Can You Install A Trailer Hitch Yourself?

Wondering, 'can I install a trailer hitch myself?' In short, yes. If you're comfortable with tasks like this then trailer hitch installation is a straightforward job with a few steps that can be done at home with the right preparation to save you some money at the shop.

Today we're going to cover the main steps involved in installing a trailer hitch at home as well as covering topics such as how long you can expect the job to take, the tools you'll need along with some insider info to make sure you get your trailer hitch installed properly.

Is Installing a Trailer Hitch Simple?

If you've had basic experience with automotive maintenance and repair then installing your trailer hitch won't present any problems.

The job will vary slightly depending on the vehicle and the kind of hitch it uses but there will be certain things you'll typically need to do, such as lowering the exhaust or removing the spare tire as well as removing hardware before lifting your hitch bar into place.

Preparing to Install a Tow Hitch

Like with any car maintenance job, preparation is key and a short time spent ensuring you're ready for the task could save you a chunk of time when you're performing the hitch installation.

So before we get to the meat of the installation itself let's go over how to make sure you're prepared.

Choose the right trailer hitch

Hitches aren't a one size fits all solution, which might mean that you're at risk of buying the wrong one but also that there's probably more than one that's suited to your needs.

Make sure you know the size and weight of the load you'll be towing, you'll be able to check the trailer weight in the user manual. The tow hitch set-up of your truck will also be a factor when you're choosing the right trailer hitch.

Most trucks come with a receiver hitch attached, which varies from Class 1 which carries a max weight of 2000lbs up to Class 5 which can tow 12,000lbs with variations in the square receiver tube hitch mount size varying from one and a quarter inches up to two and a half inches.

The receiver works effectively across most kinds of hitch but there are several other forms available such as a fifth wheel trailer hitches which mount in the middle of the truck bed with a towing capacity of 24,000lbs, the weight distribution trailer hitch which is ideal for larger trailers and campers or the bumper-mounted hitch which is made for smaller loads as it attaches to the bumper of your car.

Familiarize yourself with the instructions

It's key to make sure you have a basic understanding of the steps involved before you install a trailer hitch instead of diving right in. Give the instructions a good once over so you know which step follows which so that you can have the right tool ready.

Prepare your workspace

Make sure you're working in a well-lit space where you can see what you're doing clearly before you start work. Using a work light is also helpful if you're going to be fitting a hitch under your vehicle not only for ensuring you can see the truckbed properly but also the installation instructions.

Assemble your tools

There's nothing quite as annoying as reaching a step in an automotive job and realizing you don't have the tools you need for it. This is another reason why it's important to read the instructions to ensure you don't dive in without being prepared.

The manual should tell you everything you need for the task, but some basic tools you're likely to need are:

  • Work gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Shop light
  • Socket set
  • Chocks
  • Ratchet
  • Ratchet extension
  • Swivel socket
  • Tape measure
  • Screwdriver
  • Jack and stands
  • Wire tube brush
  • Lubricant
  • C-clamps

Installing Tow Hitches: Step-by-step

Now you're prepared, you're ready to begin installing your trailer hitch. Bearing in mind there are many kinds of hitch available, your manufacturer's instructions will provide specific instructions but our step-by-step instructions follow the basic structure of most trailer hitch installations.

Step 1: Chock your wheels

Ensure you chock your wheels before anything else to avoid your car rolling unexpectedly during your trailer hitch installation. Putting chocks under the wheels and engaging the emergency brake should ensure you avoid any unwanted movement.

Step 2: Jack your vehicle up

This step isn't always necessary as there may be ample workspace beneath your car to fit the hitch, there generally is, but using a jack can give you a lot more space and make the job more comfortable. Make sure you use jack stands to keep the vehicle stable while elevated.

Step 3: Remove the spare tire

With certain receiver trailer hitch installations, the spare tire underneath your vehicle's frame can be an obstruction. This is not always the case and your manual will specify if removing it is necessary.

A number of trailer hitches require the exhaust pipe to be lowered, doing this at the same time as removing the spare tire is sensible.

Step 4: Remove plugs, bolts and other specified components

Some trailer hitches need existing rubber plugs and bolts to be removed to make room for mounting the hitch frame. You may also need to remove the heat shield or other small panels or trim them down to size.

It's likely your frame will require you to drill into the frame for when you need nuts and bolts to tighten it to the truck bed.

You may not need to do this at all and the hitch installation will have been designed to accommodate your vehicle's existing hardware, it may even use it during the mounting process. In any case, your manual will tell you what to do.

Step 5: Position your trailer hitch

This step may require some assistance as some trailer hitches can weigh in excess of 50lbs so making sure you're holding it steady while you're attaching the hardware is key. Truck hitches can often weigh more so assistance will be required to make sure you're positioning it accurately.

Step 6: Torque your bolts

When your frame is positioned correctly with nuts and bolts in place you can begin torqueing the bolts to secure it into place.

The amount of torque required will vary depending on the size of the bolt. Most hitches require around 100lbs of torque while heavier frames will need more than 150lbs. Ensure you've got adequate tools to tighten your bolts effectively.

Top Tips for Trailer Hitch Installation

That's a basic rundown of trailer hitch installation complete. As you can see it's a fairly simple process and your manufacturer instructions will be even more specific, so providing you've prepared properly installing it yourself is a straightforward way to save money.

