STEALTH HITCHES SHR32012 Rack Hitch Receiver Kit Installation Guide

STEALTH HITCHES SHR32012 Rack Hitch Receiver Kit

Hitch Installation Instructions for Mercedes E-Class Wagon AMG E 63 S (S213 Chassis)

Compatible with tow kit: SHT25001

2 rack receiver maximum payload: 600 lbs

Maximum tow rating: 6000 lbs

Maximum tongue weight: 600 lbs

Vehicle Compatibility

Make: Mercedes

Years: 2017 – 2020

Model/Trim: E-Class Wagon AMG E 63 S (S213 Chassis)

Under Vehicle Trimming

Heat Shield: No

Fascia: Yes

Gravel Guard Trimming: No

Parts Supplied with Rack Receiver Kit

• (2) Bolts 5/8-11 x 5

Tools Required for Installation

• 15/16 Open End Wrench
• 8mm, 10mm, 15mm, 16mm, & 15/16 Sockets
• T20 & T40 Torx
• 15mm, 16mm Ratchet Wrench

Additional Parts and Tools Required for Tow Kit Installation

• Passive Wiring Kit Box

Rack Receiver Installation Steps

Use Steps 1-20 & 33-36 for installation.

Tow Kit Installation Steps

Use Steps 1-36 for installation.

Important Safety Notice

Read all installation and operating instructions along with all labels before installing or using this product. Do not perform anyinstallation or towing procedures without fully understanding the correct tools and actions for all steps. Call for support if needed.

Failure to comply with the safety information in these instructions could result in serious injury or death.

Do not modify this product in any manner. Doing so could alter its integrity and lead to a loss of attachment between the trailer and the tow vehicle.

While installation is being performed, check for signs of damage or excessive corrosion. Do not install hitch components over vehicle parts that are broken or have compromised structural integrity.

This product was designed to fit vehicles in their original, as manufactured condition. Compatibility with vehicles having replacement parts, or other modifications is not guaranteed.Inspect vehicle for modifications before installation of this product.

Some accessories, like the rack receiver, are not rated for towing. Do not use any accessories without proper knowledge of their use.

Without proper knowledge, towing can be a dangerous activity. Understand all the risks involved with towing before proceeding.For information on towing safety, see The Trailer Handbook: A Guide  to Understanding Trailer and Towing Safety from the National
Association of Trailer Manufacturers, www.NATM.com and your trailer and tow vehicle manufacturer’s owner’s manual.

Do not exceed tow or tongue rating of coupler, tow or tongue rating of hitch, or tow or weight ratings of tow vehicle or trailer. See vehicle and trailer manufacturer information for ratings. Exceeding these ratings may cause damage to towing components or loss of attachment between the trailer and vehicle.

Installation Note

In most instances, these instructions will only outline disassembly of vehicle components. Re-installation of components will require the installer to retain vehicle hardware and work through disassembly instructions in reverse order. When installation is complete, double check that all vehicle components have been replaced and are secured.

NOTICE: Installation of Stealth products may or may not require the addition of a wiring harness to the vehicle. Reads the output of the vehicle’s lights and translates the signals to the trailer without being connected to the vehicle computer.

Please refer to the user manual for more detailed instructions on installation and usage.

PARTS SUPPLIED WITH RACK RECEIVER KIT

ADDITIONAL PARTS FOR TOW KIT:

TOOLS REQUIRED

ADDITIONAL TOOLS FOR TOW KIT:

THESE INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE GIVEN TO THE END USER >

NOTICE: Installation of Stealth products may or may not require the addition of a wiring harness to the vehicle.

• The Rack Receiver only product does not require adding a wiring harness.
• The Rack Receiver plus Tow Kit requires the addition of a “Passive” wiring harness to the vehicle. The passive harness “reads” the output of the vehicle’s lights and translates the signals to the trailer without being connected to the vehicle computer.

INSTALLATION NOTE: In most instances, these instructions will only outline disassembly of vehicle components.
Re-installation of components will require the installer to retain vehicle hardware and work through disassembly instructions in reverse order. When installation is complete, double check that all vehicle components have been replaced and are secured.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE FOR STEALTH HITCH INSTALLERS AND CUSTOMERS.
Read all installation and operating instructions along with all labels before installing or using this product. Do not perform any installation or towing procedures without fully understanding the correct tools and actions for all steps. Call for support if needed.

Failure to comply with the safety information in these instructions could result in serious injury or death.

