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 to determine trailer hitch class? ›

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.

What size hitch receiver do I need? ›

Hitch Class Comparison Chart
Hitch ClassCommon ApplicationsReceiver Size
Class 1Cars and crossovers1-1/4-inch
Class 2Cars, crossovers and minivans1-1/4-inch
Class 3Crossovers, vans, SUVs and trucks2-inch
Class 4Trucks and SUVs2-inch
3 more rows

Can I install a trailer hitch myself? ›

Yes, you can install a trailer hitch by yourself as long as you have the right tools for the job.

Should I get a Class 2 or Class 3 hitch? ›

Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to 3,500 lbs in GTW and up to 525 lbs in TW. Class III, on the other hand, have a 2 inch receiver and have up to 8,000 lbs GTW and 800 lbs TW.

How can you tell the difference between a Class 1 and Class 2 hitch? ›

The difference between the two is that Class 1 receivers can tow a maximum of 2,000 lbs. 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.

How to tell the difference between a class 3 and class 4 hitch? ›

Class 3 hitches are designed for heavy-duty towing, with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 8,000 pounds. They are typically used for large trailers, such as fifth-wheel trailers or horse trailers. Class 4 hitches are designed for very heavy-duty towing, with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 10,000 pounds.

What is the most common hitch class? ›

Class 3 Trailer Hitch:

One of the most common types and ideal for towing larger loads. They are often used for towing medium-sized trailers, including travel trailers, larger boats and small campers.

What are the three basic types of trailer hitches? ›

The three basic types of trailer hitches are receiver hitches, 5th wheel hitches, and gooseneck hitches. 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.

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

Receiver hitches generally have a vehicle-specific design, a standard receiver tube size and fall within one of five hitch classes. A receiver hitch is perhaps the most common type of trailer hitch. So common, in fact, that the two terms are used interchangeably.

What is the most popular hitch size? ›

The most common size trailer hitch ball is the 2-inch diameter ball. The 2-inch ball is used on a variety of popular trailers, such as boat trailers, utility trailers and campers. 2-inch trailer balls have a wide weight capacity range from 3,500 pounds to 12,000 pounds gross trailer weight.

Which tow hitch is best? ›

The best tow hitch for a car is a class 1 or 2 receiver hitch. Some cars are able to tow a trailer, but many are not. More often, car hitches are used to attach a cargo carrier or bike rack to increase cargo capacity. The best car hitch is one that's customized to fit the car's frame and design features.

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.

Is it worth it to install trailer hitch? ›

This installation can protect your belongings and help give you peace of mind on the road. Trailer hitches can also make the process of strapping down your cargo easier than non-hitch alternatives. If you frequently find yourself carrying overhead cargo, a trailer hitch might be for you.

Do I need wiring for a hitch? ›

Any vehicle towing a trailer requires a trailer wiring harness to safely connect the taillights, turn signals, brake lights and other necessary electrical systems. If your vehicle is not equipped with working trailer wiring, there are a number of different solutions to provide the perfect fit for your specific vehicle.

How do I know what ball hitch I need? ›

Most trailer manufacturers stamp or label the correct trailer ball size on the coupler (the front part of your trailer, designed to latch onto the tow ball). A trailer needs to have a ball that perfectly matches the size of its coupler.

Are trailer hitches universal? ›

Trailer Hitches are Not Universal.

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