shows the function is good, the problem is with the trailer, not the converter.
Included: snap locks, double-sided tape, cable ties, ground screw, and white ground wire with ring terminal. Not included: 12 gauge wire, 10-amp fuse, fuse holder, butt connectors, and ring terminal for the battery connection. These items must be purchased separately or as part of CURT part 55151 kit, which is sold separately.
After securing all loose wires with cable ties and installing the fuse on the battery power wire, reinstall all items you removed during installation (trim panels, bumpers, etc.). Reconnect the negative battery terminal. When the converter is in use, route the 4-flat connector to the center of the vehicle. When not in use, secure the connector in a convenient out-of-the-way location to prevent damage.
The converter fits SUVs, vans, passenger cars, and pickup trucks with 12-volt negative ground systems. The manual does not provide a specific year/make/model list. Contact CURT or check a fitment database with your vehicle details to confirm compatibility.
You must source: 12 gauge wire, 10-amp fuse, fuse holder, butt connectors, and a ring terminal for the battery. These are available separately or as CURT part 55151 kit.
Yes. Disconnect the negative battery terminal in Step 3 before wiring, and keep it disconnected until the fuse is installed in Step 7.
Drilling may be required. If a suitable existing screw is not available near the taillight for grounding, you must drill a 3/32" pilot hole in the vehicle frame. Before drilling, check for hidden items (wires, fuel lines) behind or under surfaces to avoid damage.
Maximum 3.0 amps per signal circuit and 6.0 amps total for tail/running circuits. Do not exceed these ratings or your vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Before drilling, check for hidden items (wires, fuel lines, brake lines) behind or under surfaces to avoid damage and personal injury.
Disconnect the trailer 4-flat connector from the converter. Turn off the corresponding function on the vehicle (e.g., turn off the left turn signal if the left turn on the trailer is not working). Recheck the function using a circuit tester on the 4-flat receptacles. If the circuit tester shows the function is working properly, the problem is with the trailer, not the converter. If the circuit tester shows the function is not working, the converter or vehicle wiring connection may be faulty.
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