midasmike

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.

FLYNAVY

Perhaps one might wonder if there is a reason for this....

ohlord

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.

midasmike

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.

Waynec1980

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)

MBHustla858

check w/ the dealer, get a OEM hitch

FLYNAVY

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.

wmhjr

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.

FLYNAVY

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

wmhjr

Reinforcement to prevent flex on a vehicle explicitly marked as not being capable of towing is completely different than reinforcement for the express purpose of towing. The problem would be far more than just shock loading. It would also be torsional stability and to a reasonable extent would also be variable based on the geometry/weight of whatever is attached.

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.

DogWagen

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!)

midasmike

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.

dc36

i believe the reason you cannot install a hitch is because the rear bumper (skirt) is too low to the ground unless your willing to cut the bumper

midasmike

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.