Mods, the idea is this can become sticky once all the info is filled out (if you agree). I have been reading about hitch installation until my eyes bleed so I figured a single thread with links would be helpful. I am hoping folks will chime in and I can update the orig thread with details to aid others in the future. This is correct as I understand it today, there are probably mistakes, please help correct them! I include links to vendors, but it's completely just for reference. If someone has other vendors please comment and I will update the thread. This is unbiased.
NCV3 Sprinter Trailer Hitch Options. (North America).
Factory Hitch with Wiring Harness:
If you have the factory hitch (PT1) installed then you are done. Good choice. Because it came from the factory you will have ASR for the trailer (called TSM), indication of bulb failure for the trailer, and a plug under the drivers seat (green) for an aftermarket brake controller.
Factory Wiring harness prep, but no hitch:
You have a factory green connector under the seat.
It may be worth while (depending on your requirements) to upgrade to the factory trailer wiring harness and hitch. There is programming needed, so this is really a dealer thing. I have been quoted about $2000.00 for this work. You will get all the functionality of the factory system (TSM, etc).
If this sounds too expensive, then you essentially will want to act like you have no wiring prep. See below.
You can not have the factory step and have a factory hitch they are mutually exclusive. However, you could purchase an aftermarket hitch and mate that with the factory wiring. mofo989's setup:
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22343 for example
This video is helpful: https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install...roller-2013-mercedes-benz-sprinter-90885.aspx. However, it would be nicer if the mating connector to the factory prep was identified for a cleaner install. If someone wants to take a picture of theirs I will do some research on the proper mating connector.
No Factory hitch, no wiring prep:
You do not have the factory green connector under the seat. A couple of options here:
- Upgrade to the factory trailer wiring harness and hitch. You will need to add the modules for wiring prep under the drivers seat too. There is programming needed, so this is really a dealer thing. I have been quoted about $2000.00 for this work plus the cost of the 'prep' components. Your parts guy will need your VIN to get all the parts correct. You will get all the functionality of the factory system (TSM, etc).
- Use an aftermarket kit. There is some debate about what kit is best. There is a Mopar Kit that vendors have been selling for some time, but it's for T1N sprinters. Newer, solid state kits exist from 3rd party vendors and should prove to be more reliable without significant costs, and fit our NCV3's sprinters better.
A decision to be made is between the 4 pin wiring or the 7 pin. The 7 pin allows for trailer brake controllers as well as 12v signal for charging any accessories the trailer may have. The 4 pin is just for lights, your trailer either has no brakes or surge brakes.
This is a 7 pin kit: http://www.sprinterworld.com/hitches.htm
This is a 4 pin kit: https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit...nter/2015/119190KIT.html?vehicleid=2015304629
Aftermarket hitch vendors have hitches that work with and without a factory step. Choose the proper setup for your situation.
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_Mercedes-Benz_Sprinter.htm
If you don't want to DIY one of these solutions I have quotes for $550-$650 for a reputable hitch outfit to do the work. Unsure on what specific components they would use.
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40893
No Factory hitch, no wiring prep, but you won't tow, you want the 2" receiver for it's utility
Just install a 3rd party hitch, choose the appropriate one for your application (step or no step, and type of van).
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_Mercedes-Benz_Sprinter.htm
NCV3 Sprinter Trailer Hitch Options. (North America).
Factory Hitch with Wiring Harness:
If you have the factory hitch (PT1) installed then you are done. Good choice. Because it came from the factory you will have ASR for the trailer (called TSM), indication of bulb failure for the trailer, and a plug under the drivers seat (green) for an aftermarket brake controller.
You can not have the factory step and have a factory hitch they are mutually exclusive.Option PT1 includes:
PT1 Trailer Hitch Package: Trailer Hitch (NAFTA 2.0" x 2.0" receiver)
E40 Wire Harness with 7 pin round connector (NAFTA)
QA2 Trailer Cross Member 7,500 lbs. capacity (Note 7,500 lb. capacity is reduced to 5,000 lb. capacity for 170" wb EXTENDED Sprinters)
The entire PT1 Option Package installed by the factory at build time adds $395.00 to the cost of the vehicle.
Factory Wiring harness prep, but no hitch:
You have a factory green connector under the seat.
It may be worth while (depending on your requirements) to upgrade to the factory trailer wiring harness and hitch. There is programming needed, so this is really a dealer thing. I have been quoted about $2000.00 for this work. You will get all the functionality of the factory system (TSM, etc).
If this sounds too expensive, then you essentially will want to act like you have no wiring prep. See below.
You can not have the factory step and have a factory hitch they are mutually exclusive. However, you could purchase an aftermarket hitch and mate that with the factory wiring. mofo989's setup:
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22343 for example
This video is helpful: https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install...roller-2013-mercedes-benz-sprinter-90885.aspx. However, it would be nicer if the mating connector to the factory prep was identified for a cleaner install. If someone wants to take a picture of theirs I will do some research on the proper mating connector.
No Factory hitch, no wiring prep:
You do not have the factory green connector under the seat. A couple of options here:
- Upgrade to the factory trailer wiring harness and hitch. You will need to add the modules for wiring prep under the drivers seat too. There is programming needed, so this is really a dealer thing. I have been quoted about $2000.00 for this work plus the cost of the 'prep' components. Your parts guy will need your VIN to get all the parts correct. You will get all the functionality of the factory system (TSM, etc).
- Use an aftermarket kit. There is some debate about what kit is best. There is a Mopar Kit that vendors have been selling for some time, but it's for T1N sprinters. Newer, solid state kits exist from 3rd party vendors and should prove to be more reliable without significant costs, and fit our NCV3's sprinters better.
A decision to be made is between the 4 pin wiring or the 7 pin. The 7 pin allows for trailer brake controllers as well as 12v signal for charging any accessories the trailer may have. The 4 pin is just for lights, your trailer either has no brakes or surge brakes.
This is a 7 pin kit: http://www.sprinterworld.com/hitches.htm
This is a 4 pin kit: https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit...nter/2015/119190KIT.html?vehicleid=2015304629
Aftermarket hitch vendors have hitches that work with and without a factory step. Choose the proper setup for your situation.
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_Mercedes-Benz_Sprinter.htm
If you don't want to DIY one of these solutions I have quotes for $550-$650 for a reputable hitch outfit to do the work. Unsure on what specific components they would use.
https://sprinter-source.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40893
No Factory hitch, no wiring prep, but you won't tow, you want the 2" receiver for it's utility
Just install a 3rd party hitch, choose the appropriate one for your application (step or no step, and type of van).
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2015_Mercedes-Benz_Sprinter.htm
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