• Do not modify this product in any manner. Doing so could alter its integrity and lead to a loss of attachment between the trailer and the tow vehicle.
• Adding Stealth hitch components to the chassis of any vehicle can be hazardous. There is potential for unexpected combustion of fuel, electric shock, burns, shifting or falling of unstable vehicle, damage to vehicle, injury from tool usage and many other hazards. This installation must be completed by someone who is aware of the hazards involved. This person must be knowledgeable of proper safety procedures for a vehicle modification of this nature, and for usage of the equipment required to perform the installation.
• Without proper knowledge, towing can be a dangerous activity. Understand all the risks involved with towing before proceeding. For information on towing safety, see “The Trailer Handbook: A Guide to Understanding Trailer and Towing Safety” from the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, www.NATM.com and your trailer and tow vehicle manufacturer’s owner’s manual.
• Do not exceed tow or tongue rating of coupler, tow or tongue rating of hitch, or tow or weight ratings of tow vehicle or trailer. See vehicle and trailer manufacturer information for ratings. Exceeding these ratings may cause damage to towing components or loss of attachment between the trailer and vehicle.
• While installation is being performed, check for signs of damage or excessive corrosion. Do not install hitch components over vehicle parts that are broken or have compromised structural integrity.
• This product was designed to fit vehicles in their original, “as manufactured” condition. Compatibility with vehicles having replacement parts, or other modifications is not guaranteed. Inspect vehicle for modifications before installation of this product.
• Some accessories, like the rack receiver, are not rated for towing. Do not use any accessories without proper knowledge of their use.
• A visual inspection of the hitch should be performed before each use. Regularly check that all connections are secure, including those that secure the hitch to the vehicle. Check for cracks or damage to the hitch. Do not use the hitch if cracks or damage outside of normal wear is found. Using a hitch that has unsecure connections and/or cracks or damage could result in damage to the tow vehicle, trailer, towing components and loss of attachment between the tow vehicle and trailer.
• Stealth hitches are not compatible with any weight distribution or sway control products. Adding additional products to the trailer or chassis which modifies the function of the Stealth hitch may cause hitch failure.

NOTICE: Installation of hitch requires removal of vehicle parts and interaction with vehicular electronics. Before installation, check the condition of body panels and note any locations where panels are not flush. Check the electronic functions of the vehicle, such as: headlights, taillights, turn signals, cameras, backup sensors, Parking Distance Controller (PDC), foot activated cargo access, etc. It is the responsibility of the installer to restore the fit and function of the vehicle

GAIN ACCESS TO MOUNTING AREA

1. Open the vehicle cargo area. Remove passenger side panel.

2. Lift up and remove the floor panel.

3. Use a 90 degree pick to remove (2) plastic rivets (yellow arrows). Remove (2) cargo anchors (green arrows). Use a 90 degree pick to remove the plastic caps and a Torx socket to remove the screws. Remove (3) Torx screws on the threshold (red arrows). Lift up to remove the threshold.

4. On some models, remove (2) nuts inside the holes in the rear cargo wall, with a hollow nut driver.

5. In the rear cargo area, pull inward to dislodge rear side panels to gain access to the rear of the taillights.

6. Remove (2) foam plugs covering the access holes behind the taillights. Locate and remove (3) nuts securing the rear taillights.

7. Remove the taillight by sliding taillight rearward. Squeeze the plug to unclip the taillight harness. Repeat Steps 6-7 on other side of vehicle.

8. Inside the rear wheel well, behind the tire, locate the (3) push rivets which are holding the wheel well liner (yellow arrows). Use a 90 degree pick to remove these push rivets. Fold the flexible liner back toward the tire.

9. Behind the liner locate (2) push rivets and remove them (green arrows). Use a socket to remove (1) screw (red arrow). Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.

10. Under the rear of the vehicle, use a socket to remove (6) screws from the bottom on the fascia. Unplug (2) exhaust plugs (red arrows).

11. The rear fascia is clipped to the vehicle body above and behind the wheel wells. Pull outward on the top front of the rear fascia to expose a clip in the seam. With a plastic pry tool, push down on the exposed clip to disconnect. Continue to pull outward on the fascia and disconnect clips as they are exposed. Repeat on other side of vehicle.

12. This step requires a partner. Pull the fascia rearward enough to access the (2) sensor plugs on the driver side. Press down on the clips to unplug the sensor plugs. Remove the fascia completely.
    NOTICE: Carefully remove the fascia and place on a blanket or pad.

