126 Trailer Hitch fabrication and install - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #1 03-14-2014, 12:01 PM

One of my many fabrication projects is a hitch for my 1984 300SD (next my 123). My truck was not working well and I needed to use my trailer on Tuesday, so on Sunday I went to the swap meet and bought a trailer hitch that I could modify to work on the SD. Monday I got the hitch working, but not the lights (I started a thread, and still working on it). I used the trailer anyway, and the hitch and car worked very well. I am taking advantage of this project to prove the concept for a final product that I will offer for sale along with my Sanden retrofit kit, and Trap-Ox bypass pipe.
I started off with a used receiver from the swap meet for $20:

I cut and drilled a couple 3/16 thick plates:

I welded them to a cross bar of 2X2 square tubing:

The 2 pieces ready to install:

The cross bar installed, awaiting the receiver:

The sandwich plate inside the spare tire well:

The finished product:

I still have to sort out the wiring. I am going to try soldering some diodes and see if that works. The last thing I will try (if all else fails) is a powered converter. I did not go wit this at first because of the cost ($40 at my local hitch shop). I found them cheaper on Amazon, but I needed a converter on Monday, as I was needing my trailer on Tuesday. I now have time to sort out the wiring, so I may just order the converter and be done with it.....Rich

GregMN · #2 03-14-2014, 01:23 PM

W126 Trailer hitch

ROLLGUY · #3 03-14-2014, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregMN

W126 Trailer hitch

Thanks for the link, it gives me some ideas. One thing I don't like, is the entire cross bar visible. I like to see it tucked up above the level of the bottom of the bumper.....Rich

GregMN · #4 03-14-2014, 04:45 PM

It would be pretty easy to mount the cross tube up an inch on the mounting pads. Then notch an inch out of the receiver tube to weld it on from below, instead a butt joint, to the cross tube.

The Gears · #5 02-11-2015, 03:08 PM

Here is one that is all set to install. Not fastened to the bumper.
Bumper fits back to it's original position, no space between bumper and body.
This is an 1 1/4" receiver. I have 15 of these on members cars now. $195.00 Ships Fedex from Blaine WA usually less than 40 bucks.

Trailer hitch receiver for 126 body

Charlie Foxtrot · #6 02-11-2015, 05:17 PM

Nice work!