How are u-haul hitches? (2024)

Anyone have experience with the U-haul class-iii hitch? It seems pretty reasonably priced. I have a 2009 Tacoma Prerunner SR5 V6 on order, figuring to add a hitch myself. No plans for heavy towing, just occasional small stuff, under 2000 lbs. Vehicle will be garaged.

Welcome to the site.

How much are they asking for it?

I recall the web price being around $160.00, not including accessories. Bare price, not installed.

edit - checked again, it was quite a bit lower.
Hitches for a 2009 Toyota Tacoma

Hitch# Type ClassMax weight Max distribution weight Finish Price 78279 Round Tube Rec. 3 5000 6000 Black $119.95

toyotas towing package FTW. Transmission cooler comes with it. Not to mention everything is installed.

I have seen them cheaper.
http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/126.html

Thanks for the links. It seems the low end is around $120. Toyota's package, including tranny cooler, was many $hundreds higher. Not a bad price, but I work cheaper on weekends than they do.

I recall hearing that u-haul offered a pretty inexpensive "lifetime" guarrantee. Any thoughts about square vs round tubing in the construction?

i was all set to put one on my 96, but the company I originally had put a hitch on my truck took it off and put the one i wanted on.

I wouldnt think twice about putting one on, unless you do alot of heavy towing. Then it would be wise to get the towing package

My thought are this, and I believe you will find this a lot:

All hitches have to be made to a standard (or class). The class in which they fall designates the weight load (I am sure you already know this). Therefore, the construction and materials all have to meet the same rating/standards. To me, it doesn't matter what it is made of (square vs round) because of the previous stated reason. I will personally look for easy of installation in this case. I would look to buy a vehicle specific hitch that doesn't not require drilling at a competitive price.

Just MHO

I have the U-Haul hitch you are asking about. It was $120+tax and the harness which I believe I got for $40 is simple plug and play, I spent less than $200 for everything.
The hitch is fairly easy to install with a little help and the proper tools or uhaul will install. I did the install myself, so I don't know what they charge.
I rarely tow and when I do it is maybe 2000lbs. I haven't had a problem with the hitch and I like how it tucks under the truck so it is not as visable as some others.
Lifetime warranty is $5 with installation.

Can't speak for the u-haul hitch. I got the towing package from Toyota, haven't used it yet but soon enough.

I have the Uhaul hitch. It has the round tubes that lead to the frame, but don't hang down low. Tucked out of the way better than the other brands. It's actually manufactured by Valley. Comes with clear instructions. Installs in about 20 mins. It has 6 points of attachment (bolts).
The wiring kit is best bought from Toyota, (IMO) as it adds 1 relay, 1 module, and 2 circuits. Expensive, but not a bad deal considering it's the only one that won't have questions asked if you have (warrantable) electrical problems in the future. The kit Uhaul tried to sell me was much cheaper up front, for a reason. The toyota kit runs from the module in the kick panel, all the way to the back.

Update- I received the Valley hitch from U-Haul ($120) today, and installed it with no problems. Shipped from Dallas the day after I ordered it, got here in 2 days via Fedex ground. I expected a Class-III, but was sent a Class-IV. Fit was excellent. I'll get the wiring kit from Toyota ($104 quoted by phone) and install it this weekend. Thanks to all for the guidance.

I did this.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370104329480&viewitem=

You don't need the wiring from Toyota, you can get it much cheaper than $104. Check out the Towing Bible section on adding wiring to a non-wired truck. It is simple, remove taillights and plug in.
Get the 4-flat wiring adapter: Hoppy electronic tail light converter part number 43355. I got mine at a local auto parts store and I think it was $60.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/towing/4031-tacoma-towing-bible.html

Update #2. Ended up with Toyota's wiring kit. Took a couple of hours to install. Sure was nice to have all that ground clearance!
Probably could repeat it in an hour, now that I know how things come apart and exactly where the harness connectors are. BTW, found a nice 4-wire tester for $4 at Northern Tool.

I don't have pics, but it looks really good. It tucks up under the truck, so it doesn't really show, the only part that is noticable is the square receiver.

I'll see if I can put some up tomorrow. U-haul site has pic of the bare hitch. Flanges bolt up (2 bolts per side) to bottom of frame rails, then two to middle of bumper. Only part visible from rear is the receiver, which does not stick out beyond bumper. No sore shins. You'll need to be able to measure 150 ft-lbs torque for the 4 frame bolts.