Hi ya'll Benz Fans,

I have a W124 E320 wagon and thought about installing a trailer hitch.
The idea is to have the option of renting a small U-haul (600-800 lbs empty) if I should have the need to transport a residential move with just light weight stuff on it, etc., no heavy furniture.
I don't even know if or when it may happen. I would definitely stay around the 1500 lbs max. weight range with the loaded trailer.

Reason I'm asking is because both of my mechanics gave me a straight "no" as a response. However, I am not sure if they are just overly cautious or if there is serious concern.

I don't quite see why I would buy a truck or SUV (1/2 ton) just to be ready, if the Wagon could do it, should the occasion arise.

I know there are threads out there, but those usually go South quickly as people compete for whatever the max capacity might be before they kill the car or themselves.

Thank you to anybody who has reasonable input.

Pete

The mechanics are probably concerned about the transmission, the SLS system and the overall age of the car. Consider what a transmission, SLS. or other major towing induced repair would cost. Renting a truck would be my choice.

If you do choose to tow I definitely would not tow anything taller than the car due to wind resistance from the trailer.

Hitches are getting difficult to find for wagons, as a last resort look for one on a wagon for sale and see if the seller would sell I only the hitch.

Good luck!!!

Thank you for your input, I think these are wise words. I will leave that wagon as it is and find towing options elsewhere, when needed.

Hi, Pete.

These cars are workhorses and are used and abused all over Europe; I wouldn't hesitate to tow anything with my 1994 E320T (which is actually the S124 chassis) as long as it doesn't exceed the vehicle's various ratings. I had actually installed a hitch on my first one, but unfortunately wrecked the car before I was able to tow anything. I removed the hitch from the wreck and intend to install it on the replacement when I get around to it.

Check out this forum thread for the discussion:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/271105-124-wagon-trailer-hitch.html

I see from the manufacturer's website that the specific model I bought is no longer available, but they've replaced it with #118061 (1-7/8" ball) and #118062 (2" ball), each of which include the ball insert; here's the link: https://www.curtmfg.com/part/118061

Good luck, and let me know how you make out.

Best Regards,
Rob

__________________
Robert Fini

'12 ML350 BlueTec, 100k
'06 E320CDI (x2)
'05 T1N Sprinter 2500/Pleasure-Way Plateau TS, 70k
'97 C36AMG, 319k (son's)
'94 E320T, 249k
'93 190E Sportline LE, 168k (daughter's)
'84 190E-2.3/5spd (Stage Rally Racer)
'66 230 W110 Sedan (Barn Find, Vintage Racer build in progress)

Thank you Rob for your reply.
I'm aware of towing practices in Europe. They don't have pickup trucks, so they tow their camping trailer etc. w/ passenger cars.
I may be looking for a 1/2, or 3/4 ton truck as the max. load of 1500 lbs I would want to go with on the wagon is very limited.
I have time to scout out the options. But since my mechanic always takes good care of my Mercedes cars, I might as well adhere to his advise.
Btw, he also told me stay away from older Ford trucks and get a Chevy.