Folks,

I have a 1984 Euro 300D with a trailer hitch that was put on in Germany. I was wondering if anyone could answer the following:


1) Is there a difference between the balls of American trailer hitches vs. German trailer hitches? I assume there is because of ye old metric system. Can anyone tell me if the German size is close enough to work over here?

2) Since the electrical connector has the MB star on it, I assume I can purchase the male plug from MB so I can wire that to a trailer. I've checked the manual, but do not know the pin-outs for the connector on my bumper. Anyone have any ideas?

3) I understand that max towing capacity is 1275kg (2800 lbs), with a tongue weight not to exceed 75kg (165 lbs). Does anyone doubt this?

Thanks,

__________________
'06 E320 CDI 51K miles
'02 VW Jetta GLS TDi 120k miles
'99 Ford E350 7.3L Powerstroke 200k miles -sold
'84 Euro 300D 5 spd manual 317k miles - sold

Here's what the stern looks like:

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__________________
'06 E320 CDI 51K miles
'02 VW Jetta GLS TDi 120k miles
'99 Ford E350 7.3L Powerstroke 200k miles -sold
'84 Euro 300D 5 spd manual 317k miles - sold

Jeff,
I can't talk much about German trailer balls but in the US, balls are either 1 7/8 inch or 2 inch. The size is usually stamped on the top of the ball. Take a close looksie and see if it is there. If not, I would think that a dealer could tell you. If not, maybe some fancy measuring! You should be able to determine the wiring with a multimeter or "bug" light. You need a brake light as well as left and right directional.

If I remember correctly US is 2inch and euro is 50mm

My 300D trailor load unbraked 750kg/1655lb
braked 1500kg/3305lb (up to 1900kg!on request MB dealer to advise!!!)
drawbar loading 75kg 165lb

From my UK manual, I think other countries have different regulations


it will be a 12n socket

pin
1 yellow LH indicator
2 blue rear fog light (on very old systems 12V)
3 white common return
4 green RH indicator
5 brown RH side/tail
6 Red top light
7 black LH side/tail

12n viewed from rear of plug (towards rear of car)


......... 1 (+)

........... 6 (+) 2( )

........... 7( )

.......... 5 ( ) 3(+)

........... 4 (+)
_____

I hope that makes sense!!!
As I am having no luck doing a schematic I will scan a post a diagram!!
(+) Plug ( ) socket

The ball should be the exact size as the trailer needs, safety reasons, but balls are readly available. The mounting hole for the ball can be close though. Trailer connectors and wiring are readly available too.

I'm curious what trailer you have.

__________________
5 speed '91 190E 2.6 320,000 mi. (new car, fast, smooth as silk six, couldn't find any more Peugeots)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.5l Turbo Diesel 266,000 mi. (old car, fast for a diesel, had 2 others)
5 speed '01 Jetta V6 (new wifes car, pretty quick)
5 speed '85 Peugeot 505 2.2l Turbo Gas 197,000 mi. (wifes car, faster, sadly gone just short of 200k )
5 speed '83 Yamaha 750 Maxim 14,000 mi. (fastest)
0 speed 4' x 8' 1800 lb Harbor Freight utility trailer (only as fast as what's pulling it)

This is the pinouts from a caravan manual

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American balls are bigger and made of harder material like brass.

.....kidding.....

Ken300D

Some have no balls, others, like mine are made of plated steel!

Desmundo,

You are a life-saver. Thanks for saving me a lot of futzing with my multi-meter.

I will check with Phil to see if he can order the male plug and I will wire it up in accordance with your schematic.

Jim,

The whole contraption is welded in place. Unfortunately, the balls are not interchangeable like they are here with different pieces of box channel.

If the size is wrong, perhaps I can either have the trailer or the ball changed. We'll see.

Thanks again,

__________________
'06 E320 CDI 51K miles
'02 VW Jetta GLS TDi 120k miles
'99 Ford E350 7.3L Powerstroke 200k miles -sold
'84 Euro 300D 5 spd manual 317k miles - sold

I had a removable reciever type put on mine, that ball is shin high

Just measure the ball with an SAE verneer caliper, see what size it is.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

Ok...for anyone who cares, this is what I found:

1.875" = 47.625mm
2" = 50.8 mm
50mm = 1.9685 mm

According to 9DIN (74058), the ball must be between 50mm and 49.5 mm in diameter to tow safely. This means I will need to have the ball cut off and weld on a 2" ball.

My 12N connector on the back of my car has 7 pins. I can only find 13 pin plugs. I will call a place in the UK about this tomorrow.

Also, upon closer examination of the plate on my hitch, it claims to be rated for 2400 kg (5290 lbs). My boat won't exceed 3000 though so I think I am OK.

For more information visit:

http://www.wade-trailers.com

http://www.edworthys.co.uk/acatalog/Edworthy_s_Catalogue_Towbar_Accessories_232.html


Here's what I'm going to tow (1973 25ft Well:craft, single Yamaha 250):

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__________________
'06 E320 CDI 51K miles
'02 VW Jetta GLS TDi 120k miles
'99 Ford E350 7.3L Powerstroke 200k miles -sold
'84 Euro 300D 5 spd manual 317k miles - sold

From your photograph it is a MB fited towbar, made from tubular steel probably one piece and it fits!, The pattern ones for the 123 are made from angle iron and the towball bolts on. and the fit where they touch
If it is a euro towbar it will definately be 50mm as that has been the euro standard for longer than your 300.

Check you boat trailer hitch if it is 2" then if the tolerences are reasonable it should fit

I would not advise cutting off the towball as the stresses in towing a 3000lb boat could mean you see the boat beside you on the freeway
it would be more advisable to remove and fit a towbar with the correct sized ball.

Or....... (purists stop reading)
spend some time with a piece (or pieces of emery paper (its only .8mm after all......and its what your right hand's for.

Des

I hope your clutch is good enough to pull that out of the water. I saw a little japanese truck try unsuccessfully to pull a boat out. It was kind of funny seeing all that smoke comming from the middle of his truck.

I don't know how much you want to invest in this adventure but I put a hitch on mine for about $175. If you're talking about doing welding starting over might be an option.

A 2" hitch on a 50mm ball may rattle a bit, but shouldn't come off. The hitch on my trailer has a hole for a locking pin which I use for added security (I use a padlock).

A 7 pin plug in the UK is less than 3GBpounds and as it is made of plastic would cost very little to mail.

__________________
Cheers, Neil