U-Haul & Hitch Installations: 8 Quick Questions (Answered) | Motor & Wheels (2024)

Of the many problems you’re faced with when needing to move, you shouldn’t be worrying about hitch installations. Nonetheless, it is one of the things that comes up when you need to move.

First of all, you’re worried about whether your car is compatible with the hitch installation from the moving company.

When using U-Haul as your moving company, it’s easy to find out all about hitch installations and if your car will accept it. U-Haul has a variety of hitch installations for different cars and conditions.

In this article, we are taking a look at some common questions people ask regarding hitch installations. We also answer some questions you might have if you’re looking at moving using U-Haul.

With that said, let’s jump right in.

Table of Contents

U-Haul & Hitch Installations: 8 Quick Questions (Answered) | Motor & Wheels (1)

Do All U-Haul Departments Do Hitch Installations?

With over 1,500 locations all across North America, it is safe to say that most U-Haul departments have hitch installations. Depending on the car model you have, U-Haul will provide matching trailer hitches you’ll need.

Different car makes and models will have different towing equipment needs. A call to your nearest U-Haul branch will help with identifying the kind of equipment you’ll need.

With over 1,500 locations and departments spread out all over North America, you are sure to find one that is nearest to you.

When you give them a call or visit your nearest department or branch, you’ll have to go through a questionnaire. It is designed to determine what your needs are and what kind of towing equipment you will use.

The questionnaire is also made to determine how long your trip will be and whether you need extra equipment. Extra equipment can be in the form of tarps or protective boxing for your valuables.

To offer convenience and quick installations for customers, most U-Haul departments will offer hitch installations.

Does U-Haul Have a Good Reputation for Installing Hitches?

U-Haul prides itself in being North America’s no.1 hitch installer, and this has been proven throughout recent years. It is also the biggest rental truck company, with locations all over the country.

One thing that U-Haul does well is that they make sure that they always have the best equipment available. It is important because people are in stressful situations when moving and need to get the best equipment.

Customers also need to feel safe that their vehicles are in working order when hitched up to a trailer. U-Haul representatives will make sure that you have peace of mind about the equipment provided.

U-Haul is a huge name in the vehicle rental industry and as such, has a great reputation built up. You can also see great reviews online if you are still unsure about their reputation.

U-Haul will also appoint you a trailer professional that will assist you in choosing the right trailer and package. The trailer professional will go through safety tips and tricks for you so that your trip is safer.

What Brand of Hitch Does U-Haul Offer?

U-Haul has decades of experience in hitch system installations and works with multiple vendors and suppliers. With such a long history in the industry, U-Haul works with the best hitch equipment brands to give you the best installation.

A hitch installation appointment will need to be made in order to determine the best equipment and costs.

Customers have different cars, SUVs, and trucks which will need different hitch systems. An appointment sets the time to determine the best hitch set up for your vehicle and trip needs.

There is also a wide variety of hitch setups for biking, boats, ATVs, and haulers. These are readily available at a U-Haul branch near you.

Can You Have U-Haul Install Your Own Hitch?

It is possible for U-Haul to install your own hitch system that you own and brought with you. However, a certified hitch professional will have to test the integrity and wiring of your hitch system and installation.

If you choose to make the hitch installation appointment online, you are eligible for a 10% discount. You not only save money, but you get peace of mind that the installation is done correctly.

What Wiring Does U-Haul Offer for Hitch?

To make sure vehicle lighting corresponds with trailer lighting, U-Haul trailers use a 4-way flat connection.

Most full-size cars will have a 7-way round connection for trailer lighting and this should work well.

Because not all vehicles are the same, not every connection will work the same on every car. A hitch professional should be able to find the right connectors and wiring for your car’s make and model.

A 7-way plug is different from a 4-way plugin in that it has a circuit for electric trailer brakes and reverse lighting. Another great benefit is that it enables circuit charging for the trailer.

The four flat plug or 4-way plug on the other hand only has the electric circuit for lighting, signal, and turn brakes. Unlike the 7-way plug, this one does not have an electronic brake controller.

Most people opt for the 7-way plug because of its versatility and it works well with a wide variety of attached vehicles.

A 7-way plug is also great for long trips that require a hitch for towing bikes, ATVs, and camping vehicles.

Related:What Does U-Haul Charge For? (12 Things Checked)

How Much Do Hitch Installations Cost At U-Haul?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 for a hitch consultation and installation from U-Haul. This amount does not include any purchased equipment such as wiring and the actual tow hitch.

Costs for the hitch installation are typically the same from one location to another location. However, you might find that the prices for different tow hitch equipment vary from one branch to the other.

There are also vehicles that are quite hard to fit a hitch installation on and require some custom installation. In some rare cases, you might find that the cost rises to about $100 to $250 because of the equipment and installation.

Another important factor you have to consider is that U-Haul can provide you with a lifetime guarantee to replace your hitch in case of damage.

