Trailer hitch and places to buy, etc.? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Sittler · 10-23-2007, 06:10 AM

Has anyone one here pulled a U-Haul (such a dirty word) trailer or something similar? I'm actually open to other options as I'd love to avoid U-Haul at all costs. However, I need to do an out-of-town move (a minor one) and figured getting a hitch thrown on my V6 4-Runner would do the job for less effort.

I see U-Haul will install a hitch for you, but due to my past record with them as well as with other friends I, as mentioned above, would really like to steer clear of them. I'm uncertain they'd be the best ones to install said hitch. I was going to check out some places like the Hitch Warehouse, etc. to compare prices. Would all I need to pull such a trailer be a Class 3 or higher hitch? I'm assuming that the trailer would come with the lights, breaks and just need hooked up to the hitch.

I'm going to give U-Haul a call this morning and see what they have to say about requirements, etc., but if anyone else has any other recommendations, do's and don't's, etc. then please share.

Rathji · 10-23-2007, 06:35 AM

Hitch Shop ( Also called Lovemycar at thier North shop) did all our hitches for our company trucks.

ken0042 · 10-23-2007, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sittler

I'm assuming that the trailer would come with the lights, breaks and just need hooked up to the hitch.

You don't need brakes; they only slow you down.

Seriously, any U-Haul trailer I've pulled didn't have brakes on it.

I had U-Haul install my last hitch and they did a good job, but that was in 1991 in Winnipeg, so may be different now.

Ironhorse · 10-23-2007, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rathji

Hitch Shop ( Also called Lovemycar at thier North shop) did all our hitches for our company trucks.

There is also a location on 42nd Ave SE. I would recommend them, very good service.

What kind of trailer are you pulling? Under 2,000# total weight, brakes are not required. Above that, you'll end up with a trailer with electric brakes, which will also necessitate a brake controller installed in your vehicle. A basic class II or class III hitch should come with a 4 pin connector that powers the trailer's lights.

Sittler · 10-23-2007, 08:54 AM

Thanks for all the info, guys.

Fotze, I definitely could use my hitch de-chromed, but I think I'll pass if the person whose name begins with K is a dude.

Ironhorse, I'm hoping the Runner can pull the 6x12 (http://www.uhaul.com/guide/index.asp...t=trailer-6x12) from U-Haul or at the very least the 5x10 (http://www.uhaul.com/guide/index.asp...t=trailer-5x10).

I would imagine then that with the 6x12 I'd need the breaks at the empty weight alone is 1,800 lbs... Does anyone know of anyone else who also rents trailers similar? I know from experience, personal and otherwise, you can often set something up with UHaul and then get F-ed over when you go to pick it up. I want the move to be as stress free as possible and would rather pay a few extra bux for it.

ken0042 · 10-23-2007, 08:59 AM

For 5X10 vs 6X12- keep in mind the width of your vehicle between your mirrors. The 6 foot wide one would need extended mirrors of some sort.

Ideal Rentals (Centre St and 17th ave S) used to have trailers, but their site now just shows party rentals. Maybe give them a call- even if they are out of the trailer business they might be able to point you in the right direction.

Also give Budget a call. They have trucks; they might have trailers; or at the very least be able to help you out.

Ironhorse · 10-23-2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sittler

Ironhorse, I'm hoping the Runner can pull the 6x12 (http://www.uhaul.com/guide/index.asp...t=trailer-6x12) from U-Haul or at the very least the 5x10 (http://www.uhaul.com/guide/index.asp...t=trailer-5x10).

I would imagine then that with the 6x12 I'd need the breaks at the empty weight alone is 1,800 lbs... Does anyone know of anyone else who also rents trailers similar? I know from experience, personal and otherwise, you can often set something up with UHaul and then get F-ed over when you go to pick it up. I want the move to be as stress free as possible and would rather pay a few extra bux for it.

All U-haul trailers have surge brakes. This means that when you apply the brakes and slow down in your truck, the trailer (still going faster), will push against a spring on its front A-frame that will activate its brakes (provided they are working

). You will feel this surge every time, and this is not ideal in emergency maneuvers. The only good thing with the U-Hauls is that you don't need to install a brake controller.

You will need to check the manual of your 4-Runner to see what its towing capacity is. I also recommend that you tow with the overdrive turned off if you're getting into the 3,000#+ range; much easier on your transmission.

I know that Airdrie Trailer Sales rent trailers, but they'll be more expensive than U-Haul. You also may need a brake controller with their trailers if you over the 2,000# GVW limit.

