Trailer Hitch for Light Duty Trailer
 

I have a 2003 CLK500 and I may be purchasing a shifter kart soon. I want to be able to tow it around, but I have not place for a beater truck. Has anybody put a trailer hitch on a CLK? I have not found any threads, but I may be searching for the wrong words. Any examples you have would be great. I just want to get a cheap trailer, as the kart is extremely light weight.

Also, I have heard that you can carry the karts on a roof rack. I REALLY do not wish to put the kart on my roof. Its plenty light, but I am more worried about that one time it slips and drops on the roof when lifting it up. So please help me find a hitch!

P.S. The car is lowered. And it has a Brabus rear bumper. But it looks like it still has clearance for the hitch.

There is a factory (and OEM retrofit) option for a tow hook for the W209 coupe. It appears to be a European option, but it's possible the parts can be obtained and a USA-style hitch installed. Here are the details:

http://benzbits.com/w209/TowHookPartsPic.pdf
http://benzbits.com/w209/TowHookPartsList.pdf
http://benzbits.com/w209/TowHookInstall.pdf

This one claims to fit year model 2003, but the convertible, so I'm assuming its the W208.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Curt-Class-1-Trailer-Hitch-Wiring-for-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-CLK-/290839937492?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43b76941d4&vxp=mtr
This one fits 2006-later models.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Curt-Manufacturing-113532-Trailer-Hitch-Mercedes-Benz-Clk350-/330992831985?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d10b5cdf1&vxp=mtr
Where the hell is the one for 2003-2005 year models? Do you guys know if another chassis is similar enough to use for from like an E-series or something?

I don't think there will be any difference in the MY2006+ coupe and the MY2003-MY2005 coupe - there isn't int he OEM parts. According to WIS/EPS, there is no OEM option for a tow hook on the W209 cabriolet (I assume because of the extra cross members for body stiffening being in the way).

Anybody else have experience installing a hitch?
TIA

Somebody has to have a hitch on their clk

i need help with this too... i also found the Kurt Hitch... but does anyone have info on the wireing pig tail ??? i just want to tow a very small trailer...but i can not find any info on how to wire the brake lights to the car.......thanks!!

Here is help for a W209 CLK Convertible

I asked the same question as well and got a good solution (which I have not implemented).

Sorry the link is to a bicycle forum. Scroll right to the bottom of the page. You will find me asking the question.

The guy seems to have a CLK350. It seems to work well for him.

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/col...=bottechia+C59

It might be possible to connect the Trailer Recognition Module from the W203 to the W209.

trailer hitch
 

rudney, a couple of shops i asked so far all say the trailer hitch parts are unavailable from Mercedes in the US. Also, I could not find the parts on parts.com

Id like to get this done before this summer. Can anybody else confirm there is no difference in the 2005+ CLKs that might prevent me from doing this on my 2003?

Since MY2005 is the "facelift" which also had some CAN bus changes, I'd see if a hitch controller from the MY2005+ W203 might work. It's just speculation on my part since I know the W203 and W209 share many components - in fact, it might not work at all.

To be helpful...

1. If you used OEM wiring harness - where did you get the install instructions ? From what I understand they are online/MB internal only. Please comment. FYI - in the shop installation of that wiring harness can take up to 6 hrs.

2. You have 2008 GL450 - correct ? Reprogramming a rear SAM for trailer hookup - frankly I have never heard of that - and I try to know more than most from my techs.

3. On your year/model - treat it like a straightforward install of a aftermarket hitch - a Modulite converter with power wire running to battery - and standard "hook in" wiring to brakes/lights should be quite straightforward - no reason to route to SAM.

posted tot he wrong forum?