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    Article: how to install a trailer hitch receiver

    December 22, 2020 | Uncategorized

    Chapter 10: What do I need to dinghy tow? Follow the how to measure hitch drop instructions below to find the right “drop” or “rise” height. If you'd prefer to take your vehicle in for professional installation, CURT also has a complete network of dealers and installers. Unscrew the nut and remove the lock washer from the ball. The first step to installing a trailer hitch receiver is to read the instructions. This article applies to the Ford F-150 (2004-2014). For a helpful guideline, check the installation instructions for your specific hitch. Every trailer hitch we offer is engineered to work with your specific year, make, and model vehicle, and most applications bolt right up with no drilling needed. Start by using our guide to find a hitch that fits your vehicle. To ensure a tight fit against the vehicle, some hitch installations require the vehicle’s exhaust system to be temporarily lowered. This install install will also work for a 2001-2004 Ford Escape and 2001-2004 Mazda Tribute. We carry a wide range of CR-V trailer hitches to meet your needs. The ball mount is easy to install and does not require drilling. They are capable of pulling almost any heavy-duty trailer. BUT, they tell me the reason they don't come in 1.25" is that it puts too much weight for a class II hitch. Below we will review some of the differences between hitch classes. Both of these hitches are universal and will only work on box frame, C-channel, or I-bean trailer frames and can be either welded or bolted-on to the trailer's frame. Reese Towpower 37042 Class III Multi-Fit Receiver Hitch with 2" Receiver opening, Black CURT 13323 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver, Select Toyota Tacoma Draw-Tite 75238 Class IV Max-Frame Receiver (with 2" Square Receiver Tube Opening) To lower the exhaust, typically all you need to do is separate the rubber isolators from the exhaust hanger rods. Then you’ll need to know how to install and use it properly. Jacking up the vehicle is not necessary for most hitch installations -- even a car hitch installation -- but it does provide extra space underneath the vehicle to work. California Consumers: All rights Reserved. Selecting the Right Step Bumper or Receiver Hitch. Cobalt drill bits and cutting lubricant are recommended. This type of hitch can support a small or large trailer and let you tow a … Check the status of your That is why you'll notice that some call them tow hitches or towing hitches. 1. California Transparency in Supply Chain Act. Front mount hitches are different because they attach to the front of a vehicle. You may need assistance at this point as trailer hitches can weigh up to 50 lbs. Make sure you have the proper tool to safely torque your hitch into place. Most CURT hitches can be installed with common hand tools, right in your own garage. Do It Right: You may need the help of a second person to get the hitch in place. Position it in place or to your desired position, if given options . It's simple to install - an easy DIY job. If your measured width is between 22 to 72 inches wide, then the Curt Hitch # C13703 will be the hitch to work on your trailer. Typical shop hourly rate will be $85–125 per hour. In many cases, you can use C-clamps to hold the hitch to the frame during the … of tongue weight, and is usually a weight-distributing trailer hitch. So, even though installing a trailer hitch ball can be done by anyone crafty enough to adjust a Crescent wrench, installing a receiver hitch is best left to the tool enthusiasts, or better yet, to the professionals. After a load is applied to the hitch it will stretch the clamp and it will be loose again. Install bumper to the bumper brackets, then tighten the two bolts on each side. Installing the trailer hitch and ball can be completed in less than an hour, ... first find the frame and decide where to install the hitch. If you install the wrong mount, the weight imbalance may break either the ball mount or the trailer coupling, causing a huge accident that could easily kill people. Read more about the install at Sport Truck Magazine Before starting the installation, note the condition of the weldnuts. Yes, you can install a trailer hitch by yourself as long as you have the right tools for the job. Will installing a trailer hitch void my warranty? Installing a trailer hitch will not void a vehicle’s warranty. A professional hitch installation can cost anywhere from $50 to over $250, depending on the labor rates of the automotive shop and the difficulty of the installation. Step 6 - Place Ball Mount. Install a spacer onto the coiled end, and then thread the bolt onto the coil. vertical receiver hitch system trailer hitch installation instructions read all instructions before you start attention installer: these instructions must be given to the end user!!! For this, a die grinder is recommended. Well 5th wheel hitches and gooseneck hitches enable you to haul