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  #1  
Old 05-27-2009, 03:55 PM
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Towing with a 1981 300 SD Turbo ?

Hi There,

Newly registered. Been browsing a bit .. great information (already ordering a dash cover from coverlay based on information on this forum ...)

I've been the proud owner of a 1981 300SD Turbo for over 5 years - bought it from original owner. Runs well.

"The benz" (as its known in my house-hold) has a tow hitch on it, but I have never used it. I am thinking of towing a 1800 pound fibre-glass trailer. Trailer does not not have electric brakes. I've towed the trailer before with a Chev Astro van (4.3 v6) with no problems.

I phoned a local Mercedes dealer and according to them, there is no official tow rating on any sedan. Considering the torque this baby has, I really think it should be no problem for moderate towing.

Anybody else tow with similar model/year? Is 1800 pounds pushing it? Any thoughts welcome... thanks!

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  #2  
Old 05-27-2009, 04:08 PM
ForcedInduction
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1800 should be fine if its under 200lbs tongue weight.

Be sure to get a hitch that bolts to the bumper mounts, not the bumper body and trunk tub.
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  #3  
Old 05-27-2009, 04:11 PM
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ForcedInduction View Post
1800 should be fine if its under 200lbs tongue weight.

Be sure to get a hitch that bolts to the bumper mounts, not the bumper body and trunk tub.
I've been using a hitch that is mounted to the trunk floor and bumper for years without an issue.....even pulling stuff in excess of 1400lbs with probably a 250-300lbs tongue weight.
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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)
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  #4  
Old 05-27-2009, 04:14 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lenny247 View Post
"The benz" (as its known in my house-hold) has a tow hitch on it, but I have never used it.
Looks like the car is already equipped...
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  #5  
Old 05-27-2009, 04:19 PM
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Hey - thanks for the replies.

Yes, the hitch is already installed, but I will definitely check that it is mounted appropriately. It's got a 1 7/8 ball, which I'm going to change to 2", but that's easy and inexpensive to change. Looking forward to hauling in style!
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  #6  
Old 05-27-2009, 04:45 PM
Inna-propriate-da-vida
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lenny247 View Post
Hey - thanks for the replies.

Yes, the hitch is already installed, but I will definitely check that it is mounted appropriately. It's got a 1 7/8 ball, which I'm going to change to 2", but that's easy and inexpensive to change. Looking forward to hauling in style!
Definitely check to see how the hitch is mounted. If it is a trunk pan and bumper set up, I would follow Forced's recommendations. Better safe than sorry. Would like to see a picture of the hitch and how it attaches, if you think of it.
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On some nights I still believe that a car with the fuel gauge on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. - HST

1983 300SD - 305000
1984 Toyota Landcruiser - 190000
1994 GMC Jimmy - 203000

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  #7  
Old 05-27-2009, 07:23 PM
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Quote:
Would like to see a picture of the hitch and how it attaches, if you think of it.
I will post a pic tomorrow - no access at the moment.
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  #8  
Old 05-27-2009, 07:55 PM
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Posts: 343
The European models were rated for towing. The MB mount is attached to the bumper. These bumpers have solid connections to the body. The US models (probably due to DOT requirements) have bumper shocks in place of the solid connections. Due to the low power of these engines you probably won't pull your bumper off but it is not a wise method to use the European mounts.

I'm having one made by a custom motorcycle frame shop that also does custom hitch receivers for larger trucks. The price finished is right now estimated at around US$300 assuming no design changes. If you don't care about how good the finishes are on the welds, don't want powder coating, etc. you could probably get one made for under $200. A lot under if you just want something to mount a ball to rather than a 2" receiver.

This was covered in a thread about a week ago but if towing remove all of the shock->body bolts and inspect them. This probably could be done with the bumper in place but knocking the bolts out of the shock takes a lot of force. It is much easier with the bumper assembly off.

Half the bolts on my vehicle were marginal and one actually snapped in two. I would recommend to just replace them all. You are only looking at a few dollars. 3/8" carriage bolts will work if you can't get the metric though they are slightly loose.
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  #9  
Old 05-27-2009, 08:06 PM
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Location: Grand Rapids, MI
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My dad's SD has a euro-style hitch that clamps to the bumper (and bolts to it too in the middle) and we've pulled super heavy loads with it, not so much as a flex. Even pulled a 617 setup on our trailer for about 75 miles no problem.
__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)
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  #10  
Old 05-29-2009, 08:25 AM
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Hi All ... here are some pics of the hitch.



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  #11  
Old 05-29-2009, 09:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lenny247 View Post
Hi All ... here are some pics of the hitch.




??
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1985 300D (SOLD)

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  #12  
Old 05-29-2009, 10:23 AM
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ok - try once again to link to the pictures ....


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  #13  
Old 05-29-2009, 10:24 AM
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wow - sorry if these pictures are either too big, or not showing up ...

here are direct links ...

http://ca.geocities.com/lenny247@rogers.com/Picture_007.jpg
http://ca.geocities.com/lenny247@rogers.com/Picture_001.jpg
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  #14  
Old 05-29-2009, 10:31 AM
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OK - re-sized the pics ...



direct link ..
http://ca.geocities.com/lenny247@rogers.com/hitch.htm

Last edited by lenny247; 05-29-2009 at 10:41 AM.
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  #15  
Old 05-29-2009, 11:07 AM
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Kinda on topic ... anyone know where I could buy a hitch for my car?
(1985 w123 300D)

Having a hitch would come in handy now and then I would think.

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Name:
Daisy, or Bertha ... depends on the day.

Details:
US 1985 W123 Mercedes 300D Turbo.
227,000 Miles, and still strong.
Runs on Diesel in the winter, and B20 in the summer.

History:
She was run on French Fry Oil by a previous owner, which really borked the fuel system. Now fixed.

Previous owner held the car together with Duct tape, spit and whatever he could find at the local pepboys for under $5. I am now paying for his lack of caring for the car.

Ottawa Ontario Canada
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