hitches and towing with a 300sd - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

angst · #1 02-02-2002, 11:59 PM

Anyone with hitch experience on 300 diesels? I want to put a hitch on my 79 300sd to pull a trailer with dirt bikes. The bumper looks like it is shock absorbing type so welding a hitch could potentially yield hilarious/tragic consequences if the weight of the trailer pulls the bumper off the car. Does anyone know if you can weld a hitch to the bumper or not? There does not appear to be any practical place to weld to the frame.
Can towing potentially damage the turbo or transmission? Any other things I need to consider before I proceed?
Enthusiastic diesel newbie,
Eric Z

car54 · #2 02-03-2002, 03:06 AM

I'm in the same situation as you.. I'm trying to figure out the best method to mount a hitch to my 83 300D. I havent been able to find any companies that make one, so custom fabrication is my only option. I'd steer clear of bumper hitches, the frame is definently a better option. Stop by your local welding shop and talk to them. most of those guys are happy to fabricate somthing up for you.

car54 · #3 02-03-2002, 03:07 AM

With the weight you plan to tow, your engine and transmission will be fine. bring up a full size travel trailer and I would start to wonder.

Ockman · #4 02-03-2002, 07:35 AM

I had an 83 300D and had a hitch installed (Draw Tite) which attached to the bumper and the area underneath the spare tire. It cost $150 about five years ago. I pulled a small U-Haul with 1500 lbs of cargo in it from south Florida to Denver once and still got 19mpg on the trip. My wife used it for towing furnitiure around the southeast US many times after that with absolutely no problems.

Towing with diesels is a little different. You must realize it takes awhile to get going and accept that but after reaching cruise speed I could engage the cruise control and it would maintain speed on all but the steepest hills and inclines.

One recommendation would be to change the transmission fluid more often than normal if you do lots of towing with your diesel.

I'll install a hitch on my 99 E300 as soon as it goes out of warranty. In fact JC Whitney has a Class II hitch for it which sells for only $110. Good luck with your 300SD.

Jim Anderson · #5 02-03-2002, 02:34 PM

I put a hitch on my 190e, had a local place do it for about $150. It's for my 4' x 8' utility trailer. They took the bumper off and welded it to the body and cut a perfect hole in the cladding for the reciever. Had no problems with it. Lights are a different matter

psfred · #6 02-03-2002, 03:39 PM

MB made a frame hitch for the 115, and I assume for everything else, too. Might cost three arms and a leg, but worth checking out, at least for design and attaching points.

Don't use a bumper hitch, you DON'T want to have to buy a new bumper, they cost the earth!

Peter

#7 02-03-2002, 07:57 PM

hi guys wait till roger sees your post he sent me plans that worked perfectly. i still have them but to dumb on this puter thingy to send them on. mine cost 35.oo dollars and works good i could snail mail them to you. if you want send me your add. Bob se,ks.

BenzGeek · #8 12-06-2007, 01:43 AM

we're renovating a building here and trying to figure out if it is cheaper to get a hitch onto my husband's 240d (our experiment car) or to purchase the 83 240 volvo down the road that has a hitch receiver on it for about $400 and get a trailer cheap from family. it's still up for debate. i'll keep an eye on this thread!

cheers!

mobetta · #9 12-06-2007, 01:48 AM

check out JCWhitney.com.

pawoSD · #10 12-06-2007, 02:33 AM

I have a Receiver style hitch on mine that mounts to the bumper and to the underside of the body by the spare tire, I use it to pull our 8' utility trailer (up to 1300lbs or so fully loaded) and I use my receiver mount bike carrier in it too.

My dad's SD has a bumper mount hitch that clamps to the shock struts and the underside of the bumper with two huge bolts. We've pulled the utility trailer with several hundred pounds of lumber and such on it with no problem. Until you reach 1000+ lbs you can barely even tell the trailer is there. Pulls it no problem.

Here are a few pics of my hitch setup:

And this is the hitch thats on my dad's car: (sorry no pics of it mounted)

They both perform the same task just fine and are very very strong. Mine is a little more convenient and nice looking though, being a receiver style. However, mine cost me $156 + drill bits And his was $45

TX76513 · #11 12-06-2007, 08:32 AM

One of my W126's has the factory installed "trailer coupling" (their word). There is trap door in the bottom (underside) of the bumper and the receiver of the hitch fits up in there vertically instead of horizontally like we are used to seeing.

Brian Carlton · #12 12-06-2007, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

One of my W126's has the factory installed "trailer coupling" (their word). There is trap door in the bottom (underside) of the bumper and the receiver of the hitch fits up in there vertically instead of horizontally like we are used to seeing.

Does the hitch attach to the subframe in some fashion..........or directly to the body behind the bumper?

TX76513 · #13 12-06-2007, 09:02 AM

The receiver is attached to the sub frame, at rear of vehicle, sort of inside the bumper. I do not have the hitch, and didn't know it was there until I read a sticker in the trunk explaining (in German) how to attach the receiver. It MB option number 550 for the 126

Brian Carlton · #14 12-06-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX76513

The receiver is attached to the sub frame, at rear of vehicle, sort of inside the bumper.

That would have to be a neat trick...........considering the shape of the subframe!

kerry · #15 12-06-2007, 09:22 AM

I've got a bumper hitch on my 85 TD and I'm happy with it. My 79SD has a completely different style of bumper than the TD. It seems to be largely plastic and I wouldn't trust it enough to install a bumper hitch.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Considering a towing hitch for an SD	oilslick	Diesel Discussion	1	10-21-2004 01:30 PM
Towing	rktomp	Diesel Discussion	2	12-12-2002 02:00 PM