Brick · 10-23-2007, 05:24 PM

I had an Equalizer Hitch and Prodigy Brake Controller installed on my truck at Calgary Hitch Shop, 464-42 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G1Y5 on May 17/07. (It was heading into the May long weekend and it was busy. After I paid for it, I found that the Brake Controller wasn't installed so the tech whipped
my truck back in and quickly did it. (My total bill was $1,383.45) The first time for me to use it was when I picked up my new boat & trailer in Prince George, BC, on June 23/07. We started out from the boat dealer and once we started going down hills, the boat was pushing my truck as the brake controller was not working properly. We pulled into Chemo RV in Williams
Lake, BC. It was closing time and the techs had gone home but the gentleman at the door agreed to take a look. He couldn't get it to work properly either so he changed it out for a Tekonsha P3 that has worked well ever since. Attaboy to Chemo RV for getting us back on the road! However, this cost me an additional $282.45 so I called the Hitch Shop and talked to 'Bob', who said to only deal with him. He said to return the controller in the box back to him which I did by Canada Post and it was signed for as delivered. I asked for a credit
back to my Visa for the Prodigy Brake Controller ($235.40) that was defective and returned along with a letter dated July 16/07. I never received any credit to my Visa or any response whatsoever. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and they made several attempts to contact the Calgary Hitch Shop and also received no response. I bring this to everyone's attention as I am a good customer and even brought a friend in the same day to purchase an Equalizer Hitch. They obviously do not look after their customers.(There are also other Better Business Bureau complaints on file that they have not responded to!) It would be nice if someone refunded my money as a goodwill gesture as I am a pensioner on a
reduced income. It doesn't look as if this is going to happen. So, I would like to warn would be customers of The Calgary Hitch Shop: BUYER BEWARE!!!!

alltherage · 10-23-2007, 05:27 PM

What's up with that font? And why do we have two hitch threads in one day? Of all things, hitches!?

Anyway, this is a fata I think, because it comments on where to buy hitches.

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=49076

Mod edit- agreed. Threads merged.

DAN0383 · 10-23-2007, 07:18 PM

Try Princess Auto, another good place to try would be Elite RV And Trailer's up on Meridian RD NE, what exactly are you hauling?

BsFaninCGY · 08-15-2016, 10:14 AM

Old thread bump alert!

Looking to get a hitch installed on my 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

I've never towed anything before and couldn't be more clueless on the subject. I do know that my Jeep is rated to tow 3500lbs max and that the things I imagine pulling are rented Sea-doos, ATV's, Ski-doo's, a Pop-up tent trailer, a utility trailer, a U-haul moving trailer or mounting a bike rack or metal basket for extra storage.

With that in mind, I'm wondering about hitches and where to get one. Preliminary googling tells me they can be bolted on or welded on. Wondering what is recommended and where is an affordable yet quality place to go in Calgary (with quality having more importance). Thanks in advance.

llwhiteoutll · 08-15-2016, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BsFaninCGY

Old thread bump alert!

Looking to get a hitch installed on my 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

I've never towed anything before and couldn't be more clueless on the subject. I do know that my Jeep is rated to tow 3500lbs max and that the things I imagine pulling are rented Sea-doos, ATV's, Ski-doo's, a Pop-up tent trailer, a utility trailer, a U-haul moving trailer or mounting a bike rack or metal basket for extra storage.

With that in mind, I'm wondering about hitches and where to get one. Preliminary googling tells me they can be bolted on or welded on. Wondering what is recommended and where is an affordable yet quality place to go in Calgary (with quality having more importance). Thanks in advance.

Double check to make sure you have the 3.73 or 4.10 gears. If you have the 3.21, then the max is 1,000 lbs.

Bolting the hitch onto a JK is dead simple, but it online and install it yourself. Shouldn't be more than $150 online and an hour of your time.

BsFaninCGY · 08-15-2016, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llwhiteoutll

Double check to make sure you have the 3.73 or 4.10 gears. If you have the 3.21, then the max is 1,000 lbs.

Bolting the hitch onto a JK is dead simple, but it online and install it yourself. Shouldn't be more than $150 online and an hour of your time.

I was considering doing it myself, and with a little YouTube help I think I can manage.

As for the gears, the pic attached is all it really says about my Jeep (that I can see). I have the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. Where might I confirm this?

KelVarnsen · 08-15-2016, 10:31 PM

Nearly a 9 year old bump, impressive.

Ironhorse · 08-15-2016, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BsFaninCGY

I was considering doing it myself, and with a little YouTube help I think I can manage.

As for the gears, the pic attached is all it really says about my Jeep (that I can see). I have the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. Where might I confirm this?

Judging from the towing capacities and the fuel mileage numbers, I'd say the Unlimited series all come with the taller gearing.

Fuzz · 08-16-2016, 06:06 AM

Check in the glove box for a sticker. It might tell you what rear end is in it. My Chevy does, anyway.

Ace · 08-16-2016, 08:11 AM

I'd get all hitch work done at Standens. Big commercial outfit, and had no idea they'd work on small consumer stuff until I saw them at an RV show a few years ago.

btimbit · 08-17-2016, 06:31 AM

Standens for sure. Avoid, avoid avoid the hitch shop or U-Haul at all costs

llwhiteoutll · 08-17-2016, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BsFaninCGY

I was considering doing it myself, and with a little YouTube help I think I can manage.

As for the gears, the pic attached is all it really says about my Jeep (that I can see). I have the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. Where might I confirm this?

There will be a little metal tag on the diff that has the ratio on it. Or you can have the dealer run the VIN for you