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3 min readAt a glance: If you need a tow hitch (a.k.a. trailer hitch) installed on your car or truck, U-Haul is our top pick because they offer nationwide service.
Some local auto and repair shops provide installation services—it’s just a matter of finding one near you. (Yelp is our go-to for researching these local businesses.) Most car dealerships also offer hitch installation packages but at sky-high prices.
If you’re still in the market for a moving trailer, check out our list of the best moving trailer rental companies. You may also want to consider our recommended moving companies to save yourself some time and labor.
Most tow hitch installations are pretty straightforward, which is why U-Haul, Pep Boys, or Amazon will work for most jobs. Hitches fall into five classes (I–V) based on towing capacity. The greater the weight capacity, the higher the class.
For example, class I hitches can tow only small trailers (up to 2,000 pounds), while class V hitches have 10,000- to 20,000-pound capacities and can tow things like large campers and heavy construction equipment.
A few factors complicate tow installation: the make and model of your car, the amount of weight you’re planning to tow, and whether your vehicle is compatible with standard hitches.
We won’t get too in the weeds about each tow hitch type, but know that if your installation is on the complicated side, it might take more work to find an auto mechanic or hitch installer who can help (and who is familiar with equipment like wheel hinges and goosenecks, for example).
The good news: U-Haul has locations everywhere. Literally. The company has over 20,000 locations nationwide, and most offer tow hitch installation.
U-Haul’s hitch installation services cost anywhere from $100 to $600, depending on the individual part and availability. U-Haul’s online pricing tool doesn’t cover tow hitch installation services, so you’ll have to call to get a quote.
Check out our U-Haul Review for our take on U-Haul’s services, customer experience, and pricing.
Skip your car dealership’s tow hitch installation package. Their rates are usually hundreds of dollars higher than those at local auto repair shops and companies like U-Haul.
Short answer: it depends on the make and model of your car, the type of tow hitch, and how much elbow grease the installation requires. For instance, some cars have no-drill installation, while others require drilling to make room for the tow hitch.
You can expect hitch installation to start around $100 and go up to $800. Keep in mind that you'll also have to buy the tow hitch and other parts separately (which can easily run you another $150 to $200).
Here are the auto parts associated with tow hitch installation (plus our top Amazon picks for each):
The cost to install a tow hitch is separate from the cost of the tow hitch and its accessories. If your installation costs $100, the required equipment could add another $150 to your bill.
A professional tow hitch installer offers a one-stop shop for tow hitch parts plus the installation service itself.
Here are the services you can expect a professional to perform:
With professional installation, you’re paying to know that your tow hitch was installed right the first time (so you don’t have to risk your trailer carrying your boat or prized ATVs coming unhitched on your road trip).
Wiring your car to your tow hitch’s brake light and turn signal attachment generally costs extra (and likely won’t be included in your service estimate).
Yes! In fact, those who are willing to watch a YouTube tutorial or read an auto blog can save some serious cash. It pays to be meticulous in your research, though, as the process can get complicated depending on your vehicle and how familiar you are with working on cars.
Think of installing a hitch like doing your taxes. You can certainly figure them out yourself thanks to good ol’ TurboTax, but the more money you make and the more complex your taxes get, the more it makes sense to phone an accountant for help.
One more thing to keep in mind before going DIY: wiring and connecting your trailer’s brake lights and turn signals to your car can be trickier than you’d think. Don’t be afraid to call in a professional if you start to feel overwhelmed or confused.
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