Where To Get A Hitch Installed & How Much Does It Cost?

If you plan any winter vacation trip, a trailer hitch is essential. Well, if your vehicle already has a hitch, congratulations, but if it doesn’t, you must consider installing one. When it comes to hitches buying and installing them isn’t a complex process if you have a good idea about them. 

However, if you don’t have a proper idea of the type of hitch needed, where to get a hitch installed, and how much it costs to get one installed, this blog is here to help. Here, you will learn everything from the definition of a trailer hitch, the reasons you need one, how to install a trailer hitch, and everything else.

Let’s start with the meaning of a trailer hitch. 

What Is A Trailer Hitch?

A tow hitch is a tool that connects to a tow vehicle and attaches the tow vehicle to the trailer. Depending on what you plan to tow, there are different types of a trailer hitch. Most of the tow hitches are fixed, but some are detachable. An installation of a trailer hitch will assist you in identifying which kind of tow hitch is right for your working situation.

5 Reasons You May Need A Trailer Hitch

Not all vehicles are equipped with a facility of trailer hitch. However, most of the cars have towing capacity. If your vehicle is not equipped with this facility, you should install a trailer hitch. There are some reasons why you need a trailer hitch.

Bike Rack Attachments

The installation of trailer hitches is also famous for bike rack attachments. Rather than fitting your bike in the car, these racks securely mount your bike to the vehicle’s backside. If you enjoy riding bikes, trailer hitches provide a simple way to bring the bikes along on your travels.

Newer Vehicles And Trailer Hitch Installation

Drivers often install the trail hitch in their vehicles when they find that their vehicle has not come up with this feature. Detecting a missing trailer hitch can be very easy when purchasing a new car. Or sometimes, you find out that your vehicle has missed the space of the trailer hitch while trying to hook up to the attachment. And the best part is it is never late to install the trail hitch in your vehicle.

Weak Or Rusted Hitch

Generally, the most known use of a trailer hitch is to tow vehicles (towing). You can transport bigger items like lawnmowers, boats, campers, equipment, and other vehicles; however, if your trailer hitch is getting old, bent, weak, damaged, or rusted, you might need a new trailer hitch installation. Installing a new trailer hitch gives you the power to select the size, features, and quality according to your preference. Also, you can select the trailer hitch under your budget. Replacing the old trailer hitch with the new one gives a reliable hitch to your vehicle to smoothly handle the towing process. 

Smaller Cars: Cargo Towing

Many drivers think that trailer hitch is only for bigger SUVs and trucks, but that’s not true because smaller vehicles also require trailer hitches. Small cars are unable to carry the extra loads as they lack space. Smaller vehicles can easily carry the extra load with the help of cargo towing as they usually tend to tow up to thousands of pounds. Also, you can find more about the weighing capacity of the cargo towing in its manual, which you will get during its purchase. These cargo attachments are usually very effective and affordable and can increase your vehicle’s space.

Overhead Cargo Stability

If you tend to tie the paddleboards, ladders, kayaks, lumber, and other loads on the upside of your vehicle, then a trailer hitch might help with stability. Hitch addition can assist anchor and protect your cargo placed above the vehicle. This installation can secure your luggage and helps you in giving peace of mind during your trip. Trailer hitches can also help tie down your load easier than non-hitch substitutes. A trailer hitch might be for you if you usually carry overhead cargo.

Read Also :- What Are The Types Of Gooseneck Hitches And Where Can They Be Used?

Step-By-Step Hitch Installation Guide

A general tow hitch installation includes some steps: detaching the spare tire, dropping the exhaust, detaching present vehicle hardware, Elevating the hitch into place, and torquing the hitch equipment to the right values. Let’s learn about the step-by-step trailer hitch installation process.

Step 1: Check The Instructions Carefully

Reading instructions is the first step before installing the trailer’s hitch receiver. Knowing the required instructions will give you confidence during the hitch installation process and ensure that you do the task exactly as it is supposed to be done. Also, review the trailer’s hitches installation video from YouTube for better learning.

Step 2: Collect Your Tools

Before installation, you should keep every essential tool aside, which will help you during the hitch installation process. These tools might be different based on the type of hitch you choose. But some basic tools needed in every toolbox for hitch installations are Socket set, Shop light, Ratchet extension, Safety glasses, Work gloves, Torque wrench, Pry bar, Tape measure, and Screwdriver.

Step 3: Chock Your Wheels & Pull Up Your Vehicle

The next step is to locate wheel chocks on your vehicle’s front wheels. You might also require pulling up the vehicle. Pulling up the vehicle for every hitch installation is not so important, but pulling up the vehicle provides additional space below the automobile to work. Also, ensure that the emergency brake is active, the vehicle is at a secure height, and you use jack stands to ensure the vehicle is correctly stabilized.