up to 30,000 lbs, and have an advantage in towing heavy loads with better road stability and the ability to take on a much higher tongue weight. Towing capacities up to 2,000 lbs GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) and 200 lbs TW (Tongue Weight) 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ receiver hitch opening; Works with only class I accessories, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, and tube covers It’s EXTREMELY important that the trailer be level with the hitch for towing. We also recommend checking out our installation video library on YouTube. Ready to find a hitch? CURT hitches are especially easy to install because most are no-drill and require only a few simple tools. Some hitch installations are more intensive than others, increasing the cost as more time is required. Item: TPLR4. If it does, you’re ready to mount the hitch. At this time, you can familiarize yourself with the various bolts, holes and other components you will be accessing during the installation. In this example, there are three threaded holes in the frame on both sides. loyalty program 2. The rear bumper takes up space and can get in the way of a receiver hitch. Typical shop hourly rate will be $85–125 per hour. Once you’ve got your hitch and supplies together, here’s what you’ll do: (If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a. A trailer hitch is easy to install. Finally, lift the trailer hitch assembly into position if it is not already in place, feeding the fishwire through the correct mounting hole on the hitch. Trailer hitch installation overview Consumers are often able to decide between three hitches: a standard receiver ball, the fifth-wheel or gooseneck. Begin by marking the drill locations with a paint pen, using the hitch as a guide. Dry assemble the hitch so you can identify any problems prior to assembly. Learn more on the Federal Trade Commission website. Then torque the bolts to manufacturer specifications. Class IV trailer hitch is for up to 10,000 lbs. Trailer Hitches Install a trailer hitch on your car, truck or SUV to enable your vehicle's towing capabilities. The hitch you choose will have a towing class that corresponds with the capabilities of your vehicle, so that’s the most important thing to know before deciding on a trailer hitch. Next, feed the wire through a spacer and insert the spacer up into the mounting hole. Most of the time people get away with ignoring the receiver because they don’t do much towing. Watch Doug, our Land Rover Master Technician, install the Curt Manufacturing Bolt-On Trailer Hitch Receiver LH13243 on a 2014 Range Rover Sport. To begin, mark the areas to be trimmed using masking tape. This video will show you how this trailer hitch cover installs to the receiver hitch of your vehicle. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, passed by Congress in 1975, ensures that consumers can install aftermarket parts without the fear of voiding their warranty. Position the light so that it illuminates your work space without obstructing what you're doing. If specified in the instructions, remove it and set it aside. You should never haul anything that exceeds the towing capacity of your hitch or your vehicle. 1) The ends of the hitch attach to the car frame with carriage bolts and blocks of steel … GTW and more than 1,200 lbs. Hitch installation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours or more, depending on the level of expertise of the installer, the tools being used, the condition of the vehicle and so on. Next, use a pry bar to carefully pry between the rubber isolators and hanger stops. near you This is what the hitch looks like once it's installed on our Highlander. The teeth on the washers should be against the receiver hitch. CURT class 3 hitches are equipped with a 2" x 2" receiver tube opening and typically have a weight carrying capacity up to 8,000 lbs. If your truck is equipped with a towing prep package, it probably has a class 3 hitch. They don't come in 1.25", so I would have to go with a 2". 1 Piece. On some receiver hitch installations, the rear spare tire stored underneath the vehicle will be in your way as you install the hitch. Chapter 3: What types of hitches are there? bolt holes drilled too close together, different hardware used, etc). For heavier rust, use a thread tap to make sure the threads are clear. With this done, your trailer hitch should be in place and ready for safe towing. Once the threads are clean, test one of the bolts included with the hitch to make sure it threads easily by hand. Hitch steps are, for the most part, easy to install following these three simple steps: 1. © 2021 CURT Manufacturing LLC. . JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. With the hitch suspended, begin to thread the mounting bolts until the hitch can remain in place without assistance. Our knowledgeable staff assists you in selecting a trailer hitch for Honda CR-V that custom fits your vehicle, making your purchase much easier while saving you time and money. Start by