Installing EcoHitch Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7352

Updated 04/27/2020 | Published 09/04/2019

Question:

Hi there, I have a 2017 MB sprinter 3500 and am trying to acquire an appreciation of 1 what size of a hornets nest I may stir up trying to install a front mount hitch for a bike rack myself. Your info says, just take off the grill... 2 does the rack come with a complete set of instructions to guide me through the land mines of MB German engineering? Thank you,

asked by: Roger M

Expert Reply:

The EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver # 306-X7352 that you referenced is confirmed to fit your 2017 MB Sprinter 3500 and while I'm not sure it's quite comparable to disturbing an angry hornet's nest, the install process is a bit more complex compared to those on other vehicles.

As you mentioned, the front grille does need to be temporarily removed to allow access to the hitch mounting points. Doing this is simply a matter of propping open the hood, removing the trim retaining clips on the top side of the grille, and gently pulling back on the grille itself to reveal the plastic snap locks that are keeping it in place.

Keep in mind too that the front bumper needs to be taken off during the process as well. Removing the bumper consists of removing the torx screws and bolts that are securing it to the vehicle. Once these and the snap-locks are taken off the bumper can be gently peeled off.

We don't yet have a video of this hitch being installed but I have attached a PDF of the complete installation manual in a separate email that you can look over. You can use this to see if it's something you feel comfortable installing on your own or if it would be better to take it up to a local mechanic. The hitch would also come with a hard copy of this manual along with all the needed hardware.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Mike D.

4/26/2020

I will receive the EcoHitch front mount trailer for my 2500 Sprinter later this week. I’ve prepared the sprinter so when the hitch arrives I can pop it on and reassemble the bumper. The one item I’d like to have completed but can’t find dimensions for, is the slot that gets cut into the wrap around bumper to provide an opening for the receiver portion of the hitch. I’d like to have that ready before the hitch arrives, can you provide the dimensions of the slot, distance from the bottom edge to the top of the slot etc? Thanks

Chris R.

4/27/2020

Yes, for the bumper to allow clearance for the hitch tube, a 5" by 3" rectangle needs to be cut out. This actually matches up to an existing contour on the bumper so you can follow it for cut lines. If you're planning on cutting this before receiving the hitch, I might make the opening just a tad smaller than 5" x 3" - you can always go larger but sometimes the recommended cutout dimensions are a little big.