Truck hitch installation

[daddyo]

I need to have a tow bar installed on my '03 F150. The truck is wired for lights, I just don't have the bar or ball. I'm renting a U-Haul trailer on the 14th to bring some furniture back from Chattanooga.

Is U-Haul as good a place as any to have this done, or is there a better place between Nashville and Franklin?

[dlm37015]

nashville spring best place in nashville on 8th ave south 2547647 they keep my 4 trailers up and running

[Sam1]

Duck tape and jumper cables is all you need, you're in TN after all

[JeffL]

I'm not especially mechanically inclined and I did it myself on a 2000 Silverado. Just a few bolts in some preexisting holes.

[daddyo]

I'm not especially mechanically inclined and I did it myself on a 2000 Silverado. Just a few bolts in some preexisting holes.

What kind did you get and where did you get it?

[Bad_Bowtie]

I'm not especially mechanically inclined and I did it myself on a 2000 Silverado. Just a few bolts in some preexisting holes.

X2 I ordered mine from Cabelas and put it on myself in no time flat. If its anything like my Tacoma then it should be no problem.

[10-Ring]

They are not very hard to install. I have had to drill the frame on a couple, just make sure you have a good sharp high quality drill bit and use some cutting oil with it. Depending on how much weight you are pulling a ball on your bumper will probably work for you.

[jtmaze]

With a good aftermarket or factory accessory add on it is a 30 job or less. Stay away from hitches designed to fit several different makes.

JTM

Sent from my iPhone

[JeffL]

What kind did you get and where did you get it?

I bought it from UHaul, I didn't exactly want those guys working on my truck though.

[peejman]

Most receiver hitches are pretty easy to install. I've done a few. The hardest part is holding the hitch up to get the bolts started, that either takes 2 people or some redneck ingenuity to manage by yourself.

Lots of places to buy them online. Given that it's an F150, an auto parts place (or even walmart) may have one in stock. Otherwise, this is the cheapest place I've found online... http://shop.autoanything.com/towing/73A3874A0A0.aspx

[Guest PapaB]

I just bought one from here.

http://www.etrailer.com/

Good service and quick delivery.

[daddyo]

OK, here's what I found out this morning.....

Nashville Spring will install a hitch for $263 plus tax. This does not include the ball and extension bar I will have to have to pull the trailer.

U-Haul of Franklin will do it for $279 plus tax, which includes the ball and the extension bar ($30 if purchased by themselves).

Looks like I'm coming out ahead if I go with U-Haul; I just don't know what kind of job they do. I don't have the time or the inclination to install it myself.

[Trekbike]

I'd go back and check with Nashville Spring and see if they can discount any given the price at U-Haul.

One thing though, are both places quoting the same hitch? If not that might be the difference.

Nashville Spring does good work based on the two vehicles they've done for me.

[daddyo]

OK, you guys have convinced me. I'm going with Nashville Spring. They were also recommended to me by the guys at Ultimate Tire, where I have all my vehicles serviced.

Thanks, fellas.

[TMF]

OK, here's what I found out this morning.....

Nashville Spring will install a hitch for $263 plus tax. This does not include the ball and extension bar I will have to have to pull the trailer.

U-Haul of Franklin will do it for $279 plus tax, which includes the ball and the extension bar ($30 if purchased by themselves).

Looks like I'm coming out ahead if I go with U-Haul; I just don't know what kind of job they do. I don't have the time or the inclination to install it myself.

I had a Draw Tight put on by U-Haul on a car about 12 years ago. Coulda done it myself but half of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at. They did a fine job, and at least if they didn't I could hold somebody accountable other than my own lack of knowledge.

[gregintenn]

If you aren't going to use it but once, I'd put a ball on the bumper.

[Gun Smith]

Other than the fat, red headed header heifer at the counter that accused me of lying, saying I changed my appointment, I had a good experience at the big Uhaul in Murfreesboro. I was just way to busy to fool with it myself this time. I have installed several and they are easy.

[daddyo]

If you aren't going to use it but once, I'd put a ball on the bumper.

You know, I'm such a dumbbell. This never even once occurred to me. I looked at the bumper yesterday and it has a gross weight rating of 5K lbs and a tongue weight of 500 lbs. I checked with the U-Haul place this morning and they said I am good to go with just a bumper hitch.

You just saved me $300, my friend. Thank you!!

And thanks to the rest of you for your suggestions. At some point I'll just buy one online and install it myself.

Edited July 7, 2012 by DaddyO

[TMF]

You know, I'm such a dumbbell. This never even once occurred to me. I looked at the bumper yesterday and it has a gross weight rating of 5K lbs and a tongue weight of 500 lbs. I checked with the U-Haul place this morning and they said I am good to go with just a bumper hitch.

You just saved me $300, my friend. Thank you!!

And thanks to the rest of you for your suggestions. At some point I'll just buy one online and install it myself.

Just be careful backing it up. Did this with my truck with a trailer hooked up to a ball on my bumper trying to back around a curve . Got a little tight and the toungue of the trailer pushed in my bumper and dented it. Now I'm waiting for a careless texter to buy me a new one. The advantage of the tow bar is having that standoff. Shouldn't be a problem so long as you don't take any sharp turns backward.

[daddyo]

Just be careful backing it up. Did this with my truck with a trailer hooked up to a ball on my bumper trying to back around a curve . Got a little tight and the toungue of the trailer pushed in my bumper and dented it. Now I'm waiting for a careless texter to buy me a new one. The advantage of the tow bar is having that standoff. Shouldn't be a problem so long as you don't take any sharp turns backward.

Thanks for the tip. It shouldn't be a problem, but it never hurts to be aware of that kind of thing. I just couldn't see spending the cash on something I may not use again.