So you’ve settled on renting a trailer from Uhaul?
You must have heard that there are certain requirements for towing a Uhaul trailer.
One of them is to have a suitable trailer hitch installed to it.A trailer hitch is a device that connects the towing vehicle or truck to the trailer.
Can you rent one from U-Haul? Do you have to purchase one and how exactly do you install it?
These are questions you’ll get answers to in this article.
Uhaul Trailer Hitches
Uhaul has trailer hitches for sale and also provides installation services.They do not rent their hitches and it does not come along with their rented trailers.
You can only get a hitch with their towing trucks.They have over 1,500 installation stores across the country and they stock hitches from top brands like Hidden Hitch, Draw-Tite, Curt, B&W, and REESE.
The hitches sold and installed by Uhaul have a lifetime warranty plan option for $5.
Types of Trailer Hitches
There are different types of trailer hitches you can purchase for your trailer. They include:
- Rear receiver trailer hitch
This is the most common trailer hitch because of its versatility. It has a square receiver tube and is attached to the rear of the tow vehicle.
Also, it has 5 class ratings that dictate whether it is to be used for light or heavy towing. It comes in three diameter sizes; 1 ¼”, 2″, and 2 ½”.
- Front mount trailer hitch
This hitch is attached to the front of the tow vehicle as the name implies.
It makes parking easy and can be used to hold cargo carriers, tire mounts, or snow plows.
It can have a gross trailer weight rating of up to 5000 lbs and straight line pull capacity of up to 9000 lbs.It usually has the standard 2″ receiver.
- Fifth wheel trailer hitch
This type of hitch is designed to have a plate mounted on the bed of a pickup truck and extends a pin to be attached to the trailer.
It has a towing capacity of up to 30,000 lbs of gross trailer weight and is designed for heavy towing.
- Gooseneck trailer hitch
This is designed for heavy towing and has a gross trailer weight rating of up to 38,000 lbs.It has its ball mounted on the bed of the pickup and is attached to a coupler on the trailer.
The types of trailers that it can be attached to are large flatbeds, livestock trailers, and car haulers.
- Pintle trailer hitch
This hitch design uses a hook and lunette which is different from the standard ball connection.The hook, which is called the pintle, is attached to the towing vehicle while the lunette is attached to the trailer.
They are usually used on dump trucks and commercial vehicles and have a gross trailer weight rating of up to 60,000 lbs.
Pintle hitch balls are available in 1⅞”, 2″, and 2 5/16″ diameter and a common shank size of 1¼”.
- Bumper trailer hitch
This hitch type is easily attached to the bumper of your vehicle and can only carry the same weight your bumper can carry—this is usually up to 21,000 lbs gross trailer rating.
It is only used for light towing, and its square receiver tube makes it useful for a wide range of applications.
- Weight distribution hitch
This type of hitch is mounted on the rear hitch of the tow vehicle to help distribute tongue weight between the tow vehicle and travel trailer.
This weight distribution makes it easier to steer the vehicle on the road. It has a capacity of up to 15,000 lbs.
Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes
The four common trailer hitch receiver sizes include; 1¼”, 2″, 2½”, and 3″. They are the standard sizes and reduce the need for modification when towing different trailer types.
Trailer Hitch Class Rating
- Class 1 : The hitches in this class are rated up to 2,000 lbs. They are used on small crossovers and passenger cars.
- Class 2 : These hitches are rated up to 3,500 lbs. They are installed on lightweight vehicles like minivans, sedans, and small SUVs.
- Class 3 : The hitches in this class are rated up to 8,000 lbs. They are installed on SUVs and full-size pickups.
- Class 4 : They are rated up to 10,000 lbs. They usually feature on SUVs and full-size pickups.
- Class 5 : These hitches are rated up to 20,000 lbs. They are usually installed on commercial trucks and pickups.
FAQ about Hitch Renting!
Does Uhaul install trailer hitches in both US and Canada locations?
Yes, U-Haul installs trailer hitches in both US and Canada locations.
What’s most popular U haul trailer hitch size?
A 1⅞” or 2″ ball is the hitch size required by all U haul trailers.The smallest weight capacity for their lightest trailer is 2000 lbs while with a 5000 lbs weight capacity, you can tow their heaviest trailer.
Does a U-Haul trailer come with a hitch?
A U-Haul trailer does not come with a hitch but the towing vehicle that will pull it needs to have one installed. U-Haul trucks, which are towing vehicles, do come with a hitch.
Do I need my own hitch for a U-Haul trailer?
Yes, you need a hitch on your towing vehicle when you rent a U-Haul trailer.
How much does it cost to get a trailer hitch installed?
The cost of getting a trailer hitch installed can range from $50 to $700 depending on the installer and the towing vehicle involved.
Does Uhaul attach trailer for you?
Yes, Uhaul can connect the trailer for you once they inspect your towing vehicle and confirm it is a good fit.
What does temporary trailer hitch rental U haul entails?
Uhaul does not rent trailer hitches. You can only purchase and have Uhaul install the hitch on your towing vehicle.
How much does it cost to install a hitch at u-haul in Los Angeles?
The cost of installing a hitch at u-haul in Los Angeles ranges from $100 to $150. The cost increases with an increase in the difficulty of installation based on the type of your towing vehicle.
Can you have U-Haul hitch installation on cars and vans?
Yes, you can install a hitch on cars and vans.
What is average trailer hitch installation cost in USA and Canada?
The average trailer hitch installation cost in the USA and Canada is $100.The price can vary greatly based on the installer you choose and the type of towing vehicle you drive.
How is Pep Boys trailer hitch different than Uhaul?
Pep Boys hitch installation have over 1000 locations in the US, have stores in Puerto Rico, and offer one of the lowest prices for hitch installation, starting at $50.
On the other hand, Uhaul has over 1500 hitch installation locations in the US, have stores also in Canada, and have an installation price range of $100 to $170.
Do Uhaul trucks have receiver hitches?
Yes, all uhaul trucks have receiver hitches and are ready to tow your trailers almost immediately.
Does Uhaul sell and install for every customer?
No, uhaul does not sell and install hitches for every customer. They only sell and install for those who make reservations or requests.
Do all U-Haul trucks have hitches?
Yes, all U-Haul trucks have hitches installed.
Will U-Haul install a hitch I bought?
Yes, U-Haul will install a hitch you bought. However, they have an optional lifetime warranty on hitches bought and installed in their store that will not be extended to you.
Can I get Uhaul with hitch for car?
Yes, you can get a Uhaul truck with a hitch that can pull a car. All Uhaul trucks are installed with a hitch. To pull a car, you will need to rent a car dolly or car trailer if you do not own one.
How long does it take for Uhaul to install a hitch?
It takes about 1 to 2 hours to install a hitch.The average time may increase due to the difficulty of installing hitches on some vehicles that might require processes like drilling.
Can I attach a trailer without a hitch?
Yes, it’s possible to attach a trailer to a vehicle without a hitch and pull it bumper style.Note that this method is unsafe and can cause a lot of damage to the towing vehicle.
Conclusion
When you rent a Uhaul truck alongside a trailer, you do not have to bother about a trailer hitch as it will come with one.
If you plan on using your vehicle, you need to purchase one and have it installed. Before making a purchase, be sure that the hitch has a suitable weight rating for the trailer you plan to tow.
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