How to Choose Your Trailer Hitch Installation Provider (2024)

At U-Haul, we believe that anyone can tow – all you need is a trailer hitch installed on your vehicle!

Your trailer hitch not only connects to your vehicle, but also enables you to attach a cargo carrier or bike rack for even more versatility.

A trailer hitch can be installed by yourself at home, and we’ve developed instructional content for most vehicles that will guide you through a hitch installation (and wiring installation) – however, it’s a lot easier (and less time-consuming) to have a professional do it. Plus, you’ll know that it’s been installed correctly and safely!

That said, there are plenty of hitch installers out there. How do you choose the best one? We’ll highlight some of the reasons why millions of customers have trusted U-Haul with their trailer hitch installation since 1945.

What Should I Look for in a Hitch Installer?

If you’re looking for the #1 hitch installer in the game, then look no further than U-Haul and our team of experienced hitch professionals.

What makes us the best?

Expertise and Continuous Training

U-Haul hitch professionals are highly-skilled installation experts with knowledge ranging across all types of vehicles – even some you wouldn’t expect! They have a deep understanding of the installation process and undergo continuous training to stay updated on the towing industry’s latest trends, products, and installation techniques.

Safety, Compliance, and Quality Control

Safety is paramount in the towing industry, so U-Haul hitch professionals are well-versed in all relevant standards and regulations. Our team uses a rigorous quality control and inspection process to verify that every hitch installation complies with local and federal safety guidelines, ensuring that our customers stay safe on the road.

Customer Service

U-Haul hitch professionals work directly with customers every day – they will happily walk you through the steps of their installation, explain the towing capacity of their selected trailer hitch, identify the best hitch accessories for your needs, and thoroughly answer any other questions that you may have!

Product Knowledge

Our experts possess a deep knowledge of U-Haul’s towing and hitch-related products that allows them to guide customers towards informed buying decisions. After all, you only deserve the best! Whether you’re considering different types of hitches (ex. receiver hitches, fifth-wheel hitches), towing accessories (ex. ball mounts, wiring harnesses), or weight distribution systems, our hitch professionals have you covered.

Problem Solving

With U-Haul’s extensive training and unique catalog of installation resources, our hitch professionals are well equipped to troubleshoot and resolve any issues that may arise during or after your hitch installation. This could involve diagnosing wiring problems, addressing compatibility concerns, or making subtle adjustments to optimize your vehicle’s towing performance. Whatever happens, they’ll be sure to keep you updated throughout.

Responsibility and Accountability

U-Haul hitch professionals take pride in their work. Our experts work tirelessly to uphold U-Haul’s commitment to quality and reliability, and they also maintain detailed records of all hitch installations – this means that all modifications are documented for our customers’ review.

Customization

At U-Haul, we understand that every vehicle and towing situation is unique, so our hitch experts will aim to accommodate any special requirements for a customer’s hitch installation. That’s also why U-Haul developed its custom trailer hitch program -- our senior engineers design hitches for vehicles that would otherwise be unable to tow. We truly believe that anyone can tow!

Hitch Installation Cost

Aiming for the cheapest installation possible isn’t exactly a great idea when it comes to a trailer hitch. You’ll be towing heavy items on the road with other drivers, so overall safety should be your top priority.

On average, a hitch installation can cost anywhere between $100-600 depending on the price and availability of all the necessary parts. This is just one of the many reasons why U-Haul is regarded as the best choice for your installation – we let you choose specific parts from a range of compatible options, so you’ll never be surprised by the cost of your installation.

When you start your reservation online for a hitch installation with U-Haul, we’ll first ask for the year, make, and model of your vehicle. This allows us to assembled a package that includes:

  • A hitch
  • A ball mount
  • A hitch ball
  • The ideal wiring type
  • A pin and clip

This package will include our Hitch Pro’s Choice selections which are chosen to maximize your vehicle’s towing capabilities, but you’re welcome to edit these items based on your own cost preferences.

Your relationship with U-Haul’s hitch professionals won’t end once your hitch is installed either! All hitches sold and installed at a U-Haul center come with the option for a lifetime warranty plan that guarantees you a replacement hitch with no limitations on damage – this comprehensive coverage applies to collisions, corrosion, accidental overload, jackknifing, and more. Best of all, this warranty only costs $5 flat! There’s also a wiring service plan available that covers the repair or replacement of your wiring setup for up to two years, and that one’s only $10.

Trailer Hitch Installation Near Me

Another big factor when deciding where to have your trailer hitch installed is how close the location is. Fortunately, this is where U-Haul shines once again – we have 1,500+ installation centers spread across North America, so you’re guaranteed to find a location near you!

After you’ve chosen your preferred parts from our preset package, you’ll be shown 10+ U-Haul locations in your area based on the zip code you provide. Each location result will display the center’s address, hours of operation, and latest customer reviews. You can also select your preferred installation time at whichever location you choose.

