What Hitch Do You Need to Tow a U-Haul Trailer?
To tow a U-Haul trailer, your car needs a receiver hitch rated for the trailer’s loaded weight, not just a cargo-carrier attachment. Most car-based moves need a Class 1 (up to 2,000 lb) or Class 2 (up to 3,500 lb) hitch, while auto transports and tow dollies usually call for a Class 3 hitch with a 2-inch receiver.
If your car did not come with a factory tow package, you need a bolt-on hitch receiver installed before you can connect any U-Haul trailer. U-Haul sells and installs hitches built for the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle, and the hitch itself is only the first piece: you also need the correct ball mount, the right hitch ball size, and, on most cars, a wiring harness so the trailer’s brake lights and turn signals work.
Once a receiver hitch is in place, you can add accessories that plug into it, such as the anti-rattle hitch tighteners and hitch-mounted cargo carriers reviewed below, which stabilize the connection and add extra luggage space for the move.
What Hitch Class Do You Need to Tow a U-Haul Trailer?
Hitch receivers are rated in classes based on how much weight they can safely tow. A Class 1 hitch handles up to 2,000 lbs of gross trailer weight through a 1-1/4 inch receiver, which is enough for U-Haul’s smallest utility trailers when lightly loaded. A Class 2 hitch raises that to 3,500 lbs and still uses a 1-1/4 inch receiver, covering most fully packed 4×8 and 5×8 utility trailers. A Class 3 hitch steps up to a 2-inch receiver rated at 6,000 lbs or more, which is what U-Haul recommends for its larger cargo trailers, auto transports, and tow dollies.
Check the actual gross trailer weight on U-Haul’s rental page for the specific trailer you’re booking, then compare it against your vehicle’s tow rating and the hitch’s class. If you plan to tow a car on a tow dolly, size the hitch to the combined weight of the dolly plus the vehicle riding on it, not just the empty dolly weight.
Does U-Haul Install Trailer Hitches?
Yes. U-Haul installs custom-fit hitches at more than 1,500 locations across the U.S. and Canada and markets itself as North America’s largest hitch installer. Most installs are done the same day, and U-Haul also sells wiring harnesses, ball mounts, and hitch balls sized to match. If you would rather compare booking a trailer against buying your own hitch and dolly, checking the cost to rent a car trailer first can help you decide which makes sense for a one-time move versus regular towing.
A hitch shop or dealership can install one too, but U-Haul’s network is usually the fastest option if you’re already renting from them, since it can schedule the install around your rental pickup.
Hitch Accessories Worth Adding Once Your Receiver Is Installed
The three products below are not trailer hitches themselves. They plug into a 2-inch receiver you already have, or one U-Haul installs for you: a cargo carrier for extra luggage space, and a hitch tightener that removes the play between the ball mount and receiver tube so the connection doesn’t rattle on the road.
1. MaxxHaul Aluminum Cargo Carrier with Hitch Tightener Trailer Hitch Mount for RV Truck SUV Van Car with 2″ Receiver – 500 lb. Load Cap. 47.25″ x 20.25 x 6 Inner Dims. 49″ x 22″ x 6″ Outer Dims.
- Brand: MAXXHAUL
- Manufacturer: MaxxHaul
- Color: Silver
Discover the convenience of the MaxxHaul Aluminum Cargo Carrier. Perfect for your RV, truck, SUV, van, or car. It fits any vehicle with a 2″ receiver. With a load capacity of 500 pounds, it carries heavy items with ease. Durable design ensures long-lasting use, even on rough roads. Compact size makes it easy to store when not in use.
Advantages
- Boosts Storage Capacity
- This cargo carrier expands storage. Perfect for long trips.
- Durable Aluminum Build
- Made from strong aluminum. Resists rust and wear.
- Secure Hitch Tightener
- Reduces wobble and noise. Keeps your cargo stable.
- Easy Installation
- Mounts quickly on vehicles. Simple setup for everyone.
- Versatile Usage
- Fits RVs, trucks, SUVs, vans, and cars. Great for many vehicles.
Our Recommendations
This cargo carrier is a great addition for road trips. Sturdy and reliable. Carries heavy loads effortlessly. Easy to install on my SUV. The hitch tightener keeps it stable. No wobbling during travel. Generous space for luggage and gear. Fits perfectly with my vehicle’s 2″ receiver. Durable aluminum construction. Resists rust and weather damage. A practical choice for outdoor adventures. Highly recommend for anyone needing extra cargo space. Makes packing for trips much easier.
2. Rhino USA Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Clamp – for 2in Hitches
- Material: Electro-galvanized steel core, powder-coated finish
AMERICAN OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED – Join the Rhino USA Family and Support a Father/Son Business With the Best USA-Based Customer Support.
Advantages
- ELIMINATES HITCH MOVEMENT – Eliminates Hitch Noise, Rattle, and Wobble for a Quiet, Stable Ride. Secure Your Hitch with Rhino USA’s Hitch Tightener for a.
- HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION – Built for Lifelong Durability, our Heavy-Duty Steel Core is Electro-Galvanized for Rust Resistance, Powder-Coated for Added Strength.
Our Recommendations
The Rhino USA Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Clamp – for 2in Hitches is a practical choice if you’re shopping in this category. Check current pricing, compatibility, and availability on Amazon before you buy.
