Tow bar for a w126?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Blu 420Sel · #1 02-22-2003, 05:20 PM

I've seen a few photos of w126's from Europe with a hitch, does anyone know where I can find one?

Thanks!

Tim

Pete Geither · #2 02-22-2003, 05:42 PM

We deal in hitches quite a bit and Mercedes hitches are few and far between. I ended up making one for my TE out of a Jeep Wrangler hitch which was one of the few wide enough for the car. The ones that are available are class I's and are very pricey. I'll try to include a pic tomorrow if you're interested.:p

Blu 420Sel · #3 02-22-2003, 05:58 PM

I'd love to see how you did it if you have some photos. Were you able to make it removable or is it fixed and welded? And how pricy are we talking?

Thanks!

Pete Geither · #4 02-22-2003, 07:48 PM

This pic just shows the receiver tube. It is attached to a crossbar that goes between the rail structure on both sides and the right tow hook. I would rate it as a class II hitch and to build and install another along with the wiring would be in the neighborhood of $350. Mercedes take a powered converter so your light out monitor doesn't get screwed up. The class I hitches you can buy for the E class, are in the neighborhood of $250 list. No one I deal with shows one for your particular car. We custom make hitches all the time for different applications. Pete

Pete Geither · #5 02-22-2003, 07:50 PM

And by the way,,, all our hitches are removable and bolted on.

Blu 420Sel · #6 02-23-2003, 11:47 AM

Thanks for all the info. Is that $350 just in parts? Also, how tough is the install? It seems prety straight forward unless I'm missing something, just a little wiring and drilling into the rails you had mentioned, right? Did you have to modify the hitch reciever or was it just a matter of taking a measurement between the rails and shopping around for a match?

Sorry to bombard you with all the questions, I really appreciate the advice! I'd be happy to buy the parts form you if you are offering.

Pete Geither · #7 02-23-2003, 12:11 PM

That $350 is installed and wired and ready to go. I had to do some major modifications to the Jeep hitch I used. Or we could just build one from scratch. It would take some detailed knowledge of cutting and welding and understanding of where you can tie into the vehicle,,,, of which you may be very aware of.
Pete

Blu 420Sel · #8 02-23-2003, 12:22 PM

I would love to do it all myself but my new place isn't set up yet and probably won't be soon (sigh..) If you constructed the hitch and shipped it to me, how much would something like that run? Do you think a reasonable handy person could handle it from there? Otherwise I guess I'd have to plan a trip to Western Pa sometime.. :p

Pete Geither · #9 02-23-2003, 12:42 PM

When we custom make a hitch, we insist on having the vehicle on site for the application. Even two vehicles of the same make and year can have slight differences underneath that can affect how the hitch will fit. There has to be a fabrication shop around you that is competent to do this job. Take these exchanges along and show them to a shop and see if they give you the confidence that they can do the job. If not,,, beautiful downtown Butler is a wonderful place to visit. Pete

Blu 420Sel · #10 02-23-2003, 12:57 PM

That makes allot of sense. I'll continue evaluating the idea. Maybe i'll have the time and facilites to tackle it myself when spring rolls around, but in the mean time I'll call around here.

If you get a chance I would love a couple of photos under the car that show the connections and framework you used. I'd like to be able to show it to the shop and say 'make it like this'. But if its too much trouble that's fine too.

Thanks again,

tim

Pete Geither · #11 02-23-2003, 03:40 PM

Be glad to get you the pics when I can get it on the rack again . Might take a few days though.

Blu 420Sel · #12 02-23-2003, 04:06 PM

n/m