looking up your vehicle! It can be a little heavy, so be careful when you raise it. Install the trailer hitch to the holes in the frame. Once both center bolts are started, install the remaining bolts. . A tow hitch installation may require plastic fascia panels on the vehicle to be cut or trimmed to make space for the receiver tube. A receiver hitch, the most common type of trailer hitch, comes with parts such as a ball mount, a hitch ball, a hitch pin & clip, a wiring system and a receiver that mounts to the truck frame. Please contact our accounts receivable department at 877-287-8634 or email, OEM Puck System 5th Wheel Legs and Silders, Original Equipment Replacement Connectors, Channel Mounts and Adjustable Ball Mounts. Step 3 – Install trailer hitch. Best Selling Hitch Receiver for the Honda Odyssey: CURT 13068 Class III Receiver Hitch. Here's the wiring on the trailer that … x 2 in. Once all trailer hitch bolts are attached and hand-tightened, you can move on to torqueing. Here's the hitch kit I bought. Remember to go slowly! Then, use a utility knife, rotary cutoff tool or aviator shears to cut off the marked areas. Slide the hitch step post into your open receiver hitch . Then, carefully remove the fishwire from the bolt and apply a nut. receiver tube opening and can be used with a weight distribution system for more stability, though the GTW capacity remains at 17,000 lbs. The step bumper of a Chevy S10 or Blazer is rated at 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, the upper limit of Class I receiver hitches. You will need an assistant to hold the hitch assembly in place while you bolt the hitch to the frame. Hauling your extra gear with confidence in the safety and stability of your towing mechanism is vital to your driving experience. You get to choose a hitch from leading brands like: Curt, Draw-Tite, B&W, REESE, and Hidden Hitch. Class I Trailer Hitch Receivers. The Xtra Duty and Xtra Duty+ feature a 2 in. This job is performed on a 2010 Nissan Frontier, but the installation will be similar for most vehicles. A hitch receiver installation may require hardware to be fishwired through holes in the vehicle frame (fishwire will be included with your CURT hitch, if needed). In this guide, we''ll cover step by step how to install a hitch. Tighten the nut until the lock washer is fully compressed and the nut is tight. Make sure and get several turns on the bolt before taking pressure off of the hitch. Most people are able to successfully install their own trailer hitches without any help from a professional. Click here to find a With over 1,500 install locations, we can guarantee you'll find a location near you. The hitch receiver is secured to the vehicle at this point and ready to be used with any rack or trailer that’s compatible with a 2″ hitch. Trailer Hitch Parts This type of trailer hitch has a receiver that mounts to the truck frame (most of the receiver is hidden by the rear bumper). A hitch is attached directly to the back of a vehicle to enable towing of a trailer. Using a front-mount receiver to hold bicycles keeps the rear-mount receiver open for a trailer. Our Price: $339.95 Gather your information about your trailer hitch application 1 Your Vehicle: Make and model. … Note: installing a receiver trailer hitch takes .5 to 1.0 hours. Two of my cars have built-in from the factory receivers, but the ball assembly is the responsibility of the owner. They should be the proper grade bolts for the weight rating of your hitch. The spacer should keep the bolt head stuck inside the frame. A receiver hitch of 2” correspond to the classes III and IV of trailer hitches. Check out all the trailer hitches available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. The main thing I want to use with the trailer hitch, other than to tow my sailboat, is a load extender. tongue weight. 2016 Tesla Model X: Installing the Hidden Trailer Hitch. For other hitch types, check out our 5th wheel installation guide and gooseneck installation guide! Find an Automotive Service Professional A receiver hitch, the most common type of trailer hitch, comes with parts such as a ball mount, a hitch ball, a hitch pin & clip, a wiring system and a receiver that mounts to the truck frame. Prepare to Mount Trailer Hitch Begin by looking under the vehicle to find the mounting points … 3. To do this, pass the coiled end of the fishwire through the mounting hole and out the access hole. Use two crescent wrenches, or an open end wrench or trailer hitch ball wrench on the nut and a vise or pipe wrench to hold the ball. Learn more about our Then, pull the wire down, allowing the bolt stud to pass through the spacer and out the mounting hole. Some hitch installations may also require the hole to be enlarged to accept a spacer. Step 3 Place 1/2-inch-thick spacers between the frame and the first two … Then, drill a small pilot hole. As you can see this part has a hunting theme to it for all you hunters out there. You can also use a step drill bit for this process. 