Yes, you can rent a trailer hitch from U-Haul with professional installation services included. They’ll help you choose the right hitch class based on your vehicle’s towing capacity and offer receiver tube sizes from 1-1/4″ to 3″. U-Haul provides affordable starter kits beginning at $29.95 and heavy-duty fifth wheel options up to $1,699. All installations come with a lifetime warranty and expert technicians who guarantee proper fitment. Their extensive hitch solutions extend well beyond basic rentals.
Choose the Right Hitch for Your Vehicle
Before you rent a trailer from U-Haul, you’ll need to select a hitch that matches your vehicle’s towing capacity. Five hitch classes exist, each rated for different weight capacities. Higher classes support greater towing power, so you’ll want to match the right class to your needs.
U-Haul’s hitch finder tool simplifies this process. You’ll enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model to receive hitch class recommendations tailored to your specific vehicle. The tool displays compatible options from trusted brands like Curt, Draw-Tite, B&W, and REESE. U-Haul also offers hitch balls and mounts in standard and specialty options to complete your towing setup.
Verifying your vehicle towing capacity confirms you select the appropriate hitch for your trailer size and cargo weight. Receiver tubes come in standard sizes of 1-1/4″, 2″, 2-1/2″, and 3″, with smaller tubes used for light-duty applications and larger tubes for heavy-duty towing. Receiver hitches feature a square metal receiver tube mounted to your vehicle’s frame that securely holds ball mounts or other accessories with a hitch pin. This compatibility check prevents mismatches and guarantees safe, reliable towing for your rental experience. U-Haul’s highly-skilled experts can also help with professional installation services if you prefer professional assistance rather than self-installation.
Hitch Installation Services at U-Haul
U-Haul’s hitch installation services stand out as North America’s most extensive option, with professional installers available at multiple Moving Centers across the continent. You’ll find their low cost installation process accessible and straightforward—simply reserve online, provide your vehicle information, and schedule your appointment at a convenient location.
If you’re considering DIY hitch installation, U-Haul offers that flexibility too. However, professional installation comes with significant advantages: a lifetime unlimited warranty activated for just $5, plus optional two-year wiring service coverage. Their expert technicians guarantee proper matching and secure fitting for your specific vehicle. U-Haul’s comprehensive hitch installation packages include the trailer hitch, wiring kit, and accessories needed for proper towing. Beyond hitch services, U-Haul also provides self-storage options at many locations for customers needing additional storage solutions.
Most locations operate Monday through Thursday from 7am to 7pm, with extended Friday hours until 8pm. Professional installation typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete your hitch setup. You’ll also receive complimentary towing inspections at hitch service locations, certifying your complete towing setup meets safety standards. Many rental agencies disable factory hitch receivers with locks or seals to prevent unauthorized towing and enforce their rental agreements.
Hitch Balls, Mounts, and Towing Accessories
Beyond the hitch itself, you’ll want to stock up on the right accessories to complete your towing setup. U-Haul carries corrosion resistant hitch balls in various sizes to match your coupler specifications. You’ll find adjustable hitch mounts offering flexibility for different towing heights and angles, ensuring ideal weight distribution. Proper ball mount selection based on your shank size and weight capacity is essential for safe towing operations. When choosing a mount, consider how load capacity and material durability impact your towing safety and longevity.
Additional accessories include trailer hitch pins that securely lock connections in place and coupler locks that deter theft. U-Haul also stocks trailer lights for nighttime visibility, ratchet straps for cargo containment, and protective hitch covers when not in use. The most common hitch ball size is the 2-inch ball, which is suitable for medium-duty towing applications and fits most Class 3 hitch receivers. If you’re planning to tow a trailer, you’ll need to add a Stealth brand tow wiring kit to your hitch package for proper electrical connections.
These complementary products enhance your towing safety and functionality. With brands like Curt, Draw-Tite, B&W, and REESE available across U-Haul’s extensive network, you’ll find quality accessories that match your hitch setup perfectly.
Affordable Towing Starter Kits: $29.95–$49.95
If you’re new to towing, U-Haul’s starter kits offer an economical entry point into basic towing equipment without breaking your budget. These affordable packages range from $29.95–$49.95, making them accessible for first-time towers.
The advantages of affordable starter kits include thorough hitch components bundled at competitive prices. You’ll receive essential towing equipment paired with installation options, streamlining your setup process. Proper hitch setup ensures transport safety and protects your vehicle and cargo during transit. These kits include critical components like the coupler mechanism and safety chains that must be correctly assembled.
When selecting the best starter kit, assess your towing needs carefully. Consider your tow vehicle’s capacity and the trailer size you’ll pull. Light-duty kits suit small trailers effectively, while heavier loads require upgraded options. Following proper installation procedures such as torquing bolts to manufacturer specifications ensures your hitch remains secure during operation. For RV setups or weight distribution systems, you should also adjust spring bars for level trailer frame to maintain optimal towing balance.
