Tow hitch installation on 2002 G500 - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

acastell · 11-17-2003, 09:16 PM

Well, the search feature appears not to work. I recall reading a post describing the installation of the Tow Hitch for a 2002+ G.

I ordered the Tow Hitch from Mercedes ($655). They then quoted me the price to install...$545!!! I decided not to keep the hitch.

Is this a DIY or should I pay the price. Also, if this is not a straigh foward DIY, are there any installers in the San Francisco Bay Area that may be cheaper?

Any advice is welcome, even if it is simply a link to the old post on the same topic.

Anthony

rdabbous · 11-17-2003, 10:20 PM

I just used a search for "hitch" and got lots of results. They talk about pricing, installs, fabrication, Europa kit etc...

Don't use the search button/link on top right of page. Use the "search this Forum" link on left above. I hope this helps.

Regards,
Rabih

DUTCH · 11-18-2003, 04:08 AM

Quote:

I ordered the Tow Hitch from Mercedes ($655). They then quoted me the price to install...$545!!! I decided not to keep the hitch.

Is this a DIY or should I pay the price. Also, if this is not a straigh foward DIY, are there any installers in the San Francisco Bay Area that may be cheaper?

Any advice is welcome, even if it is simply a link to the old post on the same topic.

Anthony

Gwagenlover just had one installed on his 2002. I'm sure he'll jump in here and share his experience.

The hitch should be a simple bolt on job. The wiring harness may be a bit more of a challenge.

GwagenLover · 11-18-2003, 06:42 AM

As Dutch mentioned I did purchase my hitch from MBenz. I know it was expensive, around $600. but it fit up so good and had a complete wiring harness included.
Installation was a breeze. The instructions called for removing the bumper, which could be a real pain to remove. As luck would have it, I put it on without having to remove the bumper. (I would believe that was why your dealer wanted so much to install your hitch) All you need is an electric torque wrench (most are 150 ft/lbs and avaliable at Harbor Freight.com rather cheap) with a 22m/m socket, a 12 inch long 1/2 inch extension, and an impact swivel. The brace brackets had smaller bolts that were 10 or 12m/m I think. The install took only 1 hour. I could have used some help in holding the hitch while first installing it, but I managed.
I would offer to install it for you, but NC is a long way from you. I told Patrick/Regina in SC I would install theirs for them if they got one. I have included a pic. If you look carefully, you can see one of the 4 22m/m bolt heads that hold the hitch to the Mbenz factory installed plate.
The wiring harness was so easy. On the left side is a panel behind the CD player and it is a plug in attachment. (save the rubber plug that you remove, you may want to put the hitch on another G)I did not need brakes, so I just put that harness inside the cavity and left it. I have since added another plug in the right side for another purpose.

GwagenLover · 11-18-2003, 07:12 AM

I forgot to mention that Uhaul had a hitch for the Gwagen, but it was more expensive than the Mbenz hitch. Around $700+. Their installation was included in the price.
I am not sure if there was a wiring harness with all of the relays and plugs included. The harness would be a must on this hitch.

mb230s · 11-18-2003, 07:53 AM

Quote:

As Dutch mentioned I did purchase my hitch from MBenz. I know it was expensive, around $600. but it fit up so good and had a complete wiring harness included.
Installation was a breeze. The instructions called for removing the bumper, which could be a real pain to remove. As luck would have it, I put it on with out having to remove the bumper. (I would believe that that was why your dealer wanted so much to install your hitch) All you need is an electric torque wrench (most are 150 ft/lbs and avaliable at Harbor Freight.com rather cheap) with a 22m/m socket, a 12 inch long 1/2 inch extension, and an impact swivel. The brace brackets had smaller bolts that were 10m/m I think. The install took only 1 hour. I could have used some help in holding the hitch while first installing it, but I managed.
I would offer to install it for you, but NC is a long way from you. I told Patrick/Regina in SC I would install theirs for them if they got one at no charge. I have included a pic. If you look carefully, you can see one of the 4 22m/m bolt heads that hold the hitch to the Mbenz factory installed plate.
The wiring harness was so easy. On the left side is a panel and it is a plug in attachment. (save the rubber plug that you remove, you may want to put the hitch on another G)I did not have backup alarm, so I just put that harness inside the cavity and left it. I have since added another plug in the right side for another purpose.

Sorry Dutch, I don't know how I managed to jump in front of your comment.

Do you have the part #(s)? Was this the wiring for the electric brakes or just the lights?

Thanks,

Dave

Patrick / Regina · 11-18-2003, 10:52 AM

Quote:

I told Patrick/Regina in SC I would install theirs for them if they got one at no charge.

We haven't forgotten, just been busy with the Children, ages 6, 3, and 5 months. We will likely take you up on the offer in the Spring of 2004 if it still applies.

GwagenLover · 11-18-2003, 11:26 AM

I called the local Mbenz dealer and the part number is 6-6850036. They said the kit includes both the light and brake wiring harness.

GwagenLover · 11-18-2003, 11:44 AM

My offer still applies Regina.

acastell · 11-18-2003, 11:54 AM

Thanks RDABBOUS...I was in fact using the search button on the top right. I must be lame, but I do not see the link you refer to...I will keep looking.

GWAGONLOVER....Outstanding comments. Yours was the post I recall reading in the past. I will probably take your advice and do it myself. Thank you very much for the reply...heck, for the price MBZ wanted, I could fly you out to CA!!!!

AC