13. Inside the rear cargo area, locate and remove (4) nuts securing the factory reinforcement beam.

14. Locate the heat shields on each side of the vehicle. Remove (2) screws from the heat shield. This will allow for more access to the bolts and nuts securing the factory reinforcement beam and exhaust bracket on outside of vehicle. Repeat on the other side of the vehicle.

15. If extra clearance is needed, the two exhaust brackets can be removed. Locate the two exhaust brackets under the rear of the vehicle. Remove (2) bolts securing the exhaust brackets. Dislodge the exhaust brackets.

16. Under the rear driver side of the vehicle, remove (1) rivet securing the air lines to the factory reinforcement beam.

17. Remove (2) nuts from each side of the factory reinforcement beam with a socket or ratchet wrench. Remove the factory reinforcement beam and save for hitch installation. Discard the (8) factory nuts. INSTALL STEALTH HITCH FRAME

18. Mount the Stealth hitch frame onto the vehicle chassis and place the factory reinforcement beam on top. Attach the frame and beam to the vehicle with (8) supplied M10 serrated nuts. Torque each nut to 35 ft.-lbs.

19. Reattach the air lines to the factory reinforcement beam.
    MOUNT LATCH BLOCK

20. Installation of the latch block varies depending on which kit you are installing.

    • Rack Receiver Kit: Install the latch block with (2) 5/8”-11 x 5” bolts and (2) 5/8” nylock nuts. Tighten each bolt to150 ft.-lbs.
    • Tow Kit: Install the latch block and (2) chain hooks with (2) 5/8”-11 x 5” bolts and (2) 5/8” nylock nuts. Tighten each bolt to 150 ft.-lbs.
      NOTICE: Keys are packaged within the latch block, remove keys and store in safe location.
      IF INSTALLING A RACK RECEIVER KIT, SKIP TO STEP 33. IF INSTALLING A TOW KIT, CONTINUE TO STEP 21.
      INSTALL PASSIVE WIRING KIT

21. Locate the wiring kit box. Review the contents of the box against the list above to check for missing components. The passive wiring kit uses a control module to manage the functions of the trailer lighting. The module has an “input” side that receives power from the vehicle’s battery and signals from the vehicle’s taillights. The “output” side of the module delivers this information to the 4-way plug. The control module is connected to the vehicle’s battery and taillight wiring as outlined in the next steps.
    NOTICE: Do not allow electrical system to become disconnected from power or ground. Doing so may interrupt electrical systems. INSTALL WIRING KIT

22. Place the control module in the passenger side cargo compartment, behind the side panel. Locate and remove the rubber grommet from the passenger side wall. Drill a 3/8” hole in grommet. Retrieve the 4-way connector harness. Pass the grommet over the wires so the plug will be on the outside of the vehicle. Thread the end of the wires into the hole and replace the grommet.

23. On the passenger side of the vehicle, locate the tail of the 4-way connector wire and the output side wires of the control module. Attach each similar color wire to each other using a red butt connector and crimping tool.
    NOTICE (OPTIONAL): The butt connectors are heat shrink connectors. Apply heat to waterproof the connectors after crimping.

24. Secure harness to Stealth hitch frame with cable ties. Maintain an 18” loop from the cable tie to the 4-way plug. Add the magnetic cable holder and secure to the harness close to the 4-way plug, with a cable tie.

25. The wires on the input side of the module need to be attached to the vehicle wiring. Inside the passenger side cargo compartment locate the indicated part of the vehicle wiring harness. Use clamp-on connectors to connect the brown and green wires to wires behind taillight. (As shown in reference table below.)
    NOTE: Vehicle may have different wire colors than those shown. Verify circuits (wire colors) with multimeter.

26. Use an existing vehicle wire harness as a guide to route the yellow input wire to the driver side of the vehicle. Locate the indicated part of the vehicle wiring harness. Remove the tape to gain access to taillight wires. Use a clamp-on connector to connect the yellow wire to the left turn signal wire behind the taillight. (As shown in reference table below.)
    NOTICE: Do not connect the red brake wire. This vehicle does not utilize a separate brake circuit. The brake signal is sent down the left and right turn circuits simultaneously.
    NOTE: If two colors are listed, the first color is the dominant color.

