Receiving Helpdesk

how long does it take to install a hitch on a car

by Frankie Gutmann Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Hitch installation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours or more, depending on the level of expertise of the installer, the tools being used, the condition of the vehicle and so on. For a helpful guideline, check the installation instructions for your specific hitch.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to install a hitch?

On average, most professionals are going to charge anywhere from $225 to as much as $625+ to professionally install the hitch. Outside of the parts, most professionals will charge about $90 to $350 to install a hitch, greatly depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

How to install a trailer hitch on a truck?

Even for installing the drop hitch for the truck, you will require the same equipment! Now, get a swivel socket, pry bar, and tape measurements. For your safety, you will need work gloves and safety glasses. Torque wrench, trox bits, jacks, and stands are other necessary objects for the trailer hitch installation.

What should I know before getting a hitch installed?

Before your hitch installation, you will want to consider a few variables. For example, you will want to confirm you have a scheduled appointment with your local U-Haul Hitch Center and know a few things about how your vehicle is equipped from the original equipment manufacturer.

Can a car with no hitch be installed?

If your current car, truck or SUV does not have a hitch, many cars can often have one installed as an aftermarket part. The cost of having a hitch installed. The cost of having a hitch installed will depend on the type of hitch, the make and model of the car, and the company performing the job.

How to install a trailer hitch?

Trailer hitches are bolted to your vehicle frame, and it really only takes 3 steps: Gathering your tools. Preparing your vehicle. Attaching your hitch.

What is a trailer hitch?

A trailer hitch, as you've no doubt discovered, is a kind of key that opens a world of possibilities. With a trailer hitch on the back of your vehicle, you can tow a trailer (of course), carry a hitch-mounted bike rack, or load up a hitch cargo carrier to save space in your vehicle. Basically, that little tube on the back of your vehicle = freedom.

How to put exhaust back on?

When it comes time to put the exhaust back on, spray down the metal hangers again and slide them back through the rubber isolators. This process can be a little tricky, but it's mostly a matter of just finding the right spot to press the isolator back into place.

How to get a bolt out of a car?

If you do happen to lose a bolt somewhere in your vehicle frame, the easiest way to get it out is with a telescoping magnet tool. Thread spacer block on wire. Thread bolt onto coil.

What tools are needed to install a hitch?

Some common installation tools include: Common Tools for Hitch Installations. Ratchet.

How to thread fish wire into vehicle?

To thread the hardware into place, thread the coiled end of the fish wire through the vehicle frame and out through an access hole , as specified in your instructions. Feed the wire through your spacer block, and insert the spacer block into the vehicle frame.

Can you install a hitch on a car with corrosion?

Make sure to check for damage or corrosion —never install a hitch on a vehicle with excessive corrosion. Before installing the hitch, it may help to loosely assemble it. Hold the hitch up into position to identify any obstructions (exhaust, paneling, etc) and give you an idea how the hitch is meant to be installed.

October 21, 2021

Chances are if you recently bought a new or used vehicle, it could have come with a factory-equipped tow hitch and receiver. If not, then you're probably searching for the correct hitch equipment for your truck, car, or SUV. Fortunately, U-Haul has been the leader in hitch installation, sales, and service for more than half a century.

Understanding Your Hitch & How It Works

Anytime you are researching the basic of why a tow hitch and receiver is great for your vehicle, you know that it will give your automobile greater practicality and versatility than you made had in your vehicle prior to being unequipped without a hitch.

Things To Know Before Installation

Before your hitch installation, you will want to consider a few variables. For example, you will want to confirm you have a scheduled appointment with your local U-Haul Hitch Center and know a few things about how your vehicle is equipped from the original equipment manufacturer.

Reasons You Need Hitch Wiring

Chances are if you plan to tow or have a hitch receiver installed, you will need wiring depending on the year, make, model and features your vehicle came equipped with from the OEM vehicle manufacturer.

What parts can be removed and reinstalled after a hitch is installed?

Possible parts to be removed and re-installed are: Fascia. Underbody covers. Bumper beam.

How much is a hitch installation discount?

If you prefer, you can reserve an installation from your mobile device or desktop. In fact, you’ll receive a $10 discount for scheduling a hitch installation online. Simply answer a few questions about your vehicle, and you can purchase the right hitch for you.

What is a hitch in a car?

