Can i install a trailer hitch myself

Labor Cost to Install a Trailer Hitch

Outside of the cost of the trailer hitch itself, installation charges range from $150 to $200 for simple class 1 or 2 installations up to $250 to $500, or even $650, for more complicated installations like class 4 and fifth wheel hitches. At an hourly rate, trailer hitch installation costs $50 to $225 per hour.

Cost by Different Trailer Hitch Parts

• Trailer hitch receiver: An average of $150 for a class 1 hitch to an average of about $1,200 for a fifth wheel hitch
• Hitch ball: $10 to $50
• Towing drawbar: $45 to $85
• Wiring harness: $15 to $55
• Hitch pin: $5 to $10
• Receiver tube cover: $10 to $20

Types of Trailer Hitches

Trailer hitches attached to non-commercial vehicles—that is, sedans, vans, wagons, SUVs and pickups—fit into one of four trailer hitch classes, ranging from light- to super-heavy-duty. An additional trailer hitch class, a fifth wheel hitch, is limited to pickups and only for a certain type of trailer called a fifth wheel.

Class 1: Light-Duty Receiver Trailer Hitch

Best for compact and midsize sedans and light-duty SUVs, light-duty receiver trailer hitches carry light cargo trailers, utility trailers, sports trailers (for motorcycles or personal watercraft) or even micro camping trailers.

Light-duty trailer hitches have a tongue weight capacity of 200 pounds and a gross trailer weight of up to 2,000 pounds.

While trailer hitches generally are not mounted on bumpers, a bumper-mount hitch may be possible for pulling the smallest-of-small light-duty trailers. For most light pulls, though, a receiver-style frame mounted to the vehicle’s frame is best. With a removable drawbar, this type of trailer hitch blends in with the vehicle once the drawbar has been slipped out.

Class 1 trailer hitches cost from $120 to $180.

Class 2: Regular-Duty Receiver Trailer Hitch

Midsize sedans and wagons, vans and midsize SUVs can tow up to 3,500 pounds with class 2 regular-duty trailer hitches. The tongue weight is limited to a maximum of 350 pounds.

This 3,500-pound tow weight describes most light camping trailers, utility or cargo trailers up to 12 feet or boat trailers up to 20 feet.

The trailer hitch frame is usually bolted to the bottom of the vehicle’s frame. The drawbar can be slipped out and stored for periods when the vehicle isn’t towing.

Class 2 trailer hitches cost from $130 to $475.

Class 3: Heavy-Duty Receiver Trailer Hitch

Removable drawbar heavy-duty trailer hitches are attached to the bottom of the vehicle’s frame and are designed for large SUVs, vans and pickups.

Heavy-duty hitches tow a maximum of 7,500 pounds of gross trailer weight, with a tongue weight capacity of 750 pounds.

Depending on weight, most medium sized campers, utility trailers and boat trailers can be towed by class 3 trailer hitches.

Class 3 trailer hitches cost from $145 to $180.

Class 4: Super-Heavy-Duty Receiver Trailer Hitch

Class 4 trailers hitches are called super- or sometimes extra-heavy-duty hitches. Excluding fifth wheel hitches, these undercarriage hitches are at the maximum capacity for gross trailer weight: 17,000 pounds. These hitches’ tongues can carry up to 1,700 pounds.

Fullsize cars, wagons, vans, pickups and SUVs are required for class 4-hitch towing. Tow full-size camping trailers, large boats and large utility trailers with a class 4 hitch.

Class 4 trailer hitches cost from $170 to $350.

Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch

A fifth wheel trailer has a different kind of hitch than the other classes of trailer hitches. On the trailer, it is mounted higher—typically, about 45 to 49 inches high when the trailer is level. Most trailer hitches are only one-third as high, or about 17 inches.

Fifth-wheel trailers must be towed by a pickup truck or a flatbed truck. The U-shaped hitch is located at the center of the truck bed, similar to the way that commercial transport trailers attach to the back of semi-trucks.

The weight capacity for fifth wheel hitches is 30,000 pounds.

Fifth-wheel trailer hitches cost from $950 to $1,400.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I install a trailer hitch by myself?

While it’s best to have a professional install a trailer hitch, you can install the hitch by yourself if you’re experienced at working with vehicles.

Is installing a trailer hitch easy?

Mounting the trailer hitch receiver to the bottom rear of the vehicle is not difficult if you’re experienced at working with vehicles or around the home. You should be able to install your own trailer hitch receiver in about one hour, with another hour or so devoted to attaching the wiring harness. If the vehicle has sufficient clearance, you may be able to reach under the vehicle without elevating it.

Is it worth it to install a trailer hitch?

Most vehicle owners find that it’s worth it to install a trailer hitch. Owning or renting a utility trailer saves on hauling costs for moving, debris removal and for delivering large items like appliances and building materials to your home.

A trailer hitch also helps pull a travel trailer, adding leisure and opening up new horizons. If you decide to sell the vehicle, the trailer hitch may be a plus to some buyers. For some buyers, though, the trailer hitch may reduce the worth of the vehicle.