tow hitch for R class - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

sab · #1 10-24-2006, 06:50 AM

Is there a tow hitch for the R class? And if so what is the capacity?

deanyel · #2 10-24-2006, 10:39 AM

Hidden Hitch and Draw-Tite both make a 3,500 pound hitch for the vehicle.

sab · #3 10-24-2006, 05:01 PM

It's time for me to order a new family car and we are debating between a new ML 320 CDI or the R 320 CDI. The dealer said no tow option for the R class.
I currently have the '05 ML 350 and it tows a 6000 lbs boat just fine. If I remember correctly the ML is also rated for 3500 lbs, correct?

Will I have problems towing 6k lbs with the R class?

Thanks,

Paul T · #4 10-24-2006, 07:28 PM

I am a sales rep at a large NE MB dealer. To the best of my knowledge (which is usually good, but no one is infallible:
1) The R class cannot be fitted with a hitch. I have checked with the parts guys, and have lost a sale as a result. There is curently no MB part number for a hitch on the R class. Maybe in the future, but not now/. You can possibly go after-market, but since this is a unibody (no frame) I would be leary of how much you can tow.
2) The ML (any model) can be fitted with a hitch, either at the dealer or in production. 5000 pound tow capacity. New ML diesel has 398 foot-pounds of torque, and a wonderful purring sound. Very cool.
3) The GL 450 (very cool car, well worth the money, see CAR AND DRIVER, Oct 2006), can be fitted, 7500 pound capacity.
4) If you are in mid-north NJ, I would welcome a call-email from you.
-Paul T

Paul T · #5 10-24-2006, 07:29 PM

PS
Your 2005 ML was rated at 500 pund tow capacity.

Paul T · #6 10-24-2006, 07:32 PM

Your 2005 ML was a truck, body on frame construction, and the hitch mated to the frame. Both the new ML, and the R class, are unibody construction. Hence, no big hefty frame rails to bolt onto. 6000 pounds sounds way high for any after-market hitch in the new cars.
Paul T

deanyel · #7 10-24-2006, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul T

PS
Your 2005 ML was rated at 500 pund tow capacity.

And I believe 1 pund is equal to 10 pounds.

deanyel · #8 10-24-2006, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul T

1) The R class cannot be fitted with a hitch. I have checked with the parts guys, and have lost a sale as a result. There is curently no MB part number for a hitch on the R class. Maybe in the future, but not now/. You can possibly go after-market, but since this is a unibody (no frame) I would be leary of how much you can tow.

It wouldn't even occur to me to buy a hitch from Mercedes. Their position over the years is that the cars are not suitable for towing. The aftermarket hitch builders know so much more about building and rating a hitch. When they say it's good for 3,500 pounds I'm sure they mean it but sometimes such hitches can be beefed up by a good custom hitch shop.

http://www.etrailer.com/products.asp?model=R350&category=hitch&year=2006&make=Mercedes-Benz&t1=&h=e

sab · #9 10-25-2006, 11:17 AM

strange that the german version of the r class has a hitch option. Also the old ML version is rated for double the tow capacity in Europe...

DR.DIESEL · #10 10-25-2006, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanyel

It wouldn't even occur to me to buy a hitch from Mercedes. Their position over the years is that the cars are not suitable for towing. The aftermarket hitch builders know so much more about building and rating a hitch. When they say it's good for 3,500 pounds I'm sure they mean it but sometimes such hitches can be beefed up by a good custom hitch shop.

http://www.etrailer.com/products.asp?model=R350&category=hitch&year=2006&make=Mercedes-Benz&t1=&h=e

I don't know about that. The MB hitch retrofit is as OE as it comes.
I did a GL450 last week and the kit was great. Big beefy hitch and Frame
reinforecent members for the rear frame rails.
The wiring was ready to go including a new rear SAM control module to handle the trailer lighting and accept trailer brake controls.
It doesn't get much better than that.
Where is "down the road motors" going to connect the trailer lights with a aftermarket hitch? All I can say is watch out for warning lamps when
you plug in the trailer.

There is no OE hitch for the 251 R Class in the USA. Only 463 G, 164 ML and 164x GL have the option.

DR.D

DieselJim · #11 10-26-2006, 08:47 AM

Aren't they coming out with a CDI version of the GL sometime early next year? Is it the 320 or is it a 400? That is the SUV I want to have or the Grand Cherokee. The ML's are just to small.

Johnhef · #12 10-26-2006, 08:48 AM

One of the techs here has one on his R500, bought off ebay, made by hidden hitch.

DieselJim · #13 10-26-2006, 08:58 AM

The new GL320 CDI 4Matic will go on sale in the U.S. in January. Review I read says it is a a little slower than the 450 but 23 Diesel MPG in a full size SUV. I would say if you want an SUV that is big and to pull a trailer this is it. Of course I am 6'1" and a big guy. My old 126 diesel was much more comfy then my fuel efficient 124 diesel.

sab · #14 10-26-2006, 09:47 AM

Not to go too far off topic, but in regards to the 4matic...
When I was test driving the ML and the Rclass, I did not find the "Low Range" option. I use it a lot when parking the trailer or pulling the boat of the ramp.
Is that still a standard option or is it even available?

DR.DIESEL · #15 10-27-2006, 01:07 AM

Nope on the Low range. The R class isn't designed for 4x4 action.

The ML was supposed to get a "off road" package that would have a 2 speed transfercase, rear/center locking diffs, big wheels, skid plates, and air suspension that raises almost 5 inches.

However, that got put on hold.
The GL450 does have the off road package and is available now for a $2,200.00 option. I would get it just for the deluxe ADS air suspension system.

The locking diff system is pretty trick too. I hope the ML will have this option someday.

DR.D