where to get a trailer hitch installed
October 20, 2009 1:01 PM Subscribe
need to get a hitch installed, where to do it? cost?
I want to get a hitch installed on my 06 Ford Freestyle so I can pull a 4'x8' open trailer, which would likely have a 2" ball. Should I just go down to Uhaul and have them do it, or are there other places that will install one? I am in Columbus, Ohio. And what does this typically cost???
I want to get a hitch installed on my 06 Ford Freestyle so I can pull a 4'x8' open trailer, which would likely have a 2" ball. Should I just go down to Uhaul and have them do it, or are there other places that will install one? I am in Columbus, Ohio. And what does this typically cost???
If you want to save a few bucks, buy the hitch and have a mechanically -inclined friend install it. They're cake. Use loctite (blue) and re-torque the bolts after a trip around the block.
posted by notsnot at 1:11 PM on October 20, 2009
posted by notsnot at 1:11 PM on October 20, 2009
I've put on a couple of hitches -- it really is totally easy, although a lot easier if you have a friend to help hold it up while you put in the first couple of bolts.
If you don't want to do it yourself, most places that sell or rent trailers do hitches, as do many muffler shops and independent mechanics. Hell, even the Ford dealer will do it for you, and possible for the same price as anyone else. Personally I wouldn't use Uhaul, because I've seen too many shoddy repairs on their equipment, but I'm sure they are capable of putting on the same hitch as anyone else.
posted by Forktine at 1:23 PM on October 20, 2009
If you don't want to do it yourself, most places that sell or rent trailers do hitches, as do many muffler shops and independent mechanics. Hell, even the Ford dealer will do it for you, and possible for the same price as anyone else. Personally I wouldn't use Uhaul, because I've seen too many shoddy repairs on their equipment, but I'm sure they are capable of putting on the same hitch as anyone else.
posted by Forktine at 1:23 PM on October 20, 2009
there are all versions of hitches online... if your google-fu is failing u... here:
www.TrailerHitches.com
www.drawtite-hitches.com
www.hitchesonline.com
www.hitch-web.com
most anyone can install for you... they just bolt on to your frame... the interesting thing is getting the wiring done nicely, and in a way that doesn't cause electrical issues. It's not that it's "rocket science" just that it's easy to do in a sloppy fashion and cause problems.
posted by Jiff_and_theChoosyMuthers at 1:44 PM on October 20, 2009
www.TrailerHitches.com
www.drawtite-hitches.com
www.hitchesonline.com
www.hitch-web.com
most anyone can install for you... they just bolt on to your frame... the interesting thing is getting the wiring done nicely, and in a way that doesn't cause electrical issues. It's not that it's "rocket science" just that it's easy to do in a sloppy fashion and cause problems.
posted by Jiff_and_theChoosyMuthers at 1:44 PM on October 20, 2009
I wouldn't go to Uhaul for anything, period. YMMV, natch.
As noted above, it shouldn't be hard to find somebody else to do it, and it's not too tough to do it yourself.
posted by box at 2:04 PM on October 20, 2009
As noted above, it shouldn't be hard to find somebody else to do it, and it's not too tough to do it yourself.
posted by box at 2:04 PM on October 20, 2009
My experience watching two different U-Haul facilities install hitches makes me unwilling to let U-Haul near my car with tools. I would talk to your friendly neighborhood mechanic (the one you would take your car to for anything other than warranty work). Ask them for a recommendation and what it would cost to install. I was quoted $300 for hitch and install on an 03 VW Jetta -- this included wiring harness.
posted by fief at 2:08 PM on October 20, 2009
posted by fief at 2:08 PM on October 20, 2009
Last time I was in Pep-boys there was someone asking how much it cost them. I don't remember the answer, but it wasn't , "We don't do that here."
posted by TuxHeDoh at 2:31 PM on October 20, 2009
posted by TuxHeDoh at 2:31 PM on October 20, 2009
My family had hitches installed on three different vehicles to tow boats and camper trailers when I was a kid, and U-Haul did it every time.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 2:43 PM on October 20, 2009
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 2:43 PM on October 20, 2009
I had a Truck'n America shop do mine on a Durango back in the Spring. They don't seem to have a location in Columbus, but there must be a camper cab / hitch / custom truck shop in town. I asked my mechanic where to go to get it done.
posted by COD at 3:13 PM on October 20, 2009
posted by COD at 3:13 PM on October 20, 2009
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posted by blue_beetle at 1:07 PM on October 20, 2009