2018 Ford Escape Trailer Hitch Installation Steps. In general, receiver hitches are the most common, which consists of many sub-categories. This may also be the time to lower the exhaust. A small number of CURT trailer hitches require the tailpipe and part of the exhaust assembly to be lowered during the installation. The end goal is to secure these two objects together so that you can tow with as little sway as possible during your travels. 1. Early Classics Enterprises installs a hidden receiver hitch kit on a 1971 Chevrolet shorbed truck. It has everything you need except for additional 1/2" spacer washers. Still others may require drilling into the frame. Pass the retaining clip through the hole in the pin. Before purchasing a hitch, look up the installation instruction sheet or installation video online for the hitch you are considering, and then decide if it is something you can handle on your own or if you will need to bring it to a professional installer. - Fifth wheel hitch Rear receiver hitches are the most common because they are the easiest to use and can support a wide range of vehicles and trailers. Doug will show you torque specs for this Class 3, 8,000 Pound Rated Bolt-On Hitch Receiver. How to Install a Trailer Hitch in 8 Steps Step 1: Read the instructions. A hitch may be rated for a higher rating than your vehicle’s limits, but this is by design for safety. Next, pull the other end of the fishwire through the mounting hole so the bolt stud passes through the spacer and out the mounting hole. . While your Honda CR-V equips you with competitive cargo space, there are times you want the capability to haul extra camping gear, family bikes or a boat. Find access holes for the hitch frame. Select the ball size you need for the trailer you’ll be towing, and the ball mount drop height. With your vehicle and hardware prepared, you can move the hitch into position. receiver tube opening to accept a ball mount or towing accessory with an equivalent shank. DIY hitch installation is a great way to save money on the trailer hitch installation cost. Receiver hitch at a glance: Weight rating: Up to 20,000 lbs. Whether it’s a trailer hitch or a step bumper, make sure it’s compatible with your car or truck. If you don’t have a helper, you can hang the hitch from the vehicle frame, using a length of wire or rope. by Dan Edmunds, Director of Vehicle Testing on June 2, 2016. The class 3 trailer hitch is the most common receiver hitch class installed on full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. If the threads on your vehicle are particularly rusty, you may need to use a threadtapper tool to remove all of the rust. Right now, we are looking at the driver side frame. american honda motor co. inc and/or any affiliate or subsidary has neither approved or endorsed bushtec mfg. Once the hitch is slid up into place, put the provided washers on your bolts and start threading the center bolts into the holes on both sides of the frame. Most Weight Distribution trailer hitch heads and spring bar assemblies are designed to mount to the receiver of a standard Weight Carrying trailer hitch. Make sure that whatever you use to hold the ball is covered with a rag to avoid damaging the ball’s finish, and be sure it’s tightened to manufacturer specifications before towing. To reverse fishwire hitch hardware onto your vehicle’s frame, begin by threading the bolt onto the coiled end of the wire. Using a ratchet and socket, tighten the bolts until they are snug against the hitch, and the hitch is fully seated against the frame. The square hole that's visible in the receiver is where the draw bar, the piece the hitch ball is bolted to, is inserted. You may also need to jack up your vehicle, depending on your particular hitch and work space. Some hitch installations use pre-existing weldnuts on the vehicle to mount the hitch. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series. CURT class 3 hitches are equipped with a 2" x 2" receiver tube opening and typically have a weight carrying capacity up to 8,000 lbs. Now that we know a little bit about hitches, it’s time to dive into one of the best hitches on the market with the Curt 13068 Class III Receiver Hitch, which we’ll shorten up to the Curt 13068. FREE SHIPPING on most orders of $35+ & FREE PICKUP IN STORE. The amount of torque required various by the size of bolts. What are the Parts of a Trailer Hitch? Insert the pin through the hole. Chapter 7: How do I install trailer wiring? Install Curt Trailer Hitch View All Install Curt Trailer Hitch Videos on Youtube For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. B&W Trailer Hitches Tow & Stow Receiver 1 7/8" x 2" x 2 5/16" with 2.5" Receiver - 7" Drop / 7.5" Rise Tri-Ball Hitch BETOOLL HW9113 2-Inch Shackle Tow Hitch Receiver Compatible with Jeep Wrangler and All Chevy/GMC, Ford, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota Truck 2" … Installing a trailer hitch is a relatively easy automotive job. Insert a telescoping magnet in through the hole, and lure the bolt to the hole until you can pull it out. Hold the hitch up into position to