U-Haul trailer hitch self-install?

[CS1983]

Anything special on installing a U-Haul trailer hitch on one's own? Relatively easy or just better to let them do it?

Will be going on a 2007 Ford Escape.

[eyeson247]

I did this type of work as a freshman in high school, first "real" job... years ago, but I doubt much has changed.

Most SUV and light duty truck installs were easy, we didn't use U-Haul brand but I doubt it's any different.
Please review weight ratings and manage your expectations before towing/carrying anything on the hitch. The below hitch is a class II, but etrailer lists class III for your vehicle as well.
As with all vehicle related work, it comes down to time, money, and personal interest in doing work on your vehicle. If it was me, I'd do it myself.

Decent video on the hitch install, although no mention of wiring:
https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-...ape-12060.aspx

[CS1983]

Thanks for the reply.

It will only be used for hauling small trailers (no big boats or anything crazy), and I will also be getting a hitch mounted dirt bike carrier (ultimate mx hauler -- bike rests on the skid plate and is close to the vehicle).

Anyone done a self-install on the U-Haul type?

[00tec]

Thanks for the reply.

It will only be used for hauling small trailers (no big boats or anything crazy), and I will also be getting a hitch mounted dirt bike carrier (ultimate mx hauler -- bike rests on the skid plate and is close to the vehicle).

Anyone done a self-install on the U-Haul type?

Judging by what I saw last time I was at uhaul, you should be fine. Watching those 2 guys replace ratchets on a car hauler was like watching a monkey fuck a football. They couldn't even operate a wrench correctly, and they install those hitches daily.

[CS1983]

Lol. K.

I'll have a buddy help with wiring aspect. Thanks.

[Great-Kazoo]

Lol. K.

I'll have a buddy help with wiring aspect. Thanks.

Lay everything out, do a mock up by holding it up to the frame then move away (with hitch supported) to stare at it a few.

Where it mounts up on the frame, if going where there are already existing bolts, spray some PB blaster or other rust penetrater the day before. It will make your job easier, minimizing the knuckle busters you might come away with. Having air tools and impact sockets makes the job easy on you and your hands.
Wear work gloves and eye protection. There's dirt & grit that will mysteriously find it's way in to your eyes when least expecting it.

[CS1983]

Lay everything out, do a mock up by holding it up to the frame then move away (with hitch supported) to stare at it a few.

Where it mounts up on the frame, if going where there are already existing bolts, spray some PB blaster or other rust penetrater the day before. It will make your job easier, minimizing the knuckle busters you might come away with. Having air tools and impact sockets makes the job easy on you and your hands.
Wear work gloves and eye protection. There's dirt & grit that will mysteriously find it's way in to your eyes when least expecting it.

+1 thank you, sir.

Yes, indeed on the safety glasses. Plenty of tools. The buddy who will be helping me is the same one who helped me convert a Montero to manual transmission on a model that didn't come that way in the US. To say we ended up fabricating stuff would be an understatement.

[Bailey Guns]

Converting a transmission is nothing. Remember... You're dealing with a U-Haul product. U-Haul is the Google of making your life miserable. U-Haul should be declared a terror organization and destroyed.

[CS1983]

Bailey, the real reason I'm doing this is to run a circuit of Californians into Idaho, all carrying Ikea products. I only have enough room in the Escape for 17 Californians, and need the trailer for another 75. Water may or may not be provided.

[blacklabel]

Depending on the vehicle, it should only be a 15 minute job if you're by yourself. My truck had nuts welded into the frame so it was pretty simple.