How are u-haul hitches? (2024)

May 14, 2009 at 6:38 PM

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jpg366 [OP]Well-Known Member

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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.

jpg366,May 14, 2009

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May 14, 2009 at 6:42 PM

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98tacoma27is going full "SANDWICH"Moderator

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Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.

How are u-haul hitches? (3)

Welcome to the site.

How much are they asking for it?

98tacoma27,May 14, 2009

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May 14, 2009 at 7:07 PM

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jpg366 [OP]Well-Known Member

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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

jpg366,May 14, 2009

#3

May 14, 2009 at 7:08 PM

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FlawedXJmall crawlin', web wheelin', concrete cowboy

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

FlawedXJ,May 14, 2009

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May 14, 2009 at 7:09 PM

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How are u-haul hitches? (7)

98tacoma27,May 14, 2009

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May 14, 2009 at 7:22 PM

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jpg366 [OP]Well-Known Member

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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?

jpg366,May 14, 2009

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May 14, 2009 at 7:34 PM

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wildjerseyfirefighterI sell fishing and fishing accessories

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How are u-haul hitches? (10)

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

wildjerseyfirefighter,May 14, 2009

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May 14, 2009 at 7:37 PM

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How are u-haul hitches? (12)

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

98tacoma27,May 14, 2009

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May 15, 2009 at 2:22 AM

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FoxySandChickWell-Known Member

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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.

FoxySandChick,May 15, 2009

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May 15, 2009 at 7:49 AM

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eschmunkWell-Known Member

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

eschmunk,May 15, 2009

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May 16, 2009 at 8:11 PM

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IsthatahemiWell-Known Member

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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.

Isthatahemi,May 16, 2009

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Jul 21, 2009 at 8:15 PM

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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.

jpg366,Jul 21, 2009

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Jul 21, 2009 at 8:19 PM

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JeffRock,Jul 21, 2009

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Jul 22, 2009 at 3:12 AM

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FoxySandChickWell-Known Member

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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

FoxySandChick,Jul 22, 2009

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Jul 28, 2009 at 9:00 PM

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jpg366 [OP]Well-Known Member

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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.

jpg366,Jul 28, 2009

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Jul 31, 2009 at 3:25 AM

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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.

FoxySandChick,Jul 31, 2009

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Aug 1, 2009 at 6:00 PM

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jpg366 [OP]Well-Known Member

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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.

jpg366,Aug 1, 2009

#19

How are u-haul hitches? (2024)

FAQs

What kind of hitch does U-Haul use? ›

What is the Standard Hitch Ball Size? The standard size is the 2" hitch ball. The 2" hitch ball is the standard size required to rent a U-Haul trailer, whether it be the 5x9 Utility Trailer or 6x12 Cargo Trailer. The 2" hitch ball fits most class 3 receivers, which is typically the most common trailer hitch.

How do they rate hitches? ›

Receiver hitches are divided into 5 classes, depending on their towing capacity and receiver tube size. The higher the class number, the higher the capacity and the larger the receiver tube is. Class 1: If you drive a car or crossover, you likely have a Class 1 hitch.

How do you measure hitch capacity? ›

Your hitch's maximum tow weight rating can usually be found on a label on the hitch itself.

How much weight can you put on a hitch haul? ›

Hitch Classes
Hitch ClassTongue Weight Capacity*Towing Capacity*
Class I100 - 150 lbs1,000 - 1,500 lbs
Class II200-350 lbs2,000 - 3,500 lbs
Class III350-500 lbs7,500 lbs
Class IV500+ lbs10,000 lbs

What size drop hitch do I need for an U-Haul trailer? ›

All U-Haul trailers use a 1-7/8″ or 2″ ball. Because of this, you only need to pay attention to weight capacity. Smaller options, like the 4×7 Utility Trailer, require a 2,000-pound rated ball and the Auto Transport will require, at minimum, a 5,000-pound capacity ball.

What is the difference between a Class 2 and Class 3 trailer hitch? ›

Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to 3,500 lbs in GTW and up to 525 lbs in TW. Class III, on the other hand, have a 2 inch receiver and have up to 8,000 lbs GTW and 800 lbs TW.

How can I tell what class hitch I have? ›

Hitch classes are separated by their maximum weight capacity rating and receiver opening size. Classes range from I to V, and each class has its own unique capacity and applications. To find: Read the label on your hitch, or measure the size of the opening.

How are hitches rated? ›

There are a total of 5 trailer hitch classes, with Class I having the lowest capacity and Class V having the highest. Hitch classes essentially designate the hitch opening size and weight capacity. Here's a quick breakdown of the 5 hitch classes, their associated capacities, and their typical receiver sizes.

How do I know what hitch to buy? ›

Consider these factors to choose the best trailer hitch:
  1. Towing Capacity. The most crucial factor in selecting a trailer hitch is determining your vehicle's towing capacity. ...
  2. Vehicle Make and Model. ...
  3. Towing Needs. ...
  4. Trailer Tongue Weight. ...
  5. Budget. ...
  6. Safety and Braking Features. ...
  7. Accessories. ...
  8. Durability.

What is the difference between a tow hitch and a trailer hitch? ›

A tow hitch is simply another name for a trailer hitch. It is a hitch used for towing a trailer. Usually, tow hitch refers specifically to a receiver hitch. However, a 5th wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch and other hitches may be called tow hitches.

What is the most basic hitch? ›

A vertical hitch, or straight hitch, is the most basic hitch used to directly connect a load to a lifting device. On a vertical hitch, the eye of a single chain sling, wire rope sling, or synthetic sling is connected to the crane or hoist hook, while the other eye is connected to an attachment point on the load.

Which of the following hitches is not allowed? ›

All hitches shall be frame attached (no bumper hitches permitted).

How do I tell what size ball hitch I have? ›

A trailer needs to have a ball that perfectly matches the size of its coupler. First, find the trailer coupler sizes stamped somewhere on the coupler itself. You can also use a ruler or tape measure to measure the inside opening of the coupler. This measurement is the size of the trailer ball needed.

What size is a 2 inch hitch? ›

2" Hitches: A 2" trailer hitch or 2.0" trailer hitch is designed to be used in a 2" hitch receiver. 2" hitch receivers can be both Class 4 and Class 5 and will have a 2" receiver opening (the opening on the rear of the vehicle where the trailer hitch slides into).

What trucks have a 3 inch receiver? ›

1/2 Ton Pickup & SUVs normally have 2″, 3/4 & 1 Ton Pickup 2-1/2″. Only Select F350/F450 (Newer) have 3″ receiver.

Are Class 3 and 4 hitches the same size? ›

Class 3 hitches are designed for heavy-duty towing, with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 8,000 pounds. They are typically used for large trailers, such as fifth-wheel trailers or horse trailers. Class 4 hitches are designed for very heavy-duty towing, with a weight-carrying capacity of up to 10,000 pounds.

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