Same-Day Trailer Hitch Installation

If you’re not one to plan ahead, don’t worry – U-Haul offers same-day walk-in installations as well! Almost all U-Haul locations are open 7 days a week and 364 days a year (except for Christmas), meaning that any day can be the day you decide to get a trailer hitch installed on your vehicle.

U-Haul is your one-stop shop for any trailer and hitch accessory needs. We offer top-of-the-line products from leading brands like Curt, Draw-Tite, B&W, Reese, Yakima, Thule, and more! Whether you’re hauling bikes, boats, cargo, or even other vehicles, U-Haul will make sure that you have the perfect towing setup to get the job done. Start your hitch reservation today!

How to Choose Your Trailer Hitch Installation Provider (2024)

FAQs

How do I know what hitch receiver to buy? ›

Consider these factors to choose the best trailer hitch:
  1. Towing Capacity. The most crucial factor in selecting a trailer hitch is determining your vehicle's towing capacity. ...
  2. Vehicle Make and Model. ...
  3. Towing Needs. ...
  4. Trailer Tongue Weight. ...
  5. Budget. ...
  6. Safety and Braking Features. ...
  7. Accessories. ...
  8. Durability.

How much does it cost to put a hitch on a trailer? ›

When it comes to shipping vehicles, trailer hitches alone cost from $120 to $475. The average cost to install a trailer hitch ranges from $175 to about $375 for class 1 to 4 hitches. The total cost of installing a trailer hitch is $300 to $850. A fifth wheel hitch alone costs $1,200, on average.

Can I install a trailer hitch myself? ›

A trailer hitch can be installed by yourself at home, and we've developed instructional content for most vehicles that will guide you through a hitch installation (and wiring installation) – however, it's a lot easier (and less time-consuming) to have a professional do it.

Does U-Haul install hitch wiring? ›

U-Haul Trailer Wiring

If trailer wiring isn't your thing, let U-Haul handle it. U-Haul is North America's #1 hitch installer. With over 1,500 install locations, we can guarantee you'll find a location near you.

Who makes the best trailer hitch? ›

What Is The Best Trailer Hitch?
Brand/ModelCostAward
Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit$35Best Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount$25Best Multi-Ball Hitch
Towever Tri-Ball Mount$30Best Hook
Bulletproof Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable$360—$530Best Adjustable Trailer Hitch
1 more row
Nov 26, 2023

What is the most common trailer hitch receiver? ›

Tow Hitch Receiver Sizes and Classes

whereas the Class 2 receiver can tow up to 3,500 lbs. CLASS 3 & CLASS 4: Class 3 and Class 4 receivers are the most common receivers out there.

What is the difference between a tow hitch and a trailer hitch? ›

A tow hitch is simply another name for a trailer hitch. It is a hitch used for towing a trailer. Usually, tow hitch refers specifically to a receiver hitch. However, a 5th wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch and other hitches may be called tow hitches.

How long does it take to install a trailer hitch? ›

Installation time varies across vehicles, but the whole process typically ranges anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. When you choose U-Haul for your hitch installation, you have two options – drop off your vehicle or wait onsite with your vehicle.

Are trailer hitches hard to install? ›

Installing a trailer hitch is a relatively easy automotive job. A typical tow hitch installation may involve some of the following steps: removing the spare tire, lowering the exhaust, removing existing vehicle hardware, lifting the hitch into position and torqueing the hitch hardware to the correct values.

Do I need power wiring for a trailer hitch? ›

Some trailer wiring harness 4-Way and 7-Way connectors require a power wire to be routed from the harness to the vehicle battery. The power wire is required on trailer wiring harnesses for some vehicles because the electrical system on those vehicles cannot handle the amperage draw associated with trailer lights.

What size hitch does U-Haul install? ›

The 2" hitch ball is the standard size required to rent a U-Haul trailer, whether it be the 5x9 Utility Trailer or 6x12 Cargo Trailer.

What is a class 3 hitch? ›

Class 3 trailer hitches pull heavier loads on passenger vehicles and full-sized trucks. These hitches are extremely sturdy and range from 3,500 to 8,000 pounds towing capacity. These hitches also offer higher tongue weight capacities of between 350 to 800 pounds.

Are all trailer hitch receivers the same? ›

Receiver hitches are the most common and broken up into five different classes based on maximum weight. 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches are heavy-duty hitches that attach into the bed of trucks. The difference is that a 5th wheel hitch has a kingpin, while a gooseneck attaches to a hitch ball.

How do I know what class my receiver hitch is? ›

Hitch classes are separated by their maximum weight capacity rating and receiver opening size. Classes range from I to V, and each class has its own unique capacity and applications. To find: Read the label on your hitch, or measure the size of the opening.

How do I know what ball hitch to buy? ›

  • Step 1: Match the Ball to the Coupler Size. When choosing a trailer ball, first select the ball diameter by matching it to the coupler size. ...
  • Step 2: Match the Shank to the Trailer Ball Hole. ...
  • Step 3: Match the Weight Capacity of Your Towing System.

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