3. MaxxHaul 50945 50 inch x 29.5 inch Trailer Hitch Mount Aluminum Mobility Carrier with 47 inch Ramp and Hitch Tightener for RV Trucks SUV Vans Cars – 500 lb. Capacity
- Brand: MAXXHAUL
- Manufacturer: MaxxHaul
- Color: Grey
- Dimensions: Weight: 48.0 pounds `
The MaxxHaul 50945 Trailer Hitch Mount Carrier offers reliable transport for mobility devices. Its sturdy aluminum construction ensures long-lasting durability and resilience. A 47-inch ramp simplifies loading and unloading of equipment. With a 500 lb. capacity, it’s perfect for RVs, trucks, SUVs, vans, and cars. The included hitch tightener minimizes wobble, providing a secure and stable ride. Ideal for travel and everyday use.
Advantages
- MaxxHaul offers strong aluminum construction for lasting durability. This carrier supports heavy loads up to 500 lbs. Easy transport for wheelchairs and scooters with its 47-inch ramp. Quick installation with the included hitch tightener. Ideal for RVs, trucks, SUVs, vans, and cars.
Our Recommendations
The MaxxHaul 50945 is a fantastic mobility carrier. Perfect for RVs, trucks, SUVs, vans, and cars. Lightweight yet robust, it handles up to 500 lbs effortlessly. The 47-inch ramp makes loading simple. Aluminum construction ensures durability and rust resistance. Installation is straightforward with the included hitch tightener. Offers excellent stability during travel. A reliable choice for transporting mobility devices. Highly recommend for anyone needing extra carrying capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Hitch Class Do I Need for a U-Haul Trailer?
It depends on the trailer. A Class 1 or Class 2 hitch with a 1-1/4 inch receiver covers most small utility trailers, while a Class 3 hitch with a 2-inch receiver is recommended for auto transports, tow dollies, and U-Haul’s larger cargo trailers.
Does U-Haul Install Hitches on Any Car?
U-Haul installs custom-fit hitches for most cars, trucks, and SUVs at over 1,500 locations, but availability depends on whether a hitch kit exists for your specific make, model, and year.
How Much Does a U-Haul Hitch Installation Cost?
Pricing varies by vehicle and hitch class, and U-Haul quotes it per make and model on its site. Ask about the wiring harness and ball mount separately, since those are usually priced apart from the hitch itself.
Can I Install a Hitch Myself Instead of Using U-Haul?
Many bolt-on hitches are DIY-friendly with basic hand tools and a few hours of work, since most designs bolt to existing frame holes without drilling. Wiring the trailer lights is the step most owners choose to have a professional handle.
Do I Need a Hitch Tightener If I Already Have a Hitch?
It is not required, but it helps. A hitch tightener removes the small amount of play between the ball mount and receiver tube, which cuts down on rattling and clunking, especially on a hitch-mounted cargo carrier that isn’t towing anything.
Buying Guide: Choosing a Hitch to Tow a U-Haul Trailer
1. Check Your Vehicle’s Tow Rating
Your owner’s manual lists the maximum trailer weight your car, truck, or SUV can safely tow. A hitch can only be rated up to what the vehicle’s frame and drivetrain support, so this number sets the ceiling before you shop for anything else.
2. Match the Hitch Class to the Trailer
Compare the U-Haul trailer’s gross weight, its empty weight plus what you’re packing into it, against the hitch classes above. When in doubt, size up rather than down: a Class 3 hitch can still tow a lightly loaded utility trailer, but a Class 1 hitch cannot safely tow a loaded auto transport.
3. Confirm Fitment for Your Exact Model
Hitches are built to bolt to a specific make, model, and year, not to fit universally. U-Haul’s site and most aftermarket hitch brands have a fitment lookup tool that will confirm the correct part number before you buy or book an install.
4. Decide Between DIY and Professional Installation
Most bolt-on hitches take two to four hours with a socket set and a floor jack, since they attach to existing frame mounting points. Wiring the trailer’s lights into your car’s electrical system is the part most owners hand off to a shop or to U-Haul, especially on vehicles that need a factory-specific wiring adapter.
5. Budget for the Ball Mount and Wiring Separately
The hitch receiver, the ball mount, and the wiring harness are usually sold as three separate line items. Ball sizes commonly run 1-7/8 inch, 2 inch, or 2-5/16 inch, and using the wrong size ball with a U-Haul trailer’s coupler is a common reason rentals get turned away at pickup.
6. Look for a Warranty on the Hitch and Install
U-Haul offers a lifetime warranty option on hitches it installs, plus a separate wiring service plan. If you buy a hitch elsewhere, check whether the manufacturer’s warranty covers rust-through and hardware failure, not just the initial install.
Conclusion
Getting your car ready to tow a U-Haul trailer starts with the hitch class, not the accessories. Match a Class 1 or 2 hitch to a small utility trailer, or a Class 3 hitch to an auto transport or tow dolly, then confirm the ball size and wiring before pickup day.
U-Haul can install a hitch built for your specific vehicle if you don’t already have one, and once it’s in place, a hitch tightener and a cargo carrier like the ones above are worthwhile add-ons for keeping the connection quiet and adding extra packing space.
