Hitch installation cost

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about buying and installing a fifth-wheel hitch. This includes:. Before purchasing a fifth wheel hitch it is crucial to understand the difference between a fifth-wheel hitch and a ball hitch.

A ball hitch attaches towards the bumper of a car. This allows for a more stable attachment and for the truck to pull a heavier load. It is essential to understand that you do not own or intend on purchasing a truck, then you are unable to get a fifth wheel hitch installation. Although it may seem like a straightforward process, there are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a fifth-wheel hitch. When choosing the type of fifth wheel hitch you would like to install, the first consideration is the vehicle that you intend to use to tow your trailer.

You should think about:. Finally, you must consider certain features of the hitch. These include:. However, the cost of the hitch can vary significantly based on the quality and type of hitch that you are purchasing.

The main benefit of a slide bar hitch is that it automatically locks around the kingpin when it is in the towing position. This means that it is quick and easy to attach. Try to avoid the local dealerships and consider a local mechanic or Uhaul location.

From our research, many dealerships will charge a lot more than a local place such as U-haul. Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info. Was it worth it? Good price for peace of mind! Took me 2 hours. The cost of installing a trailer hitch varies depending on both the type of vehicle as well as the type of hitch.

The installation cost of a trailer hitch is highly variable, with the type of hitch, the type of vehicle, as well as the labor rate of the shop that you take it to all having a significant impact on the price of the installation. So, what are the different parts of a conventional ball style trailer hitch, and how much do they cost? The receiver is the part of the trailer hitch that actually bolts to the frame of the vehicle. The class of hitch refers to how heavy-duty it is, with different types being rated to tow different amounts.

The different categories of trailer hitches, according to Curt Manufacturing , are:. The next important piece of a trailer hitch is the ball mount. The ball mount is the piece that slides into the receiver, and thus connects the actual ball to the vehicle. There are many different styles of ball mounts for various applications, though most ball mounts simply consist of a piece that will slide into the receiver, as well as a small platform upon which the ball itself will be mounted.

Additionally, nearly all ball mounts will have a hole in the part that slides into the receiver to accommodate a hitch pin, and some may even be adjustable, which can help keep your trailer level.

The next piece of the trailer hitch is known as the hitch pin. The trailer ball is, as the name would suggest, a ball that serves as the sole point of physical connection between your vehicle and what you are towing. The ball is a simple part and consists of the actual metal ball itself, as well as a threaded metal rod that allows it to be attached to the ball mount.

Larger balls are rated to tow more weight. An essential part of a safe towing setup is the safety chains. These are just metal chains, but they play an important role in making sure that your towing setup is secure. The safety chains attach to the vehicle itself as well as the trailer, and serve as a backup should the ball connection fail.

The final piece of the puzzle is the trailer wiring harness. This is a collection of wires that connects to both the vehicle as well as the trailer. The above-listed parts are all that will be needed to fully install a rear-mounted ball style trailer hitch on most vehicles. Not terrible; however, the actual parts themselves are only one part of the equation. Next, we need to factor in the labor costs associated with having a professional install the trailer hitch on your vehicle.

The installation of a trailer hitch is actually not a complicated process and is something that most weekend mechanics would be able to DIY with ease. This will, of course, vary from mechanic to mechanic, with AAA citing an incredibly wide range.

The first step in getting your trailer hitch installed is giving your mechanic a call. At the same time, it can be mounted on slides which go into the receiver hitch. One downside is pintle hitches tend to be noisier when compared to ball mount alternatives, due to their lighter weight. A weight distribution hitch is a receiver hitch attachment. It is designed to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer across the vehicle and trailer for increased control.

Therefore, they help ensure a smooth, level ride, improve steering and stopping, and correct trailer sway when used with sway control. Even within the same type of hitch, there are different classes to choose from.

Depending on the load they are designed to tow, the price will vary accordingly. There are 5 classes of hitches I—V based on towing capacity. The greater the weight capacity, the higher the class. In short, the heavier load they can carry and the higher their class, the more extra dollars you will need to spend to enjoy the extra strength and functionality of the hitch. Class I hitches are made to handle up to 2, lbs trailer weight plus the lbs of the tongue.

Class III hitches have a carrying capacity of up to 6,lbs plus a maximum trailer tongue weight of lbs. Class IV hitches can also be used for weight distribution. It can tow up to 10,lbs trailer weight plus a maximum trailer tongue weight of 1,lbs. Class IV hitches have a weight distribution capacity of 14,lbs. Class V hitches are the most robust and are the top choice for heavy loads.

They can handle weights of up to 12,lbs and can only be attached to the chassis of the vehicle. Like Class IV, Class V hitches which are used for weight distribution purposes have a capacity of up to 17,lbs. In summary, trailer hitch installation cost and the cost of a hitch itself vary widely according to the type and class of hitch.

Peter Wade is a co-ordinator and writer at www. His hobbies are coffee, RV camping and photography.