27. Locate the ground stud in the passenger side cargo area. Trim white ground wire so it will reach the stud without excess wire. Crimp supplied fork terminal to the ground wire with a crimping tool. Loosen the ground stud and secure the fork to the stud.
    NOTICE: Loosen ground stud just enough to install fork terminal, so vehicle wiring does not lose ground.

28. In the passenger side cargo compartment, locate the fuse panel. Remove (1) screw to dislodge fuse panel. Turn the panel over. Use a Torx socket to loosen (2) screws.

29. Locate the fuse holder and M8 flange nut supplied in the wiring kit box. Remove the fuse from the fuse holder. Crimp the control module power wire to the fuse holder lead and attach the ring terminal to the fuse panel with supplied M8 nut.
    Note: Don’t loosen the vehicle power supply nut, just add M8 nut on top of ring terminal.

30. Reinstall the 20 Amp fuse in the harness fuse holder located near the power supply.

31. Test the 4-way plug using a multimeter or connect the plug to a trailer and verify that the lights and brakes work correctly.

32. Secure all wires and wiring components. Replace the grommet removed earlier on the rear passenger side of the vehicle. Use silicone to waterproof the grommet. Use the remaining cable ties to secure wiring so that it is not loose and will not interfere with replacement of the fascia. Wiring should not be visible once the vehicle is reassembled. Use the provided adhesive foam strips to secure the control module to an inside body panel.
    CUT ACCESS TO LATCH BLOCK

33. Cut out fascia and plastic support with Dremel tool as shown. Use a file to smooth out the cut. NOTICE: On some models the fascia is constructed of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber dust is an irritant. Avoid getting the dust on your skin or in your lungs and eyes. To avoid injury, work in a well-ventilated area and wear proper protective equipment, such as:

    • Long sleeve shirt
    • Leather work gloves
    • Respirator mask
    • Eye protection
      REINSTALL VEHICLE COMPONENTS

34. Reattach and secure the fascia, taillights, and other vehicle components in reverse order. Refer to Steps 1-15.
    NOTICE: Remember to plug in the (2) sensor plugs in Step 12 before reinstalling the fascia.
    FINAL VEHICLE EXAMINATION

35. Examine the body panels to ensure that they are in a pre-installation condition. Test the electronic functions of the vehicle. Correct any inconsistencies.

36. Ensure that hitch components work properly.

    • Verify that the lock works correctly. Push in the safety lock on the latch block then unlock with key. The lock should slide back out with the key when unlocked.
    • Verify that each accessory can be installed correctly. Use the following steps to install and remove each accessory that will be used with the hitch. (Rack Receiver and Ball Mount if purchased.)
    1. Prepare latching mechanism. Turn handle clockwise if needed.
    2. Firmly insert “post” of accessory into latch block until handle releases indicating that the accessory is latched.
    3. Push in the safety locking pin until it fully engages. The locking pin prevents the handle from turning when pushed in, and confirms that the block is securely latched onto the accessory. The safety locking pin will not depress if the accessory is not fully latched.
    4. Use key to release safety locking pin.
    5. While holding on to the accessory, rotate handle clockwise to release and remove the accessory.
    • Verify that no part of the accessories come into contact with the body of the vehicle.

PRODUCT USE AND MAINTENANCE

NOTICE: If the hitch is being installed by a professional, the installer is responsible for training the end user in the use and maintenance of the product.

• Accessory installation procedure:

1. Prepare latching mechanism. Turn handle clockwise if needed.
2. Firmly insert “post” of accessory into latch block until handle spins counter-clockwise indicating that the accessory is latched.
3. Always depress the safety locking pin and check that it has fully engaged.
   • Never use any accessory with the safety lock disengaged. Until the safety locking pin is engaged, the handle is able to turn. A fully engaged safety locking pin is confirmation that the accessory is properly latched into the latch block.
   • Never use the rack receiver for towing. The rack receiver accessory is only to be used with payload carrying products, such as bike racks or luggage racks.
   • Before each use, give the post of the accessory a light coating of lithium based grease.
   • Before each use, inspect the hitch to ensure that all bolted connections are secure and that no cracks or damage are present. Do not tow with the hitch if cracks or damage outside of normal wear is found.
   • Remove the Stealth accessories from the latch block after each use. Do not leave accessories plugged in for extended periods of time.

Copyright 2022, B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

• www.stealthhitches.com
• 833•694•4824

References

• National Association of Trailer Manufacturers | NATM
• Stealth Hitches - Trailer Hitches - The Hitch Made to be Hidden

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