However, we all know that unexpected surprises have a habit of catching us regardless of how much we've prepared, so these tips will help you avoid any mistakes and prepare for potential curveballs.

Drilling into the frame

Some hitch installations will require you to drill into the frame of your vehicle if there aren't enough mounting holes on your vehicle, this can be a particularly daunting prospect. We all know that drilling without knowing exactly what we're doing will essentially cause lasting damage to our vehicle, that's why it's key to take it slowly.

Start by marking where you need to drill with a paint pen, using your hitch as a guide with someone holding it steady for you so you can be wholly accurate with your marking.

Start off with small pilot holes using cobalt drill bits with cutting lubricant to make the job go smoother. Once you've got your pilot holes gradually increase the drill bit size until you've achieved the correct size.

Some installations require a hole to be enlarged to allow room for a spacer, we recommend a die grinder for this job.

Trimming plastic fascia

Some installations require fascia panels to be cut to make space for the receiver tube. This is yet another situation where you need to make changes to your vehicle which are irreversible, so taking your time is key.

Use masking tape to carefully mark where you need to trim and slowly perform your trimming. For this, we recommend a rotary cutoff tool, shears, or a utility knife. If you're using a utility knife, make a rough score at first to give you a guide then make further smoother passes to give a straight cut.

Lowering the exhaust

In step 3 we mentioned that you may need to lower your exhaust pipe, let's take a minute to discuss what we mean by that.

Lowering your exhaust pipe temporarily might be necessary to ensure the frame fits snug against the vehicle frame. This is a simple procedure that requires separating the rubber isolator components from the hanger rods used to hold the exhaust.

First, support the tailpipe and exhaust with rope or wire at the hanger pop allowing room for slack so you can lower the exhaust. Lubricate the connection points with lubricant or a soap/water mixture, using a pry bar to gently pry the rubber isolators from the hanger stops.

Fishwiring bolts

Some trailer hitch installation processes require you to lead bolts through tricky holes in your vehicle's undercarriage using a fish wire tool. If these are required your tow package will include them to avoid you being caught short.

Begin by passing the coiled end of the fish wire tool through the mounting hole and out the other end through the access hole. Fit a spacer onto the coiled end and then thread the bolt onto the coil.

Pull the other end of the wire through the mounting hole, pulling the bolt past the spacer and out of the mounting hole. Lift the hitch into position if you haven't already, passing the fish wire through the corresponding mount hole then carefully remove the fish wire and apply the nut.

Cleaning the weld nuts

Some hitch installations won't require you to drill into your truck bed, instead use the existing weld nuts built into your vehicle to mount them. The undercarriage of our vehicles will have been exposed to a range of adverse elements resulting in rust build-up. Rusting on the weld nuts will make it impossible to thread them effectively.

Inspect the condition of your weld nuts before you begin the installation process so you don't realize you can't thread them halfway through the job. Minimal to medium rust can be removed using a wire brush and a penetrating lubricant while heavier rust will need a thread tap to clear the thread, this is known as 'chasing' the thread'.

If you need to use a thread tap ensure it's perpendicular to the weld nut so you don't strip the existing threads.

Retrieving lost bolts

Some installations require bolts being fed into a hollow frame and if you lose one inside the frame it can be a nightmarish and sometimes impossible task to get it back.

Insure yourself against this by keeping a telescoping magnet handy which you can use to guide the offending bolt to a spot where it can be easily retrieved.

FAQs

How long does a hitch installation take?

This depends on a number of factors. Your experience and competence with tasks like this will have an effect as well as the condition of your vehicle. If there's lots of rust you'll need to factor in extra time to remove it all.

The quality of your tools will also have an impact as well as the size of the trailer hitch you're installing. You can expect this job to take anywhere from 30 minutes up to a few hours.

How do I install a ball mount?

A ball mount is an additional fitting used to raise or lower the height of a trailer to adjust it for different loads. Once your hitch installation is complete, attaching a ball mount is easy to work.

Insert the heavy square element, known as the 'mount ball shank' into the receiver tube you've attached to your vehicle and line it up until the holes on the shank and receiver line up. You can then use a hitch lock or pin and clip to secure them into place

What is a trailer ball?

A trailer ball is a necessary part of towing and you won't be able to tow anything without one, so make sure you have one that's the right size for what you're towing.

It's a straightforward process that should only take you a few minutes. Start by removing the washer and nut with a torque wrench, you'll be able to use your fingers once it's looser.

Insert the ball mount into the shank and replace the washer and nut, screwing them until they are hand-tight then using the torque wrench to complete the job.

If your ball mount doesn't fit the receiver tube you can use a receiver tube adapter which will allow your hitch to work with a number of different shanks.

Conclusion

You've now got a comprehensive rundown of how to install a trailer hitch to your vehicle. As you can see it's a simple task that you will be able to complete yourself provided you prepare correctly and follow the instructions specific to your tow hitch.

Make sure you select the right hitch for your load and vehicle, a good space to work in with all the right tools at hand, and if possible a helper to assist and speed the job along.

Installing your own tow hitch is a good way to save a few bucks at the shop and feel the satisfaction of a job well done.

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