Where is the best place to purchase a trailer hitch for the ML320?
It appears to be a simply bolt on affair...any tips or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
DRH

What year do you have?
I think I'd trust the MB one the most.
On the older ones, it's also got some bolt-on brackets, it's more than bolting on the receiver, also there is wiring to contend with. Everything is included with the MB kit, except a 40 (?) amp fuse.

Gilly

I have the 1999 model. I looked under the plastic bumper and it appears as though the hitch bolts on at 4-points. Looks almost like the plastic bumper may need to be removed so the top bolts can be torqued properly.

My utility trailer is wired with simple a 4-point connection; a plug with 3-male & 1-female connection.

Yes, I know what it looks like, I've installed dozens of these hitches.
There are also brackets which are installed on each side of the bumper bar itself (the part with the drilled and tapped holes).
Yes, the bumper is removed to install the hitch. 2 bolts and 2 nuts and the bumper fascia is removed.
The wiring is installed in the left quarter panel and comes out to a bracket you also need to install. Everything is included, and comes with an instruction sheet as well that lists all the torque values.

Gilly

Maybe "reinforcements" are a better word to use than "brackets", they help make the metal bumper bar more rigid.
They go in the back side of the rear bumper and run inside the frame rails. Everything is pre-drilled there too.

Gilly

Sounds like MB is the way to go. How much should I expect to spend? I looked around online but had no luck.

BTW, Thanks for the help Gilly.

I think the kit normally sells for $300 -+.
Your area dealer may have one in stock.
You can also check with the parts area of this site (see icons on top of page for Fastlane and PartsShop).

Gilly

I hope this link works OK for you, let me know if it doesn't:

http://www.mbnz.org/publications/pub.asp?id=113

Gilly

Yes! Thats exactly what I needed. Thanks again.

I attempted an aftermarket hitch this weekend. I got a Drawtite hitch Class II rated at 3500 lbs, without the wiring harness. The heaviest thing I would tow is a 16ft Hobie Cat so that rating is sufficient. Mostly the hitch would be used for the family bike rack.
If you get the 5000 lb rated hitch you'll get extra brackets to stabalize the bumper.
I bought the hitch online and ended getting it with the wrong bolts! The company is going to make good and get me the right hardware. That aside the installation is super easy the rear bumper fascia comes off with four small bolts. Then you just do a simple bolt-on installation. When, and if, I need the wiring harness installed I will leave it to the pros.
The Mercedes Kit with is $300. (5000lbs) (With harness)
The "Draw Tite" Class II reciever (3500lbs) is $90. (No harness)

Yeah, I just check with the MB dealer here in Portland. It's $307.00...he told me they don't have much of a mark-up on them...

I guess if you don't mind giving up the extra cash, and want everything on your ride to be Mercedes then break a leg.
The way I look at it is that if it's not mechanical then I don't mind doing an aftermarket product.
Maybe some of the other members will now of the difference between a "Draw-tite" hitch and a "Mercedes" hitch. The way I see it is as long as both hitches are rated the same for towing capacity then I'll go with whoever gives me a savings.
It's a hitch.

OTOH, the MB hitch comes with the wiring which is correct for the truck, don't have to worry about the "experts" messing it up.
And in the future the truck may be sold and the prospective new owners maybe want the 5000lb capacity.
I understand you bought what worked best for you, there are advantages and disadvantages either way, the only disadvantage I can really come up with for the MB hitch is the higher initial price and a little harder to install due to the extra parts.

Gilly

hightide,
You wouldn't happen to have a digital pic of your rig with the hitch installed...would you?

Here's a site I found with scans of the MB hitch installation instructions:
http://www.off-road.com/mbenz/member.html

I know I saw pictures of the Drawtite hitch yesterday, still lookin'.

Gilly