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I currently drive an Audi SQ5 which replaced a VW Jetta Sportwagen diesel that was sold back to VW due to their emissions fiasco. The Jetta had a DIY $150 hitch that worked fine for towing motorcycle or sailboat. I bought the SQ5 because it came with a port installed hitch. But other than the hitch, it’s not a vehicle I’m crazy about.
What I really wanted was a MB E400 wagon. But trailer hitches seem as rare in the US as wagons are. I’ve heard U-Haul or Stealth will install one, but never from someone who has one. It wouldn’t be used for any heavy load (probably not more than 1,000lbs), so I’m not concerned about need for better cooling. I am concerned, however, if I ever needed warranty work and had a hitch installed.
What’s the consensus? Forget about an E450, or go for it?
https://www.uhaul.com/Trailer-Hitche...eel-Drive/?ddl Uhaul lists this one, it's for a e400 wagon but should fit the e450. Does not sound like a big deal, it's reasonably priced too. I'd highly recommend the E450 Wagon, liking mine other than the foolish app. that ties the car into your cell phone that does not work on my Wagon.
On E-classes in Sweden a tow hitch is almost a standard option...
But if you can do the electrical wiring you could order a complete tow hitch from europe and install it, or have it installed by a shop. https://www.ebay.de/itm/Anhangerkupp...toh:rk:20:pf:0
something like this might work and it is inexpensive, unsure if electrical outlet is the same as us.
Thanks for the advice. I hadn’t considered a Class I hitch. But if it’s rated up to 2,000 lbs it’ll easily fit my needs. I find it terribly disturbing that carmakers feel the need to push SUVs and consider wagons completely different vehicles from their sedan counterparts requiring separate EPA approval. So you can’t even buy a wagon in Europe and bring it back. Or get a hitch as an available option.
As as an aside, I notice in your list of rides you have “Drives 2019 Designo White (362hp) E450 Luxury Wagon...... Sold 2018 Red (603 hp) E63 AMG Wagon” The E63 tops my list of cars I’d eat pasta for the rest of my life to have in my driveway. Reduced gas mileage, resale value, and higher insurance hold me back more than the price of the car as regrets after the initial joy of driving one wore off a little. Can I ask why you seem to have ‘downgraded’ (and I use the term loosely) to the E450 from the AMG?
On E-classes in Sweden a tow hitch is almost a standard option...
But if you can do the electrical wiring you could order a complete tow hitch from europe and install it, or have it installed by a shop. https://www.ebay.de/itm/Anhangerkupp...toh:rk:20:pf:0
something like this might work and it is inexpensive, unsure if electrical outlet is the same as us.
Might be, but website states it doesn’t ship to the US. Apparently we have to be protected from common sense and logic.
Check with Curt Mfg. for an S213 model. The website doesn't list one, but it's worth an email.
The website has a store locator. There are 48 stores in the Tampa area that sell/install their hitches.
I have a similar question. We want a E450 wagon but also want a hitch for one in 3 year event of towing something. Why is it an option in Europe and not here?
Heres a class 1 good for 2000 lbs tow and 200 lbs tongue weight. Decent price and looks like a fairly easy install. Says E400 so it should fit the E450 I'd think. https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2019_...htm?style=E400
I have a similar question. We want a E450 wagon but also want a hitch for one in 3 year event of towing something. Why is it an option in Europe and not here?
I think it is because in the states people towing are inclined to buying a truck as the things you guys tow seem to be heavier. The electric deployable hitch on my sedan is more for towing a small box trailer with furniture when moving or a small caravan for camping. Still weird that it is not offered as an option as they still are being built in germany.
I currently drive an Audi SQ5 which replaced a VW Jetta Sportwagen diesel that was sold back to VW due to their emissions fiasco. The Jetta had a DIY $150 hitch that worked fine for towing motorcycle or sailboat. I bought the SQ5 because it came with a port installed hitch. But other than the hitch, it’s not a vehicle I’m crazy about.
What I really wanted was a MB E400 wagon. But trailer hitches seem as rare in the US as wagons are. I’ve heard U-Haul or Stealth will install one, but never from someone who has one. It wouldn’t be used for any heavy load (probably not more than 1,000lbs), so I’m not concerned about need for better cooling. I am concerned, however, if I ever needed warranty work and had a hitch installed.
What’s the consensus? Forget about an E450, or go for it?
Hi, I’m in Calgary & am trying to grind a hitch receiver for our wagon.
It se3ms the E400 Wagon doesn’t show up in parts catalogues.
what year is yours and could you pleas tell me what hitch manufacturer you used?
thanks!
QUOTE=tarsands;7794925]
[/QUOTE]
Hi, I’m in Calgary & am trying to grind a hitch receiver for our wagon.
It se3ms the E400 Wagon doesn’t show up in parts catalogues.
what year is yours and could you pleas tell me what hitch manufacturer you used?
thanks!
QUOTE=tarsands;7794925]
[/QUOTE]
Hi, I can't remember the brand. If I recall correctly they may have used one for the sedan as no wagon hitch was listed by mfg's. The whole deal was quick and painless and affordable. Of course it's only for bikes and baskets . A trailer may be quite different. I would call them and have them look up my file file from a couple of years ago: http://hitchhouseedmonton.com/. PM me if you want my name.
Hi again,
Thanks for your quick reply.
I’d like to give the hitch house a call to confirm which hitch & E-Series model they used for your installation.
I’ll only use it for bikes too. We can’t use a roof rack as my wife has an e-bike - too heavy for roof mounts and too heavy to lift up there anyway.
What year is your E450? I’ve had other parts issues with the 2016 E400.
Thanks again,
Dick Seville
If Vladimir can figure out how to get the headlights working, someone undoubtedly can figure out how to get the electric hitch into the United States. I think having the hitch option on the wagon would sell a lot more vehicles than the all terrain cladding.
Hi, I’m in Calgary & am trying to grind a hitch receiver for our wagon.
It se3ms the E400 Wagon doesn’t show up in parts catalogues.
what year is yours and could you pleas tell me what hitch manufacturer you used?
thanks!
QUOTE=tarsands;7794925]
Wish I had better news for you, but my 5000 lb, in-bumper hidden hitch for my 2019 E450/W213 wagon was built by Eckhart Trailer Hitch in Reseda/Los Angeles. Nothing 'off the shelf' like this was available.
Thanks Fedcomprop,
I’m striking out everywhere I look too. At least you found a shop that could build one. It’s a nice fit they managed too - not without extra considerable expense I expect.
It’s hard to believe that the 2016 and 2017 E400 sedans have the spacing for aftermarket hitches but the 2016 E400 wagons don’t.
Hoping a local shop can come thru with a solution but its a slim chance.
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