Related:

How Much Does It Cost At a Mechanic?

If you choose to go to a mechanic for your hitch installation, you might expect to pay around $50 to $250. However, you have to keep in mind that the mechanic does not always have all the necessary hitch equipment and parts for your vehicle.

A U-Haul center also uses the best brands when it comes to hitching installations and this offers peace of mind.

Moreover, U-Haul centers have certified professional hitch installers who will know exactly the type of hitch equipment needed.

It might be cheaper to go to your nearest mechanic, but the peace of mind you get from a U-Haul-certified professional is the best.

Some big competitor hitch installers include PEP Boys and Amazon, which both offer competitive prices. You might find that these competitors offer slightly better or worse pricing depending on the location of the branch.

Related:

How Long Does It Take?

On average, it can take a U-Haul hitch installation about 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. The amount of time taken depends on the car model and the types of connection and equipment needed.

In some rare cases, customers were asked to wait until a trailer was returned so that the connection and hitch are available for them.

The level of expertise of the installer and the type of hitch installed are the most time-consuming.

In every U-Haul center, you can wait in the comfortable waiting area if the installation takes longer than usual.

With that said, for a typical car that does not require any special or custom equipment, the average wait time is about 30 minutes.

A hitch installation is best performed under low-pressure situations so as to make sure each is connected properly. Not only is this safe for the customer, but it also means that the hitch company does a great job on the installation.

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U-Haul & Hitch Installations: 8 Quick Questions (Answered) | Motor & Wheels (2024)

FAQs

Can I install a trailer hitch myself? ›

Yes, you can install a trailer hitch by yourself. All hitches sold by U-Haul come with installation instructions for DIY installation purposes. Please keep in mind that proper installation requires specific tools, and it can be difficult depending on the hitch and vehicle.

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.

Is it worth it to install a hitch? ›

Most vehicle owners find that it's worth it to install a trailer hitch. Owning or renting a utility trailer saves on hauling costs for moving, debris removal and for delivering large items like appliances and building materials to your home.

What size hitch does U-Haul use? ›

The standard size is the 2" hitch ball. 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. The 2" hitch ball fits most class 3 receivers, which is typically the most common trailer hitch.

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.

Is a trailer hitch hard to install? ›

With the right tools and expertise, installing a trailer hitch can be a straightforward process: First, your mechanic will clear rust and debris off the mounting frame at the back of your vehicle. Next, they use professional-grade tools to attach a compatible trailer hitch to your vehicle's frame.

Does my trailer hitch need wiring? ›

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 fast can you drive with a trailer hitch? ›

California. Maximum speed for any vehicle towing another vehicle is 55 mph.

How high should trailer hitch be from ground? ›

You want to aim for 20” when measuring from the top of the trailer ball to the ground (with an empty vehicle). Then you will simulate a loaded vehicle (e.g., using two adults sitting towards the rear of your tow vehicle), aiming for somewhere in the 18″ range.

Which is better steel or aluminum hitch? ›

If you live in a humid environment and want a long-lasting hitch that's lighter and easy to carry, aluminum will be the best bet. You might even find a hitch that seamlessly blends the benefits of both, such as an aluminum shank to reduce weight and a steel ball mount for maximum strength at the most critical point.

Is it better to have trailer hitch 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.

Are cushioned hitches worth it? ›

Do cushioned ball mounts work? CURT cushioned ball mounts are tested for their impact on jerking, jarring, noise and vibrations. Testing has shown a significant reduction in these areas, ultimately providing a more comfortable towing experience.

What is the most popular trailer 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.

What is the difference between a Class 2 and Class 3 hitch? ›

Class 2 vs Class 3 Hitch

Class 2 hitches are quite different from class 3 hitches. 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.

What is the hitch height of a 5x8 U-Haul trailer? ›

Jeff Jenkins, U-Haul's towing expert, suggests using 18 inches as the trailer height in step two if you plan to tow a U-Haul trailer, as this is the standard coupler height for U-Haul trailers. You can find the right ball mount for you at any of our U-Haul stores or in our online store.

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.

How do you hitch a trailer alone? ›

5 Tips for Hooking Up a Trailer by Yourself
  1. Tip #1: Go slowly. Going slowly is a good tip any time you are hitching up a trailer, whether you have someone helping or not. ...
  2. Tip #2: Manually move the trailer. ...
  3. Tip #3: Place a marker on your vehicle. ...
  4. Tip 5: Open the driver door. ...
  5. Tip #5: Use a backup camera.

Can you tow a trailer without a hitch? ›

The risks are too high without a hitch. After all, chances are you will lose your load and cause accidents. Moreover, towing without a proper hitch can significantly damage your vehicle.

Can you replace a trailer hitch? ›

Fortunately, you can replace a trailer hitch, and there are several reasons why you want to do so. Upgrading to a higher towing capacity can allow you to tow heavier loads, which is beneficial if you've started to haul larger trailers or campers.

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