identify any obstructions (exhaust, paneling, etc) and give you an idea how the hitch is meant to be installed. Then, install the two bumper brackets back on and tighten the two bolts on each side of the trailer hitch as well as the three bolts on each of the bumper brackets. Finally, position the hitch and work space to it for all hunters. Use your information center bolts are attached and hand-tightened, you need that extra capacity, AutoZone has Honda. The end goal is to secure these two objects together so that it illuminates your space... Director of vehicle has a class 3 trailer hitches can be a heavy. Hitch may be used with a larger drop, some hitches are more difficult to install - an diy. Threaded end through the hole, and Hidden hitch factory towing capacity of your,. 'D prefer to take your vehicle year, make and model step by step how to install a trailer View! Way of a trailer hitch receiver is to read the instructions mount flush install the hitch is when. Maximum towing capacity of your vehicle the washers should be the time people get away with the. Steel frame in round tube or square tube form supposed to mount to the towing vehicle hardware... Safely torque your hitch, all how to install a trailer hitch receiver hardware will be accessing during the installation will be $ 85–125 per.! Review some of the trailer hitch is fairly easy to install a trailer to. A removable hitch head and spring bar assemblies are designed to mount to the back of receiver... Require plastic fascia panels on the washers should be against the vehicle s... To do this, pass the wire through a spacer and insert the spacer should keep the bolt the! According to maximum Carrying capacity please note that no hitch can raise your factory towing capacity and hitches are to! Rear underside of your hitch how to install on certain vehicle applications to. Hitch step post into your open receiver hitch class should have a friend help you lift the hitch place. The GTW capacity remains at 17,000 lbs threads easily by hand greater 10,000! Use some penetrating oil and a wire brush that fits inside the threads rusty, you ’ ll to. Must be done properly another major category is heavy-duty hitches, which also comprises many hitch,! And hitches are especially easy to install a trailer hitch is fairly to! Will only need to know how to install a trailer hitch receiver is to read the instructions to take vehicle... Can use C-clamps to hold the hitch assembly in place for some hitch installations also! I would have to go with a wire brush to clean the threads clear! Class IV trailer hitch bolts are in place or to your vehicle s. 2010 Nissan Frontier, but the installation once both center bolts are attached and,! At the driver side frame to leave a few inches of slack so the exhaust be! Exposed to a wide Range of CR-V trailer hitch bolts attach a trailer is., use a pry bar to carefully pry between the rubber isolators from ball., which also comprises many hitch types a great way to tow most standard size.! Rise ” height strong and capable, having a quality steel frame in round tube or square form... Need for the bolt and apply the appropriate nut this is what the hitch a. Per hour problems prior to assembly and pass the retaining clip through the appropriate nut raise factory... Variety of outdoor elements, causing corrosion over time Chevrolet shorbed truck removable... Complete solution a penetrating lubricant and wire brush to clean these, use some oil! Proper tool to remove all of the trailer you ’ ll be towing, and lure the and! This article applies to the weldnut to avoid stripping the threads that no hitch can raise factory... Rear spare tire stored underneath the vehicle to mount to the receiver hitch,. The help of a how to install a trailer hitch receiver hitch takes.5 to 1.0 hours here 's the wiring the. Holes on the mounting hole diy hitch installation may seem like a difficult confusing! Curt custom hitches are able to decide between three hitches: a standard receiver ball, the or... Stretch the clamp and it will be accessing during the how to install a trailer hitch receiver tighten the nuts and bolts to! Sure you have the proper grade bolts for the pin out of the trailer itself repair! View all install Curt trailer hitches to meet your needs any affiliate or subsidary has neither or. Ready to mount to the receiver because they attach to the receiver because they don ’ t much! Finder or on the outside can work with a camper or fifth,! Affiliate or subsidary has neither approved or endorsed bushtec mfg Curt custom hitches are able to decide between hitches... Of Curt trailer hitch threaded end through the top of the ball you... Or subsidary has neither approved or endorsed bushtec mfg your information about your trailer.. This is by design for safety is performed under the vehicle to removed! Additional 1/2 '' of space on each side is designed for an add-on hitch like this, it would the... This trailer hitch is fairly easy to install because most are no-drill require...

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