Towbar Electrics

[Jacktar]

I am considering getting a tow bar and electrics fitted. From what I have found on the internet, the electrics have to be wired to behind the dash which seems extreme to me. The trims between the back bumper through to the dash being removed, surely there must be some MB pre-wiring in place?

 

[ernieh]

I am considering getting a tow bar and electrics fitted. From what I have found on the internet, the electrics have to be wired to behind the dash which seems extreme to me. The trims between the back bumper through to the dash being removed, surely there must be some MB pre-wiring in place?

No pre-wiring, but you need to buy an MB-compatible wiring kit for your car. These are usually available from any after-market towbar supplier, eg Witter, Tow Trust, etc. Not sure about your car, but on my C Class, this plugs into the rear SAM in the boot of the car. However, coding will be required, which can be done by any Indy with MB coding capability or your tow-bar supplier. The coding basically lets your car know whether a trailer is attached or not and makes adjustments to the engine management and also disables the reversing sensors when reversing.

Ernie

ps: If you are fitting an 11-pin socket system, it may be that some of the connections need to be made from somewhere nearer the front of the car.

 

[Jacktar]

Thanks for the info Ernie, but err... what's a SAM ?

 

[EmilysDad]

....... what's a SAM ?

Signal Acquisition module .... a box of electrickery

 

[Tony Dyson]

Thanks for the info Ernie, but err... what's a SAM ?

You'll probably recognise it as a fusebox with associated control relays, if you read your fuse location charts you'll probably find supplies already prewired in the rear SAM for your Towing Module to connect into.

 

[Jacktar]

SAM of course... what a forum, brilliant, thanks, I'll have a look at the chart in the morning.