Add hitch to 2014 S550
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 175
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From: Lawrence, KS
2020 S560
Add hitch to 2014 S550
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)?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 21
From: Lawrence, KS
2020 S560
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.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 175
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From: Lawrence, KS
2020 S560
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).
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 175
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From: Lawrence, KS
2020 S560
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.
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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.
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.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 21
From: Lawrence, KS
2020 S560
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.
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
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?
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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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
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.
