Sorry DRH... no pics of the vehicle. But Gilly is right... the hitch from Mercedes is a complete kit wire harness, and the high capacity towing capability. I bought only the hitch because I have a specific need. That aside... anyone who is towing anything should always check the capacity on the hitch... for saftey reasons.
I've owned boats... and to this day I've never owned anything that was more then 3500 lbs. If I did own anything that big... I'd hire someone to pull it for me... or buy a Dodge to do it.

So heres what Draw-Tite shows for the hitch on their webpage:


I'm thinking this must be a generic photo since their installation insrtuctions for the hitch shows something very similar to the MB factory hitch: Installation insrtuctions here *.pdf

Perhaps the Draw-Tite Class II or Class IV hitch would save a few bucks, and the wiring package could be purchased separately from my local MB dealer for $56.00.

So as I see it, the options are as follows:
1] MB factory hitch and wiring harness = $307.00
2] Draw-Tite Class II hitch = $94.00 + assume $15.00 freight + $56.00 for MB harness <$142.00 savings>
3] Draw-Tite Class IV hitch = $104.00 + assume $15.00 freight + $56.00 for MB harness <$132.00 savings>

Am I overlooking anything?

BTW, I'm with you on the big pull stuff hightide...I'll use my truck for that...this is just to pull a utility trailer occasionaly.

I bought the MB hitch in August 02 for $260 "off the internet." That price included shipping (no tax.) I believe the web site was "thepartsbin.com". I called them to close the deal... they provide an 800 number on their web page. I wouldn't use any other hitch. You can also cut out the bumper cover for a perfect fit around the hitch, mine looks great.

DRH
The picture of that hitch you posted is a generic.
But the PDF file for the installation is correct. It is very easy to install.
If the savings between an aftermarket hitch and an MB were just a couple of bucks I'd go with the MB.
But when you're saving $100 plus... take the money and run.
Remember... it's a hitch... and they all have to meet the same saftey specs.
If, and when, I do the wiring harness I will get the MB.
Cheers.

The Mercedes hitch is mounted on the bumper at the "correct" height (instead of an after-market under the bumper approach.) The cover that exposes the mounting holes is all that you need to cut to fit around the hitch. If you're handy at-all you should be able to do it. And, the Mercedes hitch comes with the correct wiring harness that plugs directly into the vehicle's factory harness. It's the only way to go.

I wouldn't say "too good to be true". You can buy the MB kit and just bolt on the receiver, but you're aren't doing the truck any favors, you're supposed to put the reinforcement brackets on also. Sounds like you'd just be buying "half of the kit".

Gilly

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I installed a Drawtite...the 5,000 lb capacity comes with extra brackets to reinforce bumper to frame strength....very simple job...recall it being less than an hour....the challenge is the trailer wiring which I still haven't addressed. Good luck.

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Jim

I'm reseaching the same thing myself. Glad the search spit this out.

The local hitch-shop quoted $210 installed for the 5000 lb hitch. I don't ming truning wrenches at all so maybe I'll see if I can order the kit locally.

For me the hitch will seldom be used and when used it will be a mini-trailer with a pair of race bikes on it, nothing major.

Sure I could get away with the 3k hitch but why not get the 5k, extra saftey margin is seldom a bad thing IMHO.

Thanks for all the great info, links and docs!!

If I get this done soon I'll take lots of pics for ref.

I'm also considerin the 1k lb. hitch for my 300E to tow when I only need to move 1 bike to a local track... but I guess I should check around the W124 forums for that info..

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Edited the first post and also the name of the thread to correct the spelling of "trailer".
I think this may help if someone uses the "search" function on the word "trailer".

Gilly

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When I got my ML I purchased the OEM hitch which came with all the electrical stuff to hook it up to the vehicles wiring harness. It was very easily to install and has always worked great. I think the cost of the OEM hitch is worth the price if you want to be guaranteed that the wiring is done right and works properly and don't want to spend time jerry-rigging something.

Sorry to bring this post up from the dead but does anyone know if the directions for hitch installation for the ML320 provided in the first page of this thread would be the same as for a 2004 ML350? I would imagine so but would like to confirm before I pull off the bumper and find out its not the same. Thanks

Different on a late model, no real details, bumper cover is way different, not sure if it has to be removed.
Gilly

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You can go to etrailers.com get the Mercedes hitch for $112.00 same as the OM it`s made by drawtite comes with the installations instructions which can be downloaded on their web site. You can get the wireharness which plugs directly into the wires for $60.00 at the dealership. just put one on mine took about 1hr to do the whole job.

I use My ML 320 to pull my 23' Mako. The load is close to the 5,000 pound hitch limit and I've had no problems. I have the Draw-Tite hitch and bough the wiring from the dealer.

Lot's of trailering like this does shorten the brake pad life though!

Where are the four bolts/screws that hold the bumper on? Any pictures?

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Peter L. House
1998 Sport E430
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110,000k Miles

1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon
V8 Bucket Seats
Factory Moon Roof