trailer hitch for my C43
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: scotts valley, ca.
'93 300CE
trailer hitch for my C43
i need to install a trailer hitch on my '98 c43.
i'll be pulling a lite weight motorcycle trailer. probably only one bike at a time but want the capability for two.
anyone have this installed? need ASAP. thanks in advance.
did a search and found nothing for a c43 specifically. there available for newer models but no c43.
i'll be pulling a lite weight motorcycle trailer. probably only one bike at a time but want the capability for two.
anyone have this installed? need ASAP. thanks in advance.
did a search and found nothing for a c43 specifically. there available for newer models but no c43.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 3
From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
i need to install a trailer hitch on my '98 c43.
i'll be pulling a lite weight motorcycle trailer. probably only one bike at a time but want the capability for two.
anyone have this installed? need ASAP. thanks in advance.
did a search and found nothing for a c43 specifically. there available for newer models but no c43.
i'll be pulling a lite weight motorcycle trailer. probably only one bike at a time but want the capability for two.
anyone have this installed? need ASAP. thanks in advance.
did a search and found nothing for a c43 specifically. there available for newer models but no c43.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 6,171
Likes: 16
300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Try
jcwhitney they carry the same hitch that etrailer.com sells for a lot less money.They have them for our 210 wagons they may have one for your application or maybe someone knows if a regular c class one will fit.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: scotts valley, ca.
'93 300CE
the reason, as you probably guessed, is the need to transport my bikes. to the shop, to shows and meets, etc. i also found a bike to buy in socal and would like to trailer down rather then have it shipped.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
2001 ML55 AMG, 2011 VW Passat, 2001 S500L, 2002 S500L
I believe it stated in my manual that the C43 and the E55 was unsuitable for towing because of the sheer power the car has. Maybe its just not safe to do this. Set off too fast and you may do some damage. (my opinion)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 3
From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
I dunno.....its not like MB makes weak frames. Plenty of pick ups out there putting a whole lot more tq to the ground than our C43's and they don't seem to have any problems.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Ummm.... pickups have a full frame with reinforced crossmembers because they are designed to tow. That is one of the express purposes of the vehicle. If you were talking about a bicycle rack that would be one thing. I would not pull a motorcycle trailer w/bike in a C43. No way.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 3
From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
Ummm.... pickups have a full frame with reinforced crossmembers because they are designed to tow. That is one of the express purposes of the vehicle. If you were talking about a bicycle rack that would be one thing. I would not pull a motorcycle trailer w/bike in a C43. No way.
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
If you throw your C43 on a lift you will see it too is re-enforced....not like a truck, but we're not talking about a Kia here. Anyways, my point was that the C43 isn't that powerful in the scheme of things, and although you are right that it wasn't designed to tow stuff, I think you could probably tow some weight if you really wanted to. The problem from an engineering standpoint would be shock loading, and unless you were driving around like a moron I don't see why this would occur to any serious degree. I agree, I wouldn't pull anything w/ my C43 but whatever floats your boat
I don't disagree that you maybe "could", but do disagree that you'd need to drive around like a "moron" to cause damage. Torque is a funny thing.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Cambs, UK
2000 C43 Wagon
C43 Tow Bars/Hitches
For what it's worth, I run a C43 Estate (wagon) as a daily driver and also need to tow a sailing dinghy. I have looked up the towbar options and there are some suppliers that quote for all C-Classes. The following links (UK Suppliers I'm afraid) indicate those that are carry EU approval and also indicate the manufacturer. I suspect that the reason that the AMG models tend to be 'excluded' by some suppliers is that the exhaust system and rear bumber may interfere with fitting; I don't believe that there is a major difference in the body shell where it matters so provided that you are prepared to develop a work-round then the tow bars/hitches should fit and be safe. Hope this helps, Mike.
http://www.towbarsdirect.co.uk/Mercedes.htm
http://www.towsure.com/product/15044...e_96-Spring_01
Instructions for Westphalia detachable towbar for W202 CClass http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/f...13/a313082.pdf - shows no restriction for C43 (excludes W208 430!)
http://www.towbarsdirect.co.uk/Mercedes.htm
http://www.towsure.com/product/15044...e_96-Spring_01
Instructions for Westphalia detachable towbar for W202 CClass http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/f...13/a313082.pdf - shows no restriction for C43 (excludes W208 430!)
Last edited by DogWagen; Apr 23, 2008 at 01:30 PM. Reason: Add in Westphalia URL
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: scotts valley, ca.
'93 300CE
thanks for the links "dog wagen" will contact them for c43 application. couldn't wait for a hitch and borrowed a truck to make the trip to socal to p/u the bike.
might be i'll need a p/u truck for bikes. two at a time would weigh 650 to 700 lbs plus the trailer weight.
seems more research is needed to make the correct decision. thanks to all for the imput.
might be i'll need a p/u truck for bikes. two at a time would weigh 650 to 700 lbs plus the trailer weight.
seems more research is needed to make the correct decision. thanks to all for the imput.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: scotts valley, ca.
'93 300CE
yup. don't want to cut the rear lower bumper cover.
i've sent requests for applications to a c43 to all links supplied. have not heard back as of today.
will update with any results.
i've sent requests for applications to a c43 to all links supplied. have not heard back as of today.
will update with any results.
