Are U-haul Hitches Good - Installation Experience (2024)

U-Haul is one of the most popular hitch installers in the country. However, before using them for your hitch installation needs, you should ask some questions first, such as: are U-Haul hitches any good? Does U-Haul do a good job installing hitches?

U-Haul is good at installing hitches, and they install tens of thousands of hitches each year. They install the best available custom-made hitch for your vehicle, allowing you to maximize your vehicle’s towing capacity. They also offer low prices and a lifetime warranty.

Keep reading if you’re for more information about getting hitches installed from U-Haul. We’ll answer all your questions, as well as other common questions like what to know before booking a hitch installation and whether you can install your tow hitch yourself.

Are U-haul Hitches Good - Installation Experience (1)

Why U-Haul Hitch Installation Is Popular

U-Haul is definitely not the only hitch installation game in town – so why is it such a popular option?

The simplest answer is that it is easily accessible. U-Haul boasts over 21,000 locations in North America, and most of these locations offer hitch installation services.

However, accessibility is not the only consideration. The first question to ask when considering U-Haul as a hitch installer is: “is U-Haul good at installing hitches?” After all, an improperly installed hitch can place significant pressure on your vehicle and can be extremely dangerous as well.

Luckily, the answer to the question is yes.

U-Haul is highly experienced at installing hitches, installing tens of thousands of them annually. They create custom-made hitches for all major vehicle manufacturers and choose the option that maximizes the towing capacity of your car.

For a small additional price, they provide a lifetime warranty for your hitch. This means that even if they do make a mistake, you can get it fixed for no additional cost. U-Haul can also handle all the wiring you need when using your hitch for towing trailers or campers, making them a one-stop shop for all your hitch-related needs.

As an added benefit, U-Haul offers extremely competitive prices. Customers rave about the affordable cost that, when combined with quality installation and promise of free replacement in case of an issue, makes U-Haul a popular hitch installation service.

What To Know Before Booking a Hitch Installation

Are U-haul Hitches Good - Installation Experience (2)

Before you book a hitch installation, there are a few questions you need to answer:

  • Is your car pre-wired for towing lights?
  • Does your vehicle need a complete wiring harness installed?
  • What is the make, model, and year of your vehicle?
  • What is your vehicle’s towing and load-bearing capacity? What is its tongue-weight capacity?

You should also determine what class of hitch you’re looking to install. Considerations to keep in mind when making this decision include the weight you expect to tow with the help of your hitch and the towing capacity of your vehicle.

Are U-haul Hitches Good - Installation Experience (3)

Higher hitch classes tend to cost more, and there’s no point in investing in one if your vehicle cannot reach its towing capacity. For example, class 4 hitches can tow up to 1000 pounds (453.6 kg) of tongue weight. However, if your vehicle’s tongue weight capacity is only 750 pounds (340.2 kg), you’ll be better served by investing in a class 3 hitch (which has a maximum tongue weight capacity of 800 pounds or 362.87 kg).

Cost of Installing a Trailer Hitch From U-Haul

Installing a trailer hitch from U-Haul will set you back $100-$150. However, this is only an estimate of labor costs – you will have to pay extra for the hitch itself, as well as any additional accessories. Wiring charges will also be additional to hitch installation costs.

While this may seem steep, it is actually one of the most competitive prices on the market. Part of the reason for U-Haul’s popularity is its ability to give you quality service at an affordable price. U-Haul will also adjust pricing quotes for both labor and parts if competitors are pricing their services lower, so they’re usually the best deal on the market.

For most people, the only option that is more cost-effective is installing their tow hitch themselves.

Can You Install a Tow Hitch Yourself?

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You can install a tow hitch yourself. The process – especially the wiring installation – can be a little complex if you haven’t undertaken a similar project before. However, with little research and a few tutorials, you will be able to handle your tow hitch installation by yourself.

You should be confident in your skills before you get started. You’ll need to disassemble a number of plugs and bolts as specified in the instructions. You’ll also need the proper tools for the job and be ready to move the trailer hitch itself, which can get extremely heavy.

Additionally, it should be noted that, while installing a hitch on your own is possible, installing wiring is a much more complex task. While DIY hitch installation does save you money, it is also more time-consuming and can cause significant issues if you install the hitch incorrectly. This is why most people prefer getting the help of a professional.

How Long It Takes To Install a Hitch

Depending on your experience level, installing a hitch alone can take several hours.

