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I'm searching for threads and haven't found much yet, for my 2007 E63 what is a good hitch solution (perhaps hidden/low profile)?
e-trailer have one for same generation E-class but say it doesn't fit E63...don't know why, maybe there are some differences in the mounting area??
Anyway, I need to occasionally hook up bike rack to rear, utility tray, or other hitch related things. I've had hitches on all my sedans and find them very handy for specific trips and tasks, nice to remove the accessory and back to a normal looking rear.
I'm searching for threads and haven't found much yet, for my 2007 E63 what is a good hitch solution (perhaps hidden/low profile)?
e-trailer have one for same generation E-class but say it doesn't fit E63...don't know why, maybe there are some differences in the mounting area??
Anyway, I need to occasionally hook up bike rack to rear, utility tray, or other hitch related things. I've had hitches on all my sedans and find them very handy for specific trips and tasks, nice to remove the accessory and back to a normal looking rear.
Cheers!
Scott
The hitch will probably fit,the only reason they say it wont fit is because AMG dont want a hitch on those cars!! I installed a trailer hitch on my e55 amg without issues,its not legal though(in Sweden anyway) as Mercedes has made it impossible!! i went with this one: https://www.westfalia-automotive.com...204600001-310/
The hitch will probably fit,the only reason they say it wont fit is because AMG dont want a hitch on those cars!! I installed a trailer hitch on my e55 amg without issues,its not legal though(in Sweden anyway) as Mercedes has made it impossible!! i went with this one: https://www.westfalia-automotive.com...204600001-310/
Ha maybe so! Thanks for sharing link, will investigate that one.
Will also try to find some under / rear photo to make visual comparison of what if anything different, that would be impacting install of the regular E-series hitch.
Westfalia is the OEM supplier for most if not all German automakers.
If the hitch does fit it will require trimming of your factory rear bumper as on my 2003 Audi A4, I had to do so with its factory non sport bumper. Sport bumper would require much more material removed to clear. Additionally for my Audi I had to remove the rear bumper metal reinforcement because it would require about 6 hours labor to chop up to mount over the hitch structure. Not sure if that's recommended or even possible.
The hitch will probably fit,the only reason they say it wont fit is because AMG dont want a hitch on those cars!! I installed a trailer hitch on my e55 amg without issues,its not legal though(in Sweden anyway) as Mercedes has made it impossible!! i went with this one: https://www.westfalia-automotive.com...204600001-310/
doesn't estate mean wagon? would that fit the sedan as well? i've searched in the past and Westfalia does not list one for the AMG sedan.
I'd like to put a hitch on too, but it's the wiring that's stopping me. I read that if you tap into the harness for trailer lights, the computer freaks out because the resistance is different.
I'd like to put a hitch on too, but it's the wiring that's stopping me. I read that if you tap into the harness for trailer lights, the computer freaks out because the resistance is different.
good to know, my case i'm less concerned about wiring for trailer (though that would be great), using hitch for utility tray and/or bike rack. For the wiring issue though..I bet you could solve it using a a relay for each light. Tap the wire that receive power when brakes are pressed into the relay trigger, and let a dedicated source of power be activated by the relay to send power to trailer lights. This way you are not extending the power directly to the trailer lights, but rather using the activation of brake lights as a trigger. using relays should solve that issue, IMO.
On my Audi, I had trouble getting the official Westfalia/Hella wiring and computer to communicate with my chassis module. The Westfalia/Hella unit plugs in as it was factory into the factory fuse box, factory fuse location, and only 1 wire tap. After 2 shop visits and many recoding, I gave up. One thing to note is that in the UK they utilize a 13 pin trailer hitch connector. In America we use a 7 pin trailer hitch connector.
I ended up moving to this unit which is a ZERO tap system. It uses magnets or something along those lines to sense electricity across the wiring when you press your brake lights. I paid $109 for this unit on ebay. It works flawlessly.
Activates a trailer's stop/turn/tail/running lights without cutting or splicing into your vehicles wiring system - simply snap on included current sensors
Use when: trailer has more than 1 light assembly per side and is equipped with multiple clearance or running lights; if tow vehicle may tow a variety of trailers; if tow vehicle has 'lamp out' sensors
Re-settable short circuit/overload protection - guards itself and the tow vehicle from shorts and wiring install mishaps; rated at 4.2 amps for turn/stop circuits, 7.5 amps for taillight circuit
Works on all vehicle types including standard, PWM and/or multiplex systems, ensuring full brightness of the trailer lights during operation; can be used on 2 or 3 wire systems
Works with either LED and/or incandescent bulbs (vehicle & trailer); includes comprehensive instructions; backed by Tekonsha's 1 Year Limited Warranty
Product description
ModuLite ZCI Xero Contact Interface Universal Power Modules use a direct connection to the tow vehicle's battery to power the trailer's stop, turn, tail and running lights, with absolutely zero contact with the tow vehicle's electrical system! Sensors snapped over vehicle wires sense application of electrical current and engage the trailer lights. No cutting or splicing of vehicle wiring! Perfect for leased vehicles. Use a ModuLite module when: your trailer has more than one light assembly per side, and is equipped with multiple clearance or running lights; if tow vehicle tows a variety of trailers; if tow vehicle has 'lamp out' sensors or other sensitive electronics that could be damaged by increased electrical draw. ModuLite has integrated, re-settable short circuit and overload protection - safeguards itself and the tow vehicle from shorts and wiring installation mishaps. Rated at up to 4.2 amps for turn/stop circuits and 7.5 amps for the taillight circuit. Works on all vehicle types including standard, PWM and/or multiplex systems, ensuring full brightness of the trailer lights during operation. Adapts import and domestic vehicles with separate turn and stop lights (3 wire system) to standard trailer taillight wiring (2 wire system). Compatible with either LED and/or incandescent bulbs on both tow vehicle and trailer. Works with vehicles that have a low-side switch. Includes comprehensive installation instructions. Backed by Tekonsha's 1 Year Limited Warranty. From it's humble origins as a manufacturer of RV stairs and steps in 1964, Tekonsha has evolved to become a trusted name in towing safety. The core product line consists of brake controllers, electrical wiring and trailer brakes. The Tekonsha line has long been trusted by professional towers and weekend warriors for worry-free travel.
On my Audi, I had trouble getting the official Westfalia/Hella wiring and computer to communicate with my chassis module. The Westfalia/Hella unit plugs in as it was factory into the factory fuse box, factory fuse location, and only 1 wire tap. After 2 shop visits and many recoding, I gave up. One thing to note is that in the UK they utilize a 13 pin trailer hitch connector. In America we use a 7 pin trailer hitch connector.
Great info thanks for sharing! 13 pin is quite a bit different than USA (I'm in USA). I'm going to do some lookin under e350 sedan and e63 and document any noticeable differences, and maybe go with the readily available e350 sedan kit. These are inexpensive hitches available on e-trailer and curt, maybe a few others.
if you want the best hitch for protection or serious towing you'll want a Westfalia unit. they are designed to bolt into the frame of the vehicle and not just the sheet metal. they're rated to over 5k of towing on little sedans.
Westfalia do not as they're a proprietary connection and use a swan neck attachment which is a J shape that connects under the bumper and has a ball at the end of the J. Westfalia offers their own bike rack which is rather pricey, but they aren't available in America.
08-14-2019, 06:31 PM
