so, i'm wondering if anyone knows a source for a trailer hitch for a trailer hitch that will go on my '85 300td euro (small bumpers)?

also, anybody have any experience with towing behind this car? any ideas for weight limits, etc? do you think the mechanical limits are in the hitch, the transmission, the motor, or the brakes?

help and/or advice greatly appreciated!

You should check the archives by using the search feature for this question. There are some great threads with LOADS of great information.
Paul and Rleo have experience with what you have asked about and have written it up... along with lots of other good poster's experience...

yep, i've been reading the archives for awhile now, and feel pretty confident, BUT
i have no idea where to FIND one of the euro hitches, as i can't translate the german parts sources sites.
i'm really hoping someone here in the states will contact me asap if they have one they'll sell or can point me to a supplier!

__________________
-lee
'83 300CDT (286k)

former proud owner of:
'85 mercedes euro 300TD
'80 mercedes 300TD
'77 mercedes 280e
'80 mercedes euro 250
'82 mercedes euro 250

hello, there are a few out there they go about $450-$500, for a receiver type hitch, last i checked. mine has one of the $99 bumper mounts, so the limit is deffinatly in the hitch.

I towed a 400lb+ trailer with 2 5-600lb motorcycles on it, no problem. now, after looking over my hitch, i wouldn't do it again.

on my list of things to do is get to the steel yard and pick up some pieces to start building my own.I will take pics, and patterns/measurements.

the plan is to drop the bumper and use it's mounts for a hitch frame, then replace the bumper. and also tying in to the body right behind the tank, up thru the floor. I am not sure how this would work with euro bumpers. this would be a ssmaller receiver style, so as to match the wifes volvo, and i can switch stuff between them.

if yout dont want to drill holes in your car for a hitch, buy a truck...

__________________
1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

European Ebay sites typically carry them. Try British ebay for English version or use a translator on german Ebay.
I think MB says 1500lbs unbraked and 2500lbs braked or something similar.
You could use Babelfish on the parts suppliers you can't read.

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

The first thing to be done is to check your owners manual for towing capacities. If you don't have the manual MBUSA should be able to provide one or you should be able to find the specs, check their website. Secondly, if you can't find a domestic supplier then a research for a custom hitch maker, and consulting them, would be in order. May be costlier but won't destroy the integrity of your TD. Whatever you do, pay attention to the engineering limititations of your car.

Jim W.

I can look in my trunk and find one I just pulled off. Here's a pic of it installed.

EDIT: Nevermind, I just saw you said TD.

If you don't have any luck locally or don't mind aftermarket, check out etrailer.com-$358.95 for a Da'Lan Inc. hitch.

Their fine print "Minor cutting or bending may be required, such as the removal of tow hooks or modifying muffler hangers, Temporary bumper removal required for installation on some models."

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-1985_Mercedes-Benz_300TD.htm

Price looked pretty good and I'll probably be buying one from them in the spring.

__________________

1980 300TD-China Blue/Blue MBTex-2nd Owner, 107K (Alt Blau) OBK #15
'06 Chevy Tahoe Z71 (for the wife & 4 kids, current mule) '03 Honda Odyssey (son #1's ride, reluctantly) '99 GMC Suburban (255K+ miles, semi-retired mule) 21' SeaRay Seville (summer escape pod)

you can buy a decent welder and a lot of steel for $360. to each his own, though.... of course, not evryone is capable of designing and fabricating.

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

C'MON BOYS, SOMEBODY SELL ME ONE OF THESE THINGS! does ANYBODY out there have a hitch for me? pretty please?

__________________
-lee
'83 300CDT (286k)

former proud owner of:
'85 mercedes euro 300TD
'80 mercedes 300TD
'77 mercedes 280e
'80 mercedes euro 250
'82 mercedes euro 250

I have a 123 Euro, too ...

I went to a welder in my town, who does a fair amount of trailer & hitch work --- he quoted me $150 installed --- was a year or so ago, so it might be a little more now.

You probably have a welding shop nearby that can whomp one up ...

http://search.ebay.de/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C12&from=R10&satitle=w123+Anh%E4ngerkupplung&sacat=131090%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D3&sadis=200&fpos=Postleitza&ga10244=10425&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=

Good luck in affording the shipping

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

I'll be in Germany the first week of May. Think they'll let me take it as carry-on?

__________________
Adam Lumsden
(83) 300D
Vice-President of the MBCA International Stars Section

I've got my mom smuggling parts in and out for me

__________________
http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42