Getting it installed by U-Haul can significantly cut down this time – in most cases, you’ll have your vehicle back within 1-2 hours. Keep in mind that complex installations will take longer, as will wiring your hitch.

U-Haul is also significantly faster than many other dealers that offer hitch installation services. Local dealers can take 4-8 hours to install a hitch, meaning your vehicle is potentially inaccessible for the entire day. With a strategically scheduled appointment at U-Haul, you can get your hitch installed on a day with a long lunch break or before you have to get into the office for work. See also Can You Rent a Hitch From U-Haul?

Final Thoughts

U-Haul is a good option for hitch installation. Not only is it the most accessible hitch installation service, it also provides affordable services at a quick speed. While a DIY installation will be cheaper, installing with U-Haul will save you valuable time that you can use for other aspects of your life.

Are U-haul Hitches Good - Installation Experience (2024)

FAQs

Are U-haul Hitches Good - Installation Experience? ›

U-Haul

U-Haul
Origin. A joke which references U-Haul (a brand of self-move rental trucks and trailers) became well known in lesbian culture. Question: What does a lesbian bring on a second date? Answer: A U-Haul. It is considered a staple of lesbian humor.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › U-Haul_lesbian
hitch professionals are experts when it comes to all things hitches and towing. And if you end up having any questions later, just contact your nearest U-Haul hitch center – we'll be happy to help!

Does U-Haul hitch install include wiring? ›

Most of our hitch installation packages include a wiring kit, trailer hitch and accessories to ensure you leave with everything you need to begin towing.

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

Hitch installation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours or more, depending on the level of expertise of the installer, the tools being used, the condition of the vehicle and so on. For a helpful guideline, check the installation instructions for your specific hitch.

Should I install hitch myself? ›

You'll need space to work under your vehicle's back end as well as tools that can securely torque the bolts in the frame. But since safe towing requires that the trailer hitch is installed properly, you shouldn't do it yourself if you have any doubts about your capabilities.

What size hitch does U-Haul install? ›

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 type of trailer connector does U-Haul use? ›

U-Haul trailers require a 4-way flat connection. With the Nite-Glow Adapter, easily connect any of our U-Haul trailers to your 7-way round vehicle outlet. Simple Installation: No rewiring is necessary, so your installation is quick and easy.

Do you need a wiring harness for 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.

Is adding a tow hitch worth it? ›

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.

How fast can you drive with a trailer hitch? ›

Washington
StateMaximum Speed LimitMaximum Towing Speed Limit
California7055
Colorado7575
Connecticut6565
Delaware6565
47 more rows

Is it hard to drive with a trailer hitch? ›

You have to make wider turns or risk clipping things. You have to be careful driving into places where it will be impossible to back out. Backing up takes some practice. It can be very difficult to see around or through the trailer, especially if it is wide or boxy.

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.

Does a hitch add value? ›

After your hitch has been installed, your vehicle's utility value is increased. It is good to note that hitches are also usually considered permanent.

Is it better to have hitch higher or lower? ›

The question of how high should a trailer hitch be off the ground is one that is absolutely essential for both safe and comfortable towing. Your goal is for the hitch and vehicle's receiver to be riding high enough from the ground to avoid scraping, even on potholes and bumpers.

What size hitch for a 5x8 uhaul trailer? ›

All U-Haul trailers use a 1-7/8″ or 2″ ball. Because of this, you only need to pay attention to weight capacity.

What is the difference between a Class 3 and Class 4 hitch? ›

Class 3 receivers can carry up to 8,000 lbs. whereas Class 4 receivers can carry up to 10,000 lbs.

What wiring do I need for a uhaul trailer? ›

The 4-pin trailer is the standard for trailer wiring. Most utility trailers operate on a 4-pin trailer plug for the safety of your vehicle while towing. For the 4-pin, the green wire is for the right turn/brakes, the yellow wire for the left turn/brakes, brown is for the taillights, and white is for the ground.

How to replace trailer wiring? ›

Rewiring a Trailer in 8 Simple Steps
  1. Sketch a trailer wiring diagram.
  2. Remove the old trailer lights and wiring.
  3. Lay out the new wiring.
  4. Mount the ground wire.
  5. Install the marker lights.
  6. Clip the wires onto the frame.
  7. Install the taillights.
  8. Test the trailer lights.

Does U-Haul use 4 pin connectors? ›

All U-Haul trailers are equipped with a 4-way flat wiring harness. This adapter allows the 7-way round spade connector found on most vehicles to connect to the 4-way flat plug found on all U-Haul trailers and most single axle trailers.

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