FAQs
The cost to put a trailer hitch on a vehicle can vary depending on the type of hitch, the vehicle model, and whether you install it yourself or hire a professional:
Hitch type
Class 1–4 hitches can cost between $120–$375 on average, while fifth-wheel hitches can cost around $1,200. Gooseneck hitches may also cost more.
Vehicle model
Some vehicles may require specialized hitches or wiring harnesses that are more expensive or difficult to install.
Installation
Professional installation of a Class 1–4 hitch can cost between $300–$850, while fifth-wheel hitches can cost between $500–$650 for installation. However, you can save money by installing the hitch yourself if you have the right tools and are confident in your abilities. Installation times can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the vehicle and hitch. Trailer Hitches & Towing Accessories - U-Haul
How long does it take to install a trailer hitch? Installation times vary based on many fa...
How Much Does Trailer Hitch Installation Cost? – Forbes Home
Trailer hitch installations for the most common tow classes start at around $300, with the...
How Much Does It Cost to Install Trailer Hitches? - AutoZone
Trailer Hitch Installation Cost (2024 Guide) - This Old House
Jun 26, 2024 — Factors Affecting Trailer Hitch Installation Cost. ... Vehicle model: Some veh...
How Much Does Trailer Hitch Installation Cost?
May 10, 2023 — Get your personalized quote! Trailer Hitch Installation Cost. The average cost...
What To Expect Before Your Hitch Installation - U-Haul
Installation time varies across vehicles, but the whole process typically ranges anywhere ...
How to Choose the Best Trailer Hitch for Your Vehicle
The cost of a trailer hitch will vary depending on the size and accessories you get. On av...
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.
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.
How do I know what trailer hitch I need? ›
When choosing a trailer hitch, you can consider things like your vehicle's towing capacity, the trailer's weight, and the hitch's class:
Towing capacity
The hitch's towing capacity must be equal to or greater than the weight of the trailer you plan to tow. You can find your vehicle's maximum towing capacity in your owner's manual or by contacting the manufacturer.
Trailer weight
For weight distribution hitches, the hitch's rating should be equal to or greater than the trailer's gross trailer weight. For example, if your trailer weighs 7,000 lbs and has a tongue weight of 750 lbs, you'd need a hitch rated for 8,000 lbs total trailer weight and 800 lbs tongue weight.
Hitch class
Hitch classes are categorized by their maximum weight capacity and receiver opening size, and each class has different applications and capacities. For example, Class 1 hitches are for light-duty towing and can support up to 2,000 lbs, while Class 2 hitches are for medium-duty towing and can support up to 3,500 lbs. Class 3, 4, or 5 hitches are best for travel trailers because they can safely tow larger trailers. You can find your hitch's class by reading the label on it or measuring the receiver opening size. The receiver opening is usually 2 in, 2.5 in, or 3 in, and the shank size of the hitch should match the receiver size. How to Choose the Best Trailer Hitch for Your Vehicle - Curt Manufacturing
The best hitch for travel trailers is a class 3, class 4 or class 5. These hitches offer t...
How to Figure Out What Size of Weigh Safe Trailer Hitch You Need
Mar 11, 2022 — SHANK SIZE ... The shank size of the trailer hitch should reflect the size of ...
How to Choose the Best Trailer Hitch for Your Vehicle
The most crucial factor in selecting a trailer hitch is determining your vehicle's towing ...
Towing - Trailer Hitch Size & What you Need to Know - Discount Ramps
Oct 21, 2021 — Hitch classes are separated by their maximum weight capacity rating and receiv...
Choosing Weight Distribution - - Hitch Warehouse
Oct 28, 2016 — The rating of your weight distribution hitch needs to match or exceed the Gros...
What are the Different Trailer Hitch Types and Classes? - AutoZone
Class 1 hitches are designed for light-duty towing, with a weight-carrying capacity of up ...
Other things to consider include installation standards and cargo weight. 3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Trailer Hitch - Zore's Towing
Oct 15, 2019 — The top three considerations you must keep at the front of your mind when matc...
A tow hitch and a trailer hitch are technically the same thing, but the term "trailer hitch" is more commonly used for the receiver hitch that connects directly to a trailer. Other types of hitches, such as the weight distributing hitch and gooseneck hitch, are more commonly referred to as tow hitches. What is the difference between a tow hitch and a trailer hitch? – Brixton 4x4
Here are some types of trailer hitches:
Receiver hitch
Also known as a tow bar or tow hitch, this is the most common type of hitch because it works for most use cases and vehicles.
5th-wheel hitch
This specialized towing device is designed for use with large trailers, such as recreational vehicles (RVs) or commercial trailers. It consists of a large, U-shaped frame that mounts to the bed of a pickup truck or other tow vehicle, and a kingpin that fits into the frame and provides the connection point for the trailer.
