How to Determine Which Drawbar I Need For My Vehicle

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Question:

Hello, What length draw bar do l need for a 2006 Mercedes Ml500?

asked by: Mike

0

Expert Reply:

I can help you determine which drawbar will be best for your vehicle.

If you already have a hitch you will first want to make sure you get a compatible drawbar to that receiver size. I have linked all the custom hitch fits we show for your 2006 Mercedes-Benz ML500 for your convenience. All these hitches have a 2 inch receiver, so the # BM20 you were looking at would be compatible with your receiver if it was indeed 2 inches. I have linked another Help Article to help you determine your hitch size.

Once you have determined the hitch size then to determine the correct ball mount/drawbar you will need is based on the height of your hitch and the height of your trailer coupler. Trailer and vehicle heights often differ, a ball mount with a Rise or a Drop may be needed. The trailer should always be towed as level as possible. A level trailer will put less strain on the connection between the trailer and hitch. I have linked another Help Article that has step by step instructions on how to determine what that rise or drop needs to be.

If you also need wiring for the trailer brake lights the Curt # C59236 will be the kit you will need, this will be for all ML500's without the Air Ride suspension.

If you could tell me the hitch and coupler height measurements as well as what size coupler, and the trailer weight, I would be more than happy to help tailor a specific recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Jackie C

0

Answer 1

All Class I, 1-1/4 inch trailer hitches will require a special ball mount, and are designed for Class I accessories. The Class I 1-1/4 inch hitches will not accept any Class II 1-1/4 inch accessories. The Draw-Tite Sportframe Drawbar 5/8 inch Rise…

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Answer 2

Going with a longer ball mount for your situation would be a great solution. The only real downside is that you might be more likely to bang your shin against the ball mount since it will be sticking out further, but the increased length does not…

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Answer 3

The 4-Way connector just press fits into the bracket and keeps the connector secure. There are small ribs on the connector that help hold it in the bracket. The cap also goes around the connector to help secure the 4-way just in case it gets knocked…

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Answer 4

I recommend taking a look at your wiring harness to determine what brand of harness is installed on your vehicle. If the wiring harness on your vehicle is manufactured by Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Reese, Tow Ready or Valley, the Tow Ready Mounting…

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Answer 5

For trailer wiring the brand we have the best luck with is Tekonsha. They are the most reliable and overall give us the fewest problems. The majority of the time we have an issue with a wiring harness it's a Curt brand. And they've redesigned…

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Answer 6

The longest fixed ball mount we carry is the Brophy #BM20. It's 13-1/4 inches from the hitch pin hole to the ball hole. It provides 3/4 inches of rise or 2 inches of drop. For a hitch ball to fit the ball mount use #19260 for a 1-7/8 inch, #63845…

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Answer 7

Any type of hitch adapter or extender will have the unavoidable side-effect of causing a loss of about half of your hitch's rated capacity, both its tongue weight (TW) and it's gross towing weight (GTW). Hidden Hitch extender #HE18 and Curt…

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Answer 8

If you can't get the exact figure for the rise/drop you need the best solution is (if available) to go slightly higher in rise so that once the vehicle suspension is compressed slightly from the tongue weight it settles into being right at…

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Answer 9

One of the longest ball mounts we offer is the Brophy ball mount part #BM20. This ball mount is 13-1/4 inches long from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole and has a 10,000 lb capacity. Without knowing how much capacity…

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Answer 10

I do have an option that will allow for you to use your 2017 Subaru Outback to flat tow a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle, however, none of the 1-1/4" to 2" hitch adapters are rated for towing applications. Instead, you will need to use a 2"…

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Answer 11

The reason some ball mounts have different lengths is simply to allow for more clearance between the tow vehicle and trailer. Some people like a longer ball mount if, for example, they want to be able to open the tailgate of their truck when the…

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Answer 12

When looking at the weight capacities on ball mounts that feature a longer shank, such as the Curt Class I Drawbar #C45024 that you recently purchased, you can comfortably follow its listed weight rating without having to reduce the capacity based on…

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