Originally Posted by BLACKSRT-6
Theres only about 6" between the bumper cover and the trunk pans. I was able to complete the work with out removing the bumper cover but I earned a few nice scratches doing it. I would recommend removing the bumper cover for anyone else, it will make for a better project.
I removed the trunk molded interior to do the inside work. Then bolted the hitches to each of the trunk pans using oversized 1/4" steal internal backing plates on both the horizontal and verticle tie points to distribute the load. I JB welded the backing plates in place to ensure that there would never be an issue of anything coming loose, shifting or rattling.
It's way over done for the load that I will be pulling, but that's just the way I am. The SLK 32 uses the same set up but only 1 centered hitch to carry the same load.
It sounds as though it's all "over built" and that's the way to go (just for the peace of mind factor).
You probably wouldn't have any problems hauling a "Jet Ski" or motorcycle trailer if the need should ever come up.
Great Job.