Gooseneck hitch
Known for their high towing capacity and flexibility, these hitches are a popular choice for a variety of heavy-duty applications, such as towing horse trailers, large boats, and commercial equipment. What are the Different Trailer Hitch Types and Classes? - AutoZone
5th Wheel Hitch A fifth-wheel hitch is a specialized towing device that is designed for us...
Types of Trailer Hitches for Your Truck | Truckfitters
5 Different Types of Trailer Hitches for Trucks * Receiver Hitches. Receiver hitches — al...
Comparing Types of Trailer Hitches & Towing Capabilities | PTC
Jan 12, 2024 — Gooseneck hitches are renowned for their high towing capacity and flexibility,
Installation time varies across vehicles, but the whole process typically ranges anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
How fast can you drive with a trailer hitch? ›
California. Maximum speed for any vehicle towing another vehicle is 55 mph.
Do you need wiring for a trailer 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.
What is the difference between a trailer hitch Class 2 and 3? ›
Class 2 vs Class 3 Hitch
Class 2 hitches have a 1-1/4" receiver and generally only go up to 3,500 lbs. GTW. On the other hand, class 3 hitches have a 2" receiver and can range up to 8,000 lbs. gross trailer weight.
Is it better for a trailer hitch to be too high or too low? ›
A too-high hitch is very dangerous. When the hitch height is higher than the trailer, the trailer will tip backwards, unbalanced and wobbly. This poor weight distribution will result in a hazardous driving situation for you and others on the road.
Yes, a trailer hitch receiver should have some wiggle room to allow a tow bar or ball mount to slide in and out. When a hitch is new, there may not be much play, but metal-on-metal contact over time will increase the distance. What causes receiver hitch sway and how do you fix it? - Roadmaster Inc.
There has to be a little wiggle room in your hitch receiver in order to get a tow bar or b...
However, a noisy, vibrating, or jarring hitch setup can be dangerous and unpleasant. Here are some ways to stabilize the vehicle-trailer connection:
Sway control unit
Attaches between the hitch and trailer tongue to reduce side-to-side trailer movement
Anti-rattle clamp or anti-wobble hitch pin
Installs against the shank to prevent it from vibrating inside the receiver 4 Ways to Stabilize & Quiet a Hitch Setup
Technically, no. This is because each towing set-up is different. For safe towing, it's imperative that you choose a tow ball specific to your coupler, ball mount and weight requirements.
What is the best trailer hitch? ›
What Is The Best Trailer Hitch?
| Brand/Model | Cost | Award |
|---|
| Reese Towpower Drop Standard Class III Starter Kit | $35 | Best Trailer Hitch Ball Mount |
| MaxxHaul Triple Ball Mount | $25 | Best Multi-Ball Hitch |
| Towever Tri-Ball Mount | $30 | Best Hook |
| Bulletproof Hitches 6-Inch Drop/Rise Adjustable | $360—$530 | Best Adjustable Trailer Hitch |
1 more rowNov 26, 2023
The most common trailer hitch ball sizes are 1⅞ inches, 2 inches, 2 5/16 inches, and 3 inches. The size of the hitch ball you need depends on the type of trailer you're towing and its weight capacity:
- 1⅞ inches: This size is best for lightweight trailers with smaller loads, and typically has a weight limit of 3,500 lbs.
- 2 inches: This is the standard size for most class 3 receiver hitches, which are the most popular trailer hitches. It's considered a medium-duty size and can tow a variety of trailers, including boat trailers, utility trailers, and campers, with a weight capacity of 3,500–12,000 lbs.
- 2 5/16 inches: This size is common for travel trailers and heavy trailers.
- 3 inches: This size can carry larger, heavier loads.
Choosing Your Trailer Ball Hitch Size: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mar 10, 2021 — The Most Common Ball Hitch Size A 2-inch trailer ball is the most common hitch...
The Most Common Travel Trailer Ball Hitch Sizes
The most common ball hitch sizes are 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch balls, which fit most travel t...
Standard Trailer Hitch Ball Sizes | How to Choose
The most common size trailer hitch ball is the 2-inch diameter ball. The 2-inch ball is us...
What Size Hitch Ball Do I Need for My Trailer? - U-Haul
What is the Standard Hitch Ball Size? The standard size is the 2" hitch ball. The 2" hitch...
Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer
What Hitch Ball Size Do You Need? | Ken Feagin Truck & Trailer
The standard trailer hitch ball sizes are 1⅞ inches, 2 inches, 2 5/16 inches, and 3 inches...
If you're towing different trailers, it can be helpful to have different ball hitch sizes to ensure a good fit and weight distribution. For example, using a 2-inch ball on a trailer with a higher weight capacity could be unsafe, while using a 2 5/16-inch ball on a smaller trailer could make it unstable. The Most Common Travel Trailer Ball Hitch Sizes
The most common ball hitch sizes are 2-inch and 2-5/16-inch balls, which fit most travel t...
