Hitch Recommendation for a Mercedes Benz E320 Diesel Sedan to be used for Towing a Trailer

Question:

Do you have a Class II hitch for a Mercedes E320 Diesel sedan? I have a motorcycle trailer which weighs 1400 lbs. The cycle weighs 1000 lbs. thus the total weight is 2400 lbs. The trailer is a single axel with breaks and has a tongue for a 2 and 5/16inch ball. Tongue wt. rating is 200 lbs. So the question is do you have a hitch that would work...even if it was the stronger version 1 1/4 square receiver? Or is there one with a 2inch square receiver that would fit this car?

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

Thanks for all the information. The only hitch that we have confirmed as a fit for your 2005 E-Class (E320) sedan is the Curt Trailer hitch # C11701. This hitch is a Class I hitch, with a 1-1/4 inch hitch opening and is rated for a maximum trailer weight of 2,500 pounds, and a maximum tongue weight of 250 pounds. I have included a link below for your reference.

The recommended drawbar, part # C45521, will only work with 1-1/4 or 2 inch trailer balls with a 3/4 inch shank diameter. Of the 2-5/16 inch trailer balls that we currently carry, the smallest diameter shank is a 1 inch. Please verify that your trailer has a 2-5/16 inch trailer ball and if so to tow it with your E320, it will require the coupler on your trailer to be changed.

You mentioned that the trailer that you have is equipped with brakes, it would be helpful to know if they are set up as surge brakes, or electric brakes. This will make a difference in changing the coupler, it they are electric then you can use a standard style of coupler that is confirmed to fit the type of trailer tongue you have. But if your trailer brakes are hydraulic, and use a surge coupler you will have to replace with the appropriate surge coupler. I have provided a link to the couplers that we currently have available.

If your trailer has electric brakes, you will also need the correct trailer wiring harness, and a brake controller on your E320. For the 4-way you will need to hardwire in the ZCI # 119250KIT. Then use the # ETBC7 to establish a 7-way connection. I have included videos and help article showing both of these installations for you.

For a brake controller I recommend the Prodigy P2 # 90885 proportional brake controller. This is our best selling brake controller, and is very user friendly. It also offers a wide range of mounting options depending on the available space inside your E320. This brake controller will be a hard wire installation and you will have to connect to the proper wiring in your E320.

If you would like to send me a photo of your current coupler I would be more than happy to make a recommendation, based on what you currently have on your trailer.

I know this is a lot of information to digest, but if there is anything else that I can help you with please feel free to let me know.