Trailer Hitch

So I am driving a 12x6 UHaul trailer out east this summer and am looking for some advice on hitches. Currently, my SUV is not equipped with any tow package(s).

What should I be looking for?
Should I just go to Canadian Tire and pick one up or head to a specialty store like 'The Hitch Shop'.
Can I/should I install it myself?
My vehicle is relatively new so I could just as easily let the dealer do it at my next service- although their prices are generally inflated.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Nufy]

I wouild suggest dealer as you trailer may require brakes.

If you have to add a brake controller there is a bunch of wiring involved that may or may not affect your warranty. (If you have any left....)

Or check with your dealer and see if teh specialkty shops install will affect any warranty you have. Then price compare.

Avoid CT as much as possible .

[V]

Real men do the wiring themselves...

Seriously, though, I did all my own wiring for the brake controller, lights, etc. and it was pretty easy. Apparently the Hitch Shop will charge you $400 for 5-pin wiring, I can't imagine what they'd charge for a brake controller, hitch, 7-pin, etc.

[Stillman16]

Originally Posted by Nufy

I wouild suggest dealer as you trailer may require brakes.

If you have to add a brake controller there is a bunch of wiring involved that may or may not affect your warranty. (If you have any left....)

Or check with your dealer and see if teh specialkty shops install will affect any warranty you have. Then price compare.

Avoid CT as much as possible .

Also keep in mind the dealer will likely send it out to a specailty shop to get the hitch anyway, my dad owned The Hitch Shop in Kelowna, and a lot of his business was for the dealers!

If it doesn't affect the warranty, some of the pre-built hitches aren't to hard to install, while others are very hard.

If you go a specialty shop, they can give you an estimate (tell them what you intend to tow - now and the future), and ask them how much for the parts, and how much for labour - it should give you a rough estimate of the difficulty, they may even be forthcomming with info on the difficulty.

With regards to the wiring, I think the U-hauls have a special wiring harness that only they use, so you may need an adaptor to tow their trailers $$$.

[Stillman16]

Originally Posted by V

Real men do the wiring themselves...

Seriously, though, I did all my own wiring for the brake controller, lights, etc. and it was pretty easy. Apparently the Hitch Shop will charge you $400 for 5-pin wiring, I can't imagine what they'd charge for a brake controller, hitch, 7-pin, etc.

Your right wiring CAN be easy, and how they come up with $400..... it must include the brake controller and ?????

I remember brake controllers weren't exactly cheap!

[V]

No, the $400 was only for 5 pin wiring, not 7 pin, so no brake controller involved. Basically, all you have to do for 5 pin is tap off of one of your brake lights. About 5 feet of wires and a 5 pin connector. And maybe half an hour of labour. For $400. Unbelieveable.


I can't recall which shop it was, but I thought it was the Hitch Shop. It was in the NE, near barlow and 32 Ave-ish.

[Titan]

you have to move quick though. the shops are really hard to get into and you should get it booked asap. I had uhaul do mine but it was only an ok job. check around.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Bent Wookie

So I am driving a 12x6 UHaul trailer out east this summer

I don't think you can drive a trailer. Pull one, sure!

Back in the day I had U-Haul install mine. The did a good job, but that was 16 years ago and in Winnipeg, so YMMV.

Also be sure to look at the weight you are going to be pulling; as there's different classes of hitches. So if you are thinking of getting a travel trailer in the future, you want to make sure you don't have to re-do the process.

I would be inclined to check with a specialty hitch shop. Even if you don't end up going with them, they might be able to provide you with some good advice.

[PIMking]

Rent a u haul truck so if something breaks its not your vehicle.

Plans have changed a bit and I am now buying a small utility trailer- something around 6-10 feet i would guess. I am thinking of a covered trailer but am have yet decided.

Anyone know of a good place to pick one up?