Quick Answer
U-Haul installs trailer hitches at most of its company-owned locations, using mainly CURT and Draw-Tite hitches matched to your vehicle. Expect the total for a Class 3 hitch, basic 4-flat wiring and installation to run roughly $300–$600 depending on the vehicle, with the hitch itself usually $150–$300 and labor around $100–$200. Installation takes about one to two hours, you book online with your vehicle’s year, make and model, and U-Haul backs the install with a lifetime unlimited warranty on the hitch and labor for as long as you own the vehicle. The convenience is real; the price is competitive with independent shops and cheaper than most dealers.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul installs CURT, Draw-Tite and its own-branded hitches, Class 1–5, at company-owned centers.
- Typical all-in cost for a Class 3 hitch with wiring: about $300–$600; sedans and crossovers at the low end, trucks and SUVs needing fascia work at the high end.
- Book online: enter the vehicle, pick the hitch and wiring, choose a location and time.
- Lifetime unlimited warranty on the hitch and installation for the original owner.
- Add-ons: ball mounts, balls, locks, 7-way wiring and brake controllers are available at the counter.
- Hitch-only purchase for DIY is possible; U-Haul will sell the parts without installation.
U-Haul is the most common answer to ‘where can I get a hitch installed’ because its locations are everywhere and the process is booked online in a few minutes. The company sells and installs mainstream hitch brands and adds a warranty that most independent shops cannot match. This guide explains what U-Haul charges, how the booking and installation work, what the warranty covers, the extras you may need, and when a dealer or a DIY install makes more sense.
What U-Haul Hitch Installation Costs
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1–2 hitch (cars, small crossovers) | $120–$250 | CURT, Draw-Tite or U-Haul brand |
| Class 3 hitch (SUVs, minivans, half-ton trucks) | $150–$350 | 2-inch receiver |
| Class 4–5 hitch (full-size trucks) | $250–$450 | Often factory-equipped already |
| Hitch installation labor | $100–$200 | Higher where exhaust lowering or fascia trimming is needed |
| 4-flat wiring kit and install | $60–$150 | Plug-in on most vehicles |
| 7-way wiring and brake controller | $150–$400+ | For trailers with electric brakes |
| Ball mount, ball, pin and lock | $30–$120 | Chosen by trailer coupler size and drop |
| Typical total, Class 3 with 4-flat wiring | $300–$600 | Vehicle-dependent |
Prices vary by region and vehicle; U-Haul’s online quote for your exact vehicle is the figure to rely on.
How the Process Works
- On U-Haul’s hitch page, enter your vehicle’s year, make, model and body style.
- Choose from the hitches shown (the class options available for the vehicle) and add wiring if needed.
- Select a nearby company-owned location and an appointment slot; not every U-Haul dealer installs hitches, so the booking tool only shows those that do.
- Pay online or at the counter. Parts are ordered to the store if not in stock.
- Arrive at the appointment; installation takes roughly one to two hours, longer for wiring on some vehicles.
- The technician tests the wiring with a trailer tester and reviews the warranty before you leave.
The Warranty
U-Haul’s hitch installation comes with a lifetime unlimited warranty covering the hitch and the installation labor for as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle, including defects and installation problems. Wiring is typically covered for one year. It is one of the strongest hitch warranties available and the main reason to choose U-Haul over a cheaper independent installer. Keep the receipt; the warranty is tied to the customer and vehicle in U-Haul’s system.
Which Hitches U-Haul Installs
U-Haul’s catalog draws on CURT and Draw-Tite, two of the largest US manufacturers, plus hitches sold under U-Haul’s own name that are made by the same suppliers. All meet the SAE J684 standard and carry Class 1 through Class 5 ratings. The online tool shows only hitches confirmed to fit your vehicle, which removes the guesswork of ordering a part number yourself. U-Haul does not install hidden or custom hitches such as Stealth, and it does not usually install gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches.
U-Haul vs Dealer vs DIY vs Independent Shop
Dealer: uses the factory hitch, which is integrated and sometimes required to keep certain trailer features (for example, trailer sway control programming), but often costs $600–$1,200 and may need an appointment weeks out.
Independent shop or truck accessory store: similar parts and prices to U-Haul, sometimes lower labor, with varying warranties and more experience on heavy-duty trucks.
DIY: buy a CURT or Draw-Tite online for $120–$300 and install in one to two hours with hand tools, a torque wrench and a jack; saves the labor but you own any mistakes and get the manufacturer’s warranty only.
U-Haul: middle of the price range with the best warranty and the simplest booking. It is the right choice for most car and SUV owners who want it done without research.
Tips Before You Book
- Decide what you will tow or carry so you pick the correct class and wiring; a bike rack needs only a Class 1 or 2 and no wiring.
- Ask whether the hitch requires trimming the rear fascia on your vehicle; the quote notes it, and you may prefer a different hitch that avoids it.
- Bring the trailer coupler size if you also need a ball mount and ball.
- Check the appointment includes wiring testing; some vehicles need a converter module for LED tail lights.
- Confirm your vehicle’s tow rating from the owner’s manual; U-Haul installs the hitch but the vehicle sets the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does U-Haul charge to install a trailer hitch?
Labor is typically $100–$200, and the total with a Class 3 hitch and basic wiring is usually $300–$600 depending on the vehicle. Use U-Haul’s online tool for a quote on your exact model.
How long does U-Haul hitch installation take?
About one to two hours for the hitch, plus extra time for wiring on some vehicles. Most installs are done the same day as the appointment.
What brand of hitch does U-Haul use?
Mainly CURT and Draw-Tite, plus U-Haul-branded hitches made by the same suppliers. All are Class 1–5 hitches built to the SAE J684 standard.
Does U-Haul hitch installation have a warranty?
Yes, a lifetime unlimited warranty on the hitch and installation for as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle. Wiring is usually warranted for one year.
Can I buy a hitch from U-Haul and install it myself?
Yes. U-Haul sells hitches, wiring and accessories without installation, though the lifetime install warranty applies only to hitches U-Haul installs.
Conclusion
U-Haul hitch installation is a straightforward, mid-priced option with the strongest warranty in the business: a mainstream CURT or Draw-Tite hitch, plug-in wiring, an hour or two in the bay and a lifetime guarantee for roughly $300–$600 on most vehicles. Dealers cost more, DIY costs less, and independent shops land close; for most people who just want a hitch that works and is backed, U-Haul is the sensible place to book.
