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  #1  
Old 04-09-2003, 02:46 PM
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You're gonna think I am crazy...

I know, everyone will think I am crazy, but I am looking into the idea of putting a trailer hitch on my 126. Reason being is because I need to haul a bed and a few other things about 1000mi to the DC area for my sister and a Uhaul truck costs over $600 w/o fuel! My sister said she probably won't be able to pay that much. So since you see trailer hitches on the back of cars all the time in Germany, I thought why not. My Benz could easily tow a small trailer with little more than a bed in it.

I found a trailer hitch online for $220. Look at it here. I just don't know what is involved with installing one of these things or how concealed it is when not in use since I don't exactly what this huge protrusion stick out of my bumper when not in use. If it is not concealed very well, I am also wondering about how easy these things are to remove. Are there any red flags I need to watch out for? Anyone know of any other hitches that might be better? Any advice is appreciated.

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  #2  
Old 04-09-2003, 02:56 PM
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Without any other comments about using a Benz for towing, the price seems a little high. Like three times too high.



Ken300D
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  #3  
Old 04-09-2003, 03:44 PM
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It looks like the hitch in your picture has a removeable ball assy that can be stored in the trunk so it wouldn't stick out when not needed. If you decide to install that type of hitch, be sure to reinforce any thin metal, such as the trunk floor, that you will be attaching it to. Also keep in mind, that type of hitch design, rigidy bolted to the bumper and the trunk floor, may compromise the energy absorbing function of your rear bumper. In a rear-end accident, it could transmit the collision force directly to your trunk.
The German hitches I've seen on Mercedes were welded units that attached to the trunk/frame rails and not to the bumper.

Happy Motoring, Mark
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  #4  
Old 04-09-2003, 04:07 PM
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My last attempt at letting U-Haul work on my vehicle was a disaster. Nuff said there.
I put a bolt-on unit on my wifes '96 Chrysler Cirrus to tow our Sea-Doo with several years ago. Wasn't too bad a job. It used the existing bolt holes. Can't remember what brand it is, but it's one of the popular brands, and I paid just under $200 for it.
I've toyed with the idea of putting a hitch on the Benz too, as we hope to dump the Chrysler here soon (real POS!).
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  #5  
Old 04-09-2003, 04:42 PM
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Ken300D, if you ever go to Europe, just look at the back end of the cars. Many many of them, incl. Mercedes, have small trailer hitches since they are not fortunate enough to take part in the pickup/SUV circus. So it is not some mortal sin to tow a small trailer with a Benz, esp. you have no other options.

If that price is too high, then better yet....then it will be even cheaper than the 600-700 dollar Uhaul. I would really be iffy about letting Uhaul's monkey hands on my car. I might even be able to have a hitch made. Wouldn't it just have to be bolted to the two main rails under the car?

I would rent a car or pickup, but that would not end up being a whole lot cheaper. Also you have to be 25 most places, I'm 20.

I still have quite a few reservations about this...so I'm not ready just to jump right into this. It would absolutely have to be pretty well concealed or readily removable. If I had another viable option I'd take it, but it seems there are none.
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  #6  
Old 04-09-2003, 05:11 PM
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hi

the hitch you've marked is probably a bolt on affair. they'll need to drill a few holes in the frame etc: but if that is a dwg of the exact hitch it looks like it may get bolted to the bumper. not sure if that'll work. but let me make 2 suggestions:

call uhaul one of their bigger service centers. they will install and likely wire your car for lites/brakes for the same 220 if not less.

the only down side to a hitch is the ground clearance loss. i put one on my 89 lincoln town car way back when and i used the heck out of it but it would bang the ground if i had passengers in the back seat.

next i would call general rent a car. when i've wanted to move or deliver stuff i rent a pickup from them. usually with free miles and much less per day.

good luck on the move
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  #7  
Old 04-09-2003, 06:28 PM
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Why don't you rent a long bed pick up truck from one of the major rental chains......much better than drilling holes into your baby. I'm sure cost won't be as high as renting a whole truck not to mention most trucks have trailer hitches so you can use this if needed.
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  #8  
Old 04-09-2003, 07:28 PM
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Try Enterprise. In California, you can rent a cargo van (like a Clubwagon without seats) for something like $70 a day with unlimited miles. I think you have to be 25, though.

What's the value of what you're hauling? It might work out better to buy new stuff at the destination.

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  #9  
Old 04-09-2003, 09:03 PM
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Here's a picture I found online. I've considered it too..
Attached Thumbnails
You're gonna think I am crazy...-w126undertyretest.jpg  
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  #10  
Old 04-09-2003, 09:04 PM
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And a close up...
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You're gonna think I am crazy...-trailer.jpg  
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  #11  
Old 04-09-2003, 09:08 PM
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I posted something on this awhile back. I think Silver Star Recycling said they had a few laying around. Might not anymore though. Personnally I think if you do it yourself and make sure to do a clean professional looking job there is no real reason not to do it.

good luck!
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  #12  
Old 04-09-2003, 11:13 PM
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I would rent something else, but all I do is run into age restrictions. I thought about having my dad rent it and me drive it, but then I would run into problems when I turn it in at the destination. The hole drilling business, it wouldn't be that bad so long as the only thing drilled was the frame rail under the car. Anything other than that is a no-go. As far as the value of the items, it's my sister's bed and she has had it since she was like 5 or 6, so I don't think replacing it is an option! I guess I'll just keep thinkin....
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  #13  
Old 04-09-2003, 11:24 PM
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I have a hitch on my 126 81 SD (regular plug in type )I think it was costom made as a heavy steel strap goes all the way to the crossmember behind the diferential, I ony pull a light trailer short distances. The hitch you show looks light weight and overpriced. Most U Haul trailers are pretty heavy ,unless you plan to use it often would rent a pick up truck.The hitch on my car dose not look bad at all.........
William Rogers........
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  #14  
Old 04-09-2003, 11:32 PM
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On the Uhaul site, they actually match your car to a trailer. All the hitches that could go on my car (or most cars) would be a Class I. That hitch can tow up to 2000lbs with a 200lbs tongue weight. So if I had a Class I on my car, there are 3 trailers I could pull from Uhaul. Obviously the smaller ones in their lineup, but plenty big for a bed and lightweight.

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Dad bought it new, now I own it.

"A Mercedes-Benz is like a fine wine, it only gets better with age."
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  #15  
Old 04-10-2003, 06:14 AM
Mattman
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I have a towbar (hitch)

Fitted to my 560SEL. I leave the tounge in place cos I can't be bothered removing it.

http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/mattpete/rear.jpg

http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/mattpete/underneath%20part1.jpg

http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/mattpete/underneath%20part2.jpg

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