Step 4: Set Up A Work Light

It is very important to arrange a torch or some source of light during the hitch’s installation below the vehicle so that it won’t block the area where you are working. 

Step 5: Detach The Supplementary Tire: If Needed

On some installations of the receiver hitch, the spare back tire is kept below the vehicle to attach the hitch in your way. If mentioned in the manual, detach it and place it aside. It might be the moment to drop the exhaust.

Step 6: Remove Plugs, Bolts, & Other Parts, As Specified

Several trailer hitch installations need specific rubber plugs and bolts to be detached to clear how to frame the hitch mount. Others need small heat shields or panels to be trimmed or detached. Still, others might require drilling into the hitch frame.

Step 7: Position The Hitch & Attach The Hardware

You might require assistance as trailer hitches weigh about 50 lbs or more. It is essential for installing truck hitches because they tend to be bulky. Generally, you only require fastening the bolts and nuts to carry the hitch in position. You can continue torque once the trailer hitch bolts are connected and hand-tightened.

Step 8: Fully Fasten The Bolts

When you place all the trailer hitches, torque them to the standards stated in the installation guide. The requirement for torque differs by size by the size of the bolts. Several hitches need about 100 pounds of force of torque, while others need 150-foot pounds or even more. Ensure you have the appropriate equipment to torque the hitch into its place safely.

Reasons For Hiring a Professional For Trailer Hitch Installation

The trailer hitch installation is not a piece of cake. It is a lot more tricky than it seems. It is important not to overlook something important during the installation procedure; by this, you never feel your load insecure. Let’s know why you need professional help for trailer hitch installations. 

Secure Your Load

Whatever you are loading at the back of your vehicles, we think it is important to you, and you want it to be safe and secure while towing. A professionally installed trailer hitch from Bills Mobile Hitch And Tow Bar Installation will give you assurance and peace of mind that your cargo will safely remain behind you wherever you go.

Long-Lasting Quality

You always get what you pay for. If you want to fix a trailer hitch yearly, you should go for the cheap one. But if you want a durable and permanent trailer hitch, then arrange some money and buy a high-quality trailer hitch that can last for the coming years. Also, hire qualified professionals for its installations.

Safety

Safety is one of the essential reasons to hire professionals for trail hitch installations. A wobbly trailer hitch can make your drive dangerous. A trailer hitch attachment makes towing safer because it is professionally installed and has all the security features needed for navigating the road.

How Much Does It Charge To Install A Trailer Hitch?

The costs of installing a trailer hitch depend upon the installer you pick and the kind of towing vehicle you are planning to drive. For its service, expect to pay between $100 to $150 for a general hitch installation. Installation of complicated and time-consuming hitches might cost you more than normal. Also, remember that parts of hitches are not that cheap, and they can cost you around $25 to $200. The vehicle is one factor, and some other factors are

1. The size of the hitch
2. The kind of hitch you need
3. The brand of hitch
4. Installation costs

• Receiver

The receiver is one of the important parts of the trailer that locks to the frame. It provides the systematic integrity you require to tow a camper or trailer. Receivers typically cost you around $100-250, depending on the maker.

• Ball Mount

The ball mount is the hitch’s part that glides into the receiver. It fixes the ball to the vehicle.

There are several various styles and sizes of a Ball mount. They are usually not too costly, varying from $10-50. The charges depend on the quality and brand of the mount.

• Hitch Pin

The hitch pin bolts the ball mount in point. It is an L-shaped metal that glides by holes in both the ball mount and receiver. Once clutched, it protects the ball mount so it will not move. You can get them cheaply, usually costing less than $20. They’re immensely simple but very effective.

• Trailer Ball

The trailer is a ball that attaches your trailer to the vehicle. It is built of metal and a threaded post that connects to the ball mount. They come in different sizes, and bigger balls tow much weight, so they are costly. You will get them between $5 and $40.

• Safety Chains

Safety is one of the essential reasons to hire professionals for trail hitch installations. A wobbly trailer hitch can make your drive dangerous. A trailer hitch attachment makes towing safer because it is professionally installed and has all the security features needed for navigating the road.

• Wiring Harness

The wiring harness is a plug that lets you attach your trailer brakes to both vehicle brakes. It makes sure that people behind your vehicle can see the lights of the brakes and turn signals. A wiring harness can cost around $10-50, and it is essential to stay legal while towing the camper.

Conclusion

Now you might know Where To Get A Hitch Installed & How much does it cost? If you require a trailer hitch to fulfill your winter adventures, the mechanics at Bills Mobile Hitch And Tow Bar Installation can help. We lodge the trailer hitches on small automobiles, large trucks, and all other vehicles. Make your appointment here by calling us at 

(623) 210-5427.