Can I Attach A Hitch Cargo Carrier To A Trailer Hitch On A 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan

Published 03/12/2022

Products Featured in This Question

32x48 Reese Steel Solo Cargo Carrier and Folding Ramp for 2" Hitches - 400 lbs

(81)

$671.98

ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit

(521)

$192.62

2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs

(2619)

$17.30

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise - 9-3/4" Long - 2,000 lbs

(2328)

$27.48

Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise, 1-1/4" Drop - 7" Long - 3.5K

(2328)

$34.88

20x47 Reese Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs

(1167)

$340.86

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(27)

$261.18

Detail K2 Mighty Multi A-Frame Utility Trailer - 7-1/2' Long - 1,640 lbs

(9)

$2022.55

Question:

Is there any light trailer I can buy for use on the highway that would work with this hitch? Or a cargo holder with a ramp. The thing I am trying to carry is very heavy and I wouldn't be able to lift it up solo, which I need to do.

asked by: Forest L

Helpful Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you that would not require a trailer hitch adapter, meaning you can carry up to 200 lbs on the tongue of your trailer hitch. This is the maximum tongue weight for the trailer hitch compatible with your 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, part # C11001. The tongue weight will include the weight of the carrier and the items you will be carrying. The 20x47 Reese Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" Hitches - Steel - 300 lbs, part # 63155, weighs about 44 lbs, leaving you with 156 lbs for cargo. You should be able to install these items with no issues, though the trailer hitch installation will require drilling into your bumper beam.

Using a hitch adapter will reduce the tongue weight of your trailer hitch by 50%, making it 100 lbs. The 32x48 Reese Steel Solo Cargo Carrier and Folding Ramp for 2" Hitches - 400 lbs, part # PS10401-10402, weighs 100 lbs by itself. You would not be able to carry anything in this cargo carrier with this setup.

I have included product description links, a video of this trailer hitch being installed on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and a video demo link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith

Forest S.

3/12/2022

Mark S.

3/12/2022

The trailer hitch for your 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a maximum gross trailer weight of 2,000 lbs, but you will have to check your vehicle owner's manual for its maximum towing capacity. You will have to adhere to the lowest weight. In order to tow a utility trailer, you will need a ball mount, a hitch ball, and the trailer. We do have a number of options for a 1-1/4" ball mount. I like the Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 5/8" Rise - 9-3/4" Long - 2,000 lbs, part # 3591, since you will not need much of a rise or drop with your vehicle. The trailer will need a 2" hitch ball, part # 19258. The trailer I recommend is the Detail K2 Mighty Multi A-Frame Utility Trailer - 7-1/2' Long - 1,640 lbs, part # K2MMT5X7. It does not have a ramp, but it tilts down for easy loading. It has a 4-way flat connector. So if you install a wiring harness on your vehicle, you can connect your harness to the trailer and it will mirror the brake lights, turn signals, and running lights of your tow vehicle. The compatible wiring harness for your vehicle is the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit, part # 119250KIT. It is a plug and play harness that does not require the splicing of wires. I have included product description links, a weblink to our hitch balls and faq about ball mounts, and video demo links below. Including a video of this wiring harness being installed on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan.