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Last Updated: Sep 18, 2023
During summertime spin, you will need a tow hitch, popularly known as a trailer hitch to move your new boat to the lake or get your camper into the mountains.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4.8
BEST PREMIUM SERVICES
4.7
U-Haul, Pep Boys, and Amazon Home Services are the best at installing tow hitch on trucks or cars because their services cut across the nation. Professional trailer hitch installation would cost you over a hundred bucks, but doing the installation by yourself is very popular and not too difficult.
However, trailer hitch installation could get complicated with certain types of hitch, as well as some cars. You can get installation services from local vehicles and repair shops; you only need to find the one nearest to you.
Hitch installation is also available with the majority of vehicle dealerships but at costly prices.
Companies like Amazon, U-Haul, or Pep Boys will work the majority of hitch installation jobs because many trailer hitch installation works are very straightforward.
The only factors that complicate trailer hitch installation are the brand and model of your car, the total weight you want to tow, and the compatibility of your car with standard hitches.
Here are the tow hitch installers you can hire:
BEST OVERALL
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U-Haul is available nationwide. The company has over 1,500 locations across the nation, and the majority of them perform tow installations. Hitch installation by U-Haul costs the range of $100 and $150 excluding the cost of the trailer hitch and other installation equipment.
The company’s online pricing tool also doesn’t provide a quote for trailer hitch installation, so you can only get a quote when you call.
BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4.8
Amazon Home Services’ online marketplace allows you to find the nearest third-party tow hitch professional installers.
We applaud the way Amazon makes sure each auto mechanic in its network submits trade license and evidence of insurance before they can be published in any listing on the marketplace.
Amazon also performs a background check, so you don’t get scammed by car experts’ impostors.
Mechanic on Amazon will provide you an estimate when you request help, so you can make a comparison. You can easily determine the best deal for your budget in this marketplace.
The only limitation here is that those living in rural towns as mechanics are not always available. Those in the city will enjoy this marketplace a lot.
BEST PREMIUM SERVICES
4.7
This company is very popular in auto-repair, and it provides a user-friendly appointment scheduler and various types of trailer hitches to pick from. It is a reliable installer of trailer hitch as well.
We pick Pep Boys as one of the best bets because of its nationwide presence and reasonable rates starting from $50 to $250 regardless of its thriving customer service.
The company knows exactly what they are doing when handling a car, so it’s a deal-breaker for us regardless of who people chose to side.
Slide your car dealership’s trailer hitch installation package aside. They often offer higher rates compared to what local auto repairer and U-Haul will charge.
There are little calculations to do before you can determine the cost for the tow hitch installation The cost can quickly increase when you calculate the costs for hitch ball, wiring, the hitch itself, and other important accessories.
The service fee is also another cost to consider, and it varies from one shop to another. The cost is determined by the type of trailer hitch, your car’s make and model, and the amount of elbow grease needed by the installation.
For example, some cars require drilling to allow space for the trailer hitch hole; others do not require drilling installation. The cost can vary based on the type of hitch you are installing.
The cost of the bumper-towing models containing a hole located in the bumper for the trailer ball is between $8 and $35. If not done before, wiring installation will also be required for the trailer lights, and it costs between $15 and $50. This type of tow hitch does not fit to your vehicle’s chassis.
The price for mounting a receiver hitch to your car’s chassis starts from $50 to $250. The installation cost starts at $50 as well. The cost of fifth wheel hitches is between $200 and $500.
You will be paying between $200 and $500 for a new gooseneck tow hitch. The total cost with the installation costs can amount to $400 to $800.
Below is the auto parts needed for installation of a tow hitch as well as our best picks:
With professional tow hitch installers, you will get everything you need, including parts and installation service.
Below are the services available with professional hitch installers:
You are paying for the correct and safe installation of your tow hitch when you hire a professional installer. This is better than having an amateur do it, and your expensive ATVs or boat unhitched while in transit.
Yes, if you know what you are doing. The installation tips in this article will help you greatly in saving some cash and also develop a new skill.
However, you have to consider the wiring and connection of your car to your tow trailer’s brake light to serve as a signal, as it may get you confused. This is one of the reasons you need a professional.
You can contact a professional when it all seems out of your knowledge. You have to prioritize your safety and not your DIY project. Call your car dealer, and staff from an auto shop, or your mechanic.
Steps Involved in DIY Installation of Tow Hitch
Although the installation of tow hitch is said to be simple, when it comes to practice, the type of tow hitch involved and your car could make the whole process tiring.
Below are the six simple steps to install a standard tow hitch:
You have to figure out how much weight your car can tow before you decide on the right trailer hitch to buy. You don’t want to drill a tow hitch specially made for heavy-duty trucks onto the back of your vehicle.
Your towing capacity is always stated in your car manual. You can also call your car dealership or do a little search on Google.
You will be able to pick the right trailer hitch when you know your towing capacity, as it also helps you know how much weight you can use the hitch to tow.
Make sure the necessary equipment is on the ground before you start the tow hitch installation work. This will be determined by your car and the type of hitch you want to use. You can consult your manual to know the hitch installation equipment you need.
Below is the necessary equipment to have with you for most tow hitch installations:
If you bought a new tow hitch, then you may find bolts, washers, and manuals inside it.
Make sure your car is clean, secured, and free of any obstacles before you move your hitch into position. Follow the following steps:
Now, you can attach your hitch to your car. Below is the procedure:
Use your fingers to tighten the bolts as much as you can once you have attached your hitch and make sure they are all in position. You can then use your torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the figure you will find in the manual of your tow hitch. Lastly, it’s time to connect your wiring to your trailer’s brake light and switch on signals.
To test how secure your tow hitch is, shake, wiggle and tug on it. Also, inspect your brake and switch on the signals to be sure of the soundness of your wiring.
Make sure your tow hitch is correctly installed before you attempt to tow anything. You can also invite a professional hitch installer to inspect your work for reassurance.
The labor rates of the installer and how difficult the installation is will determine the actual cost of a professional hitch installation but can cost between $50 and $250. The comprehensiveness of hitch installations is from one level to another, which increases the cost as working hours.
Hitch installation can be done within 30 minutes or a few hours or more, depending on the condition of your car, the professionalism of the installer, and the equipment being used. Consult your installation manual for your type of hitch for guidance.
No. Trailer hitch installation doesn’t render the vehicle’s warranty void. In 1975, Congress passed the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which makes sure consumers can install parts from aftermarkets without being scared of nullifying their warranty.
However, the installation must be correctly done. Coverage will not be provided for improper installation, such as the usage of different hardware, too much closeness between drilled holes for the bolt, and so on.
Enlist the help of a friend for the lifting of the hitch into position to attach it to your vehicle. You can use a wire or rope of appropriate length to hang the hitch from the frame of your car if there is no one available to help.
As the tow hitch suspends above ground level, start threading the mounting bolts till the hitch gets to its right position without help. Proceed by torquing the bolts to the appropriate values.
Driving a towing trailer, just like driving a moving truck, is a new undertaking to most people, and there are certain things you need to know before you can safely drive it. Consider the following:
This depends on your car. In general, some cars are not fit to tow objects. These include:
Google search your type of car to discover if it has tow capability. You can check companies like U-Haul and Penske online for tools that will inform you whether your car has this feature or not.
Yes, a trailer hitch is suitable for long-distance moves. Ensure it’s professionally installed to match your vehicle’s towing capacity. Many long-distance movers also offer guidance or services related to safe towing.
Your situation will determine the answer to this. For long-distance moves, a 1-way truck rental is a cost-effective option than a round trip.
For instance, you will pay about $269 to rent a 20ft truck from U-Haul to move to Indianapolis from Chicago based on U-Haul’s online estimate. That includes two days of rental and around 221 miles.
U-Haul doesn’t charge mileage for its trailers. Rental rates are subjected to change at any time, so we recommend that you check your reservation immediately to lock in the rate. If you are moving in-town, you must return the trailer to the original pick-up location.
A king-sized mattress will fit well in the 6’ by 12’ U-Haul trailer due to the tallness of the mattress. In the United States, this mattress cannot lay flat in the back of a truck.
When empty, the 6’ by 12’ single axle enclosed moving trailer weighs 1,200 pounds; in contrast, an empty 6’ by 12’ tandem axle weighs 1,800 pounds. That additional 600 pounds in a trailer of similar width and height is so much important to consider when checking the quantity your vehicle can transport safely.
We believe that, with the steps discussed in this article, you can choose whether to go for the DIY tow hitch installation or hire a professional tow hitch installer from U-Haul, Pep Boys, or Amazon to handle it for you. Just be sure the hitch is correctly and firmly attached to the vehicle to avoid troubles while on the road.
Thomas has a degree in literature from Stanford University and a profession in Mass Communication. Thomas is a member of the Moving Feedback research team, an expert in writing educative articles to help readers make the right buying decisions. He is well versed in moving industry matters to give the best advice on moving needs.