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