Mackhack

Hi guys,

I wanted to ask if it's possible to retrofit a OEM trailer hitch on my car.

Thank you!

lkchris

There is no US-specification (receiver) OEM trailer hitch.

These only exist for ML, GL, G, and R-class.

You could fit the Euro-spec hitch, which has a fixed 50 mm ball (slightly less than 2 inches). If this comes in a kit, it will come with wiring for Euro-spec electrics, too (13-pin). Procedures are all in WIS, for example AR31.10-P-800TT.

Mackhack

Thank you ikchris. How many prongs (?) does a US electrical system has for trailers? I mean MB never thought about putting a trailer hitch on E's in the US?

lkchris

The standard "U-haul" connector has 4 and the Pollak plug fitted to my GL has 7.

The Euro system includes wiring and plug connectors for rear fog light, turn signal/brake bulbs separate, and backup lights.

I think the Euro system even has an interface with the car's burglar alarm.

Mackhack

Jep!

MBenzNL

I installed several original fold-away (european) trailer hitches in US W211s...def possible and very well doable

you just need to be aware that you might have to modify whatever gets towed to make it work with the european ball and wiring - or just stick to the mercedes bicycle rack

greetingz,

Mackhack

Steve, it's a small trailer that would be towed. Fold-away sounds good. What about the electrical connectors since they are different (here they are rectangular and in Germany they are round).

MBenzNL

you will have to change the wiring on the trailer - the european socket is a 13 pin socket - every bulb gets it's own wire and the instrument cluster of the car will even tell you when one of the trailer bulbs is blown

and as mentioned before - the alarm of the car will sound when the car is parked, locked and somebody disconnects the trailer

greetingz,

Mackhack

Thanks for letting me know about the sweet stuff

I know I couldn't meet you at your last CA trip. Wanda perhaps told you that I wasn't in SD during that time of your fall trip.

Do you have a new SoCal schedule for this year?

MBenzNL

...that depends on court date...got caught "speeding" for the second time in 2.5 years on the same 5 miles stretch on the I5 ...but I guess that that was somewhat expected with the US maximum speeds (65mph )

greetingz,

Mackhack

What do they do with foreigners? Do they seriously expect you to pay for a flight to go to court? Well NL has 120 km/h don't they? It's not much faster unfort.!