My wife requires the use of an electric wheelchair. We could take it with us if there was a hitch that we could attach a platform for transport. Has anyone tried to attach a trailer hitch to their S550 (or know where to go get it done)?

 

U-Haul installs hitches as does RV service stores.

 

I thought of that, but my salesman says that there is no metal structure that U-haul and other service stores use to attach. It requires someone with special knowledge or tailored attach hardware.

 

can't recall if MB offers that on the build: seems like the place to start is the dealer.......even though they often don't know the answer to simple questions like this one

 

I know it is possible. I have seen a German article where EU vehicles have the option for an electrically deployed hitch; you push and hold a button next to the 12v power receptacle on the right side of the trunk to deploy it. That option was not part of the US market. No one at the dealership seems to know or is interested in finding out (and they really do not want me to call MB-USA; when I have they get a nasty phone call from MB about me not going through the dealership).

 

I would send an inquiry to Steve at mbenznl.nl for information about the Euro hitch option and retrofitting solutions.

 

I had a professional evaluation, and he said no. A hitch cannot be added to the car since there is too much composite material being used and the twin exhausts block access to any metal structure. Also there is no structure available in the bumper to use to attach.

 

Does not sound exactly like a professional evaluation. The hitch should never be attached to the bumper at all.

Pretty much all MB models in Europe have the hitch option and it is built for heavy trailers. You can always purchase the Euro parts and tool the hitch ball to match the US size.

 

Please refer to post #6 for a professional evaluation.

 

I have now visited three different suppliers and they all say the same thing: they will not attempt to add a hitch because of the structural difficulties of this (or any prior) MB S-class vehicles; they are worried about liability issues. I am not handy so I have resigned myself to the fact that I need to buy another vehicle with a factory-installed hitch. Looking at the Range Rover.

 

Why don't you look at my suggestion or even DieselBenz's comment to actually get a factory solution instead of an aftermarket one from "some shop" hacking into your car?

 

One thing to keep in mind, the hitches available for MB in Europe are typically designed for pulling trailers, not hanging trailers i.e. tongue weight. It is very likely the Euro hitch would not work with a hanging trailer which is typically used for small items such as bikes, scooters or wheelchairs. If you are looking at another car, a GL or and ML might work given they have factory available hitches. However you decide, good luck.

 

Excellent point! Thanks for the insight.

 

Correct. The figure is from a W221. The allowed drawbar nose weight is 85 kg while the permissible trailer weight is much more, 2100 kg.