acrafton

I am looking at adding another used R to the fleet (of 1) and will be replacing a minivan that has a hitch on it that we use for bikes - not a trailer or anything. If I recall the first few years a hitch was not an option and now it looks like it is. . .when was it added? Also, are there aftermarket hitches for a 2007/8?

lkchris

FWIW trailer hitch is nowhere to be found via "build your own" at MBUSA.com

acrafton

Sure it is:

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/MBHome...4&yr=2009&vc=R

lkchris

Ha, I (naturally) built the diesel and it's not on that option list. Perhaps a Website glitch.

One way to find out, perhaps, if hitch is retrofittable to earlier models might be to subscibe to WIS for a day and look in group 31 for instructions. It could be too soon for them to be there, however.

However, if it's anything like the ML and GL, the factory fitted price is $550 and the dealer retrofit price is $2000. Kit alone is maybe a little more than half that.

rosswell

I read somewhere that you shouldn't even ask about a hitch. However, there are detailed instructions for installing the electrical connector and hitch - probably in a different market place, and who knows - they might have decided not to include this as an option after all.

If you've ever printed a list of options for your chassis (MB can), one of the possible list of options (by code) is Code 550 (Trailer Hitch). (For example Pano - Roof is code 413). Steps involved are "remove rear bumper, remove trim from spare tire well, remove bolts from muffler brackets, heat shields, stiffening arms (in 2 symmetrical larger holes in back valance).

The trailer hitch wiring harness connects to the load compartment fuse and relay box, a nerve center that also includes wiring to DVD headrests etc. up front etc.

Remember towing affects your engine cooling, transmission temperature, and GVW capacity. Probably a better idea for an R-500 than an R-350. Just my two cents. Good luck. Factory knows best.

acrafton

just want to use my bike rack which needs a hitch.

lkchris

Pretty sure MB doesn't sell hitch at parts counter separate from the electronics. Just a single part number for the kit. Check, I could be wrong.

Wolfgang

Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch make aftermarket hitches for the R-Class.

Part numbers are on this page: http://www.whnet.com/4x4/towing.html

davidbho

I have the drawtite installed on my 06 R500, with no electricals...just for my bike rack. I read somewhere that the 06 ML's use the same type of electrical if you want to retrofit that in.

benzNL can do the electrical if need be...

201mph

If you have a panoramic roof, check carefully before you buy a hitch.

I recall reading that the extra chassis stiffening on cars with pano roof interferes with mounting the hitch.

If you are just using it for bikes, you wont have to worry about the wiring!