A hitch is an automotive accessory that is commonly installed on the back of your vehicle, providing the connection between the vehicle and the trailer. In other words, it connects your car, van or truck to what you’re towing in a safe and secure manner.

What is a receiver hitch?

There are several types and sizes of hitches. A receiver hitch (also known as a trailer hitch) is the type you’ll use to tow a trailer. The right one for you will depend on your vehicle and what you’re towing. Because there are so many different vehicles to install hitches onto, the design and installation process of your hitch will.

Can you pick a hitch by yourself at U-Haul?

If you’re picturing yourself at a U-Haul store trying to select a hitch alone, don’t. You won’t have to pick out a hitch by yourself, and you certainly won’t have to install it. From the time you walk into one of the U-Haul offices, you can be sure you’re purchasing the right hitch with the help of a technician.

Does Uhaul Install Hitch?

U-haul is known to many as a truck rental and towing company, but what you might not know is that they are North America’s number 1 Hitch installer.

How Much to Install for Different Classes?

U-haul offers all five classes of hitches and depending on the make of your vehicle and the carrying capacity you intend to carry, you have options from class 1-5 hitches.

U Haul Charges Compare With Competition?

U-haul’s major competition when it comes to Hitch installation is Pep Boys and Amazon.

DIY installation Vs Pro installation service

When it comes to Hitch installation, you have two options, you can either have it installed professionally or unlock your inner handyman and do it yourself.

How to install hitch ball on trailer?

If you want to install the hitch ball to the ball mount yourself, or if you frequently tow different trailers and have to change ball size often, here’s how to do it at home. Use two crescent wrenches, or an open end wrench or trailer hitch ball wrench on the nut and a vise or pipe wrench to hold the ball. Tighten the nut until the lock washer is ...

What is a tow hitch?

A tow hitch, or receiver hitch, allows you to hook a trailer to your vehicle for towing. It includes a reinforced receiver that can accept a certain size draw bar, and each one is rated for a specific weight class. The hitch you choose will have a towing class that corresponds with the capabilities of your vehicle, ...

How to remove rust from a hitch?

If the threads on your vehicle are particularly rusty, you may need to use a threadtapper tool to remove all of the rust. Once the threads are clean, test one of the bolts included with the hitch to make sure it threads easily by hand. Clean the surface of the frame with a wire brush so the hitch will mount flush.

Do you need bolts on a trailer hitch?

Do It Right: In some cases, there may already be bolts in place on the frame, but if your trailer hitch includes new bolts, it’s best to use them. They should be the proper grade bolts for the weight rating of your hitch. Show More Show Less. In this example, there are three threaded holes in the frame on both sides.

How much does it cost to install a trailer hitch?

How much does a trailer hitch installation cost? On average, most professionals are going to charge anywhere from $225 to as much as $625+ to professionally install the hitch. Outside of the parts, most professionals will charge about $90 to $350 to install a hitch, greatly depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

How much does a hitch receiver cost?

A hitch receiver, depending on the max weight and part, can cost about $125 to $275, while a ball mount will in the $20 to $40 range, depending on the drop and length.

What is a trailer hitch?

A trailer hitch offers a car, truck, or even van the ability to carry or tow anything from a small trailer to something as large as fifth wheel RV. If your current car, truck or SUV does not have a hitch, many cars can often have one installed as an aftermarket part. The cost of having a hitch installed. The cost of having a hitch installed will ...

What happens if you don't know what hitch you need?

If you do not know what kind of hitch you are going to need, consider using either Amazon’s search engine, use the Uhaul reference above or even perform a quick search online. Always know how much your car can tow before towing.

How much can a Class I hitch tow?

A Class I can tow up to 2,000 pounds, while a Class V can tow close to 12,000 pounds. Aside from Uhaul, local muffler shops and many independent mechanics will be able to install the hitch for you.

What does it mean when a truck is not capable of towing?

If your car, SUV or truck is not capable of towing the desired amount of weight, you may find that you can do a lot more damage than good. You can usually find the amount of weight, termed as Tongue Weight and Gross Trailer Weight, that it can pull on the car’s official website or inside the car’s manual.

How many classes of hitches are there?

Both of these connections allow you to tow extra weight with increased control and stability than that of a standard receiver ball. There are five classes for a hitch, all of which are based on the cumulative weight being pulled, the kind of receiver being utilized and the weight of the safety chain required.

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