U-Haul’s starter kits eliminate guesswork by packaging compatible components together. This approach guarantees you acquire proper equipment efficiently, reducing confusion and additional expenses. You’ll establish a functional towing setup quickly and affordably by ensuring load distribution is even across your trailer bed.
Heavy-Duty Fifth Wheel Hitches ($279–$1,699)
For serious towing operations, fifth wheel hitches represent the gold standard in hauling capacity and stability. You’ll find options ranging from $279.95 to $1,699.00, each designed for specific vehicle platforms.
When comparing hitch compatibility, the Uhaul Custom Fit-20K accommodates Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, while the Ford Super Duty model handles up to 27,000 lbs towing capacity. Dodge Ram owners can choose between Curt and Reese OEM 20K hitches. The B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Hitch offers an alternative solution with its flip-up ball design for full bed access when not towing.
Heavy duty hitch features distinguish premium models like the B&W Companion, which includes an exclusive Talon™ Jaw grip system that eliminates lateral chucking and reduces sway. The B&W Companion’s fully articulating head with dual-jaw design delivers a smooth, quiet ride that outperforms budget competitors. The Reese M5 series incorporates a three-part modular design with industry-leading shock absorption. Fifth wheel hitches typically require a long-bed truck to prevent trailer collision with the cab during tight turns. Most popular hitch models are available for same-day pickup at U-Haul locations, allowing you to equip your vehicle quickly.
You can’t rent these hitches—they’re available for purchase only with free in-store pickup and lifetime unlimited warranty options upon professional installation.
Get Your Hitch Installed and Ready to Tow
Once you’ve selected the right hitch for your vehicle, U-Haul’s installation services make it easy to get equipped for towing. With over 1,500 installation locations across North America, you can reserve your appointment online at a convenient time. U-Haul’s hitch finder tool guarantees hitch compatibility requirements are met by matching your vehicle’s year, make, and model to appropriate options.
During installation, technicians verify your tow vehicle’s condition, checking the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and tires. They’ll confirm your trailer towing capacity aligns with your vehicle’s capabilities, protecting you from overload situations. If your vehicle is older or in poor mechanical condition, U-Haul offers truck and auto transport rental as an alternative option to protect your vehicle from the demands of towing. For heavy-duty towing needs, many locations also stock pickup trucks with receiver hitches similar to those available through commercial truck rental services. Technicians will also secure all bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure a sturdy connection before you begin towing. To guarantee proper installation, all bolts are hand-threaded first to avoid cross-threading and then torqued to the correct specifications.
You’ll also have the option to purchase a lifetime unlimited hitch warranty for just $5, covering collision, corrosion, and jackknifing. U-Haul’s wiring service plan provides additional protection for up to two years of repairs and replacements.
Lifetime Warranty and Support Coverage
Why settle for basic protection when you can secure extensive coverage for your U-Haul hitch? When you purchase and install your hitch at a U-Haul Moving Center, you’ll gain lifetime warranty eligibility that covers collision, corrosion, accidental overload, jackknifing, and vehicle theft without limitations.
However, understanding warranty plan restrictions is vital. Your lifetime coverage applies exclusively to hitches purchased through official U-Haul locations. You can complement this protection with an optional two-year wiring service plan that covers repair and replacement of your entire towing system. Proper installation using torque specifications and manufacturer guidelines ensures your warranty remains valid and your hitch performs safely.
Beyond these warranties, you’ll access SafeTrip roadside protection and additional insurance options like Safemove and Safetow. These layered coverage options guarantee comprehensive equipment protection throughout your rental, addressing every towing need you might encounter. While leaving a hitch installed on your vehicle when not actively towing poses no legal restrictions, removing or using foldable hitch designs can help minimize pedestrian safety risks and potential liability. U-Haul operates over 1,500 locations nationwide, ensuring you have convenient access to professional installation and warranty support wherever you are.
Reserve Your Hitch Online at U-Haul
You can streamline your hitch purchase and installation by reserving online through U-Haul.com, where you’ll enter your vehicle’s year, make, and model to receive an instant quote and determine the correct hitch specifications. The online purchasing process validates your towing combination compatibility automatically, ensuring you’re matched with the appropriate hitch type for your vehicle.
During reservation, you’ll receive installation timeline estimates tailored to your specific vehicle and hitch package. Most installations range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. You can choose between drop-off service, with completion by end of business day, or wait onsite for faster turnaround. All trailer rentals include unlimited miles, allowing you to travel as far as needed without additional mileage charges.
A U-Haul hitch professional will provide precise time estimates and evaluate your vehicle’s attachment points before beginning work, guaranteeing a properly fitted, ready-to-tow solution.