I saw there was a similar thread but didn't want to fork that one since my question is a little different:

I've got a 1985 300TD Wagon that I want to put a hitch mounted bike rack on (I see a lot of these bike racks on craigslist but not a lot of the roof racks....any maybe these are more convienient anyway). These racks swing-away so they hopefully work OK with the wagon door. Anyway, I don't have a hitch on my wagon but:

- What are my options?
- Besides going to the Dealership, where do I buy one?
- can I put it on myself (moderately mechanical here).
- Also, the other tread referred to a bumper mounted hitch but that doesn't sound good to me since the bumpers are fairly weak (maybe I'm wrong?).

Thanks ahead of time for any advice. -Harv

I've got a bumper hitch on my TD. I'd be careful about putting a lot of weight on a bike rack on that hitch. The leverage on the bike holding arm is quite long compared to the 3 or 4 inches of bumper. There is an 1 and 1/2" receiver hitch available for the TD but it is pricey.

__________________
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 only receiver hitch I've come across for the 123 wagon is made by Da'Lan. Get ready, it's pricy.

Search in here on receiver hitch..lots written.

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Recently I've seen a new hitch for the 300TD around. It is made by Curt, and only costs around 200$. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm probably going to buy one soon.

If you search on http://www.curtmfg.com you'll find it. CTM11805.

It doesn't seem to be for sale many places, but this ebay seller seems to carry them at a great price.

Like I said, I haven't actually seen one of these in person, since they are apparently pretty new to market (last year the Da'Lan was the only one available), but it seems like a great option, since it is half the price of the Da'lan, and still a receiver style hitch (not like the permanent ball shin-busters).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CURT-CLASS-I-TRAILER-HITCH-MERCEDES-300TD-CTM11805_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33653QQihZ012QQitemZ220096441923QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

peace,
sam

__________________
"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)

The other thread was mine and I STILL haven't found one that is easy to install and easy on my wallet.

I have been using a bumper hitch but that car has the bumper bolted on instead of just the factory aluminum brackets holding it in place. I use that car for very short tows with a light trailer.

Do let us know if you decide on the ebay hitch. The seller doesn't go into much detail regarding modifications and I'd like to know how involved the modifications are.

Cheers,

Bill

Yikes, those are expensive. I might talk to my local MB mechanic to see if he has any other ideas. I'll let you know. If the trailer hitch cost in excess of $150, it kind of defeats the purpose of getting a bike rack off of craigslist for cheap.

Thanks for your input. -harv