The three basic types of trailer hitches are receiver hitches, 5th wheel hitches, and gooseneck hitches:
Receiver hitches
Also known as tow hitches, these are the most common type and are divided into five classes based on maximum weight: - Class 1: Designed for light-duty towing, such as bike racks and lightweight cargo carriers, and are suitable for compact cars and sedans
- Class 3: Can tow up to 7,500 pounds and are suitable for SUVs, vans, trailers, campers, small RVs, or boats
- Class 4: More heavy-duty and can tow up to 10,000 pounds, and are often used for larger SUVs and trucks
- Class 5: The highest-capacity hitch, supporting up to 20,000 pounds, and are common on full-size trucks and commercial vehicles
5th wheel hitches
Heavy-duty hitches that are often used to tow large trailers, like fifth-wheel campers or horse trailers
Gooseneck hitches
Heavy-duty hitches that are similar to 5th wheel hitches but use a ball-and-coupler system for towing The Complete Guide to Selecting a Trailer Hitch - U-Haul
The three basic types of trailer hitches are receiver hitches, 5th wheel hitches, and goos...
What Are the Different Types of Trailer Hitches | Foremost Insurance Group
What types of trailer hitches are there? Trailer hitches generally come in three basic sty...
Types of Trailer Hitches for Your Truck | Truckfitters
Class 3: You may want a class 3 hitch if you're towing with an SUV, van, trailer, camper,
How to Choose the Best Trailer Hitch for Your Vehicle
Here's a breakdown of three types of trailer hitches to help you narrow your options: ...
Each type of trailer hitch has a unique purpose, coupling style, capacities, and sizes. When choosing a trailer hitch, it's important to consider your vehicle, what you want to tow, and other factors like towing needs, trailer tongue weight, budget, and safety and braking features. Types of Trailer Hitches and Hitch Classes - Towing 101
What are the different types of trailer hitches? There are many different types of hitches...
Action Car and Truck Accessories™
Trailer Hitch Selection Guide - Action Car and Truck Accessories™
Aug 15, 2023 — You've come to the right place. Most vehicles can have a trailer hitch install...
How to Choose the Best Trailer Hitch for Your Vehicle
Here's a breakdown of three types of trailer hitches to help you narrow your options: ...
How do you attach a trailer to your vehicle if it doesn't have an integrated hitch? There are hitches that can be added to any vehicle. Just find one that's recommended for your vehicle and put it on. You'll then need a modification for the addition of trailer lights.
Does a hitch add value? ›
Does adding a trailer hitch increase value? Adding a trailer hitch can increase the value of a vehicle, but not necessarily. It depends on market demand and the type of vehicle you have. Some buyers may be willing to pay slightly more for a vehicle with a trailer hitch, but others may not care.
Do you need a hitch to tow a trailer? ›
Yes, a hitch is necessary to tow a trailer because it provides a safe and secure connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer. Without a hitch, the vehicle could be damaged, the load could be lost, and accidents could occur. Trailer Hitch 101: Everything You Need to Know - U-Haul
Mar 2, 2023 — So, having a hitch is necessary to rent a trailer! A trailer hitch is a device ...
Can You Tow Without a Hitch? - GEN-Y HITCH
The answer is a resounding yes. A hitch is the critical link that attaches your vehicle to...
The type of hitch needed depends on the weight of the trailer and the load being towed:
Light cargo
A ball mount may be sufficient for towing light cargo like a wheelchair or bike racks.
Heavy loads
A trailer hitch is best for towing heavy loads like a travel camper or another vehicle. When choosing a hitch, look for one with a high towing capacity, such as 2,000–14,000 pounds. The weight of the hitch itself also counts against the tow rating. Hitch vs Ball Mount | What's the Difference? - Fastway Trailer Products
A hitch is the best option when towing heavy loads like a travel camper or another vehicle...
How to Tow a Trailer With a Truck | Capital One Auto Navigator
You'll Need a Hitch, Possibly a Brake Controller Be sure you're getting the right hitch an...
Best Trailer Hitch Review, Tested By Experts (2024 Ratings)
Nov 26, 2023 — We suggest looking out for trailer hitches with a high towing capacity so you ...
Other accessories that may be needed for towing a trailer include:
- Trailer wiring harness: Connects the trailer's turn signals and brake lights to the vehicle's
- Trailer hitch receiver: A heavy-duty tube that mounts to the underside of the vehicle and houses the ball mount
What do you need to tow a trailer? - GEN-Y HITCH
The first thing you need when preparing to tow a trailer is a trailer hitch receiver. This...
How to Tow a Trailer With a Truck | Capital One Auto Navigator
You'll Need a Hitch, Possibly a Brake Controller Be sure you're getting the right hitch an...
Cliquez sur le NIP et faites-le glisser pour le repositionner sur la carte. 
