The MB hitch is super easy to instal although the early production instructions that came with mine neglected to tell me I needed to add a fuse in the fuse block for the signals to work. Easy fix but had me baffled for a while. The MB part also fits through the cut out in the bumper. Some of the Draw Tite tubular hitches I have seen actually fit under the bumper and are a bit of an eye sore but as you say it is only a hitch. If it is only holding 60lbs worth of bikes from skiding down the road that shouldn't be too tough of a job so no big deal. You would be surprised at how much you use it once you have it.

LS

Hello fellow ML'ers!

Are there any slick hitch covers that look like they can from MB? To me, the OEM hitch looks kinda like an eye sore! I know about the normal slide in covers, but I am thinking more something that comes back to the bumper and integrates into the panel you need to remove! My panel looks like normal panel, but nicely notched out for the hitch!

Also, what is the story about towing and MB ML430? I understand they are rated to carry and haul X weight, but what is the real world experience? Tows great, tranny goes, blown motors or what else! Thanks in advance! BTW, I am new to my 2001 ML430 83K miles and I love it!

Hi There,
I want to install a Hitch on the ML but the Hitch kit is no longer available from MB. That I knew, but neither is the wiring kit anymore.
I just found this out yesterday.

I can get the "almost OEM 5K lbs hitch" from Draw Tite (part # 75087) but I am not able to source the wiring kit from anywhere.
Does anyone have any source on the exact wiring kit. I would prefer not to make my own.
All help is appreciated.

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Regards

Mino Erhan Dallas, TX
'97 SL500 40th A.E.
'97 S320
'01 ML320
'85 Peugeot 505 SW
'07 BMW R1200RT
'74 Suzuki GT750

I paid $100 or something like that for the harnass.
Only the lights worked, no blinkers or brakes.
It would cost you $10 for a generic and splice into the tail light yourself.

have not heard my problem happening to others.

no its not my trailer.. same results with 3 trailers.

__________________
Steve Danville
what i did myself.
CPS
rear shocks
MAS x 3.
SparkPlugs (twice)
Fuel pump & Filter
Window switch
replaced both failed horns with Honda horns.
Cleaned ERG Tube
Oil changes
Oil consumption Fix
Brake Pads
A/C Recharge
Anti-Freeze change X 2.
Front Shocks. Monroe. $90
Mercedes Warrenty Work:
Harmonic balancer,power steering clamp. Cat converters.Drive Shaft Bearing.s
Replaced Outer Lower Tie Rods and front lower ball joints at 156,000 miles

I had installed all aftermarket parts for my hitch and wiring; the pricing for the OEM parts was stupidly expensive. I had my installer run all separate wiring for my brake controller and 7-way Bargman plug; all in parts and labor about $300. My set-up including the hitch mentioned above from Drawtite has served me well for the last 6 years.

-Kevin

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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Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

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

__________________
Click here to see the items I have up for auction at EBay

Click here to see a photo album of my '62 Sprite Project Moneypit (Now Sold)

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.