Anyone know how to install trailer hitch?

06-06-2005, 08:16 PM

I need to put a trailer hitch on my Chevrolet Venture van to tow a small utility trailer for my pontoon boat. I don't have a clue about how to do it and the price for doing one at U-Haul is prohibitive.
Any one out there do this type of thing?
Thanks

SalmonJeff · 06-06-2005, 08:39 PM

usualy there are bolt holes under the bumper? if they are there you just bolt it on. I did mine in about 5 min.. you shouldn't have any trouble unless you have to drill and thread the holes than it could get tuff. take a look and let me know.

06-06-2005, 08:40 PM

Thanks Jeff I will take a look tomorrow

El-Kabong · 06-07-2005, 07:48 AM

give the existing bolts a good dousing with WD40 and let them sit for a while before you try working on installing the new hitch.

I added a hidden hitch to my older truck and it was easy once I got the exitsting bolts unstuck.

EK

ORrinker · 06-07-2005, 08:51 AM

Hi, go to Hillsboro RV and they will set you up. It is very likely that there is a hitch that will bolt right up in the existing holes in the frame. I have bought two different hitches from them and they are very helpful.

Good Luck!!
Randy

R Jackson · 06-07-2005, 09:01 AM

Stew, it's pretty straight forward as long as you don't have to drop the fuel tank to access the holes for the receiver.

Some receivers will use all existing holes in the frame. Others may require some drilling...like my old Ford Ranger

Shoot my a PM if want some help.

willametteriveroutlaw · 06-07-2005, 11:48 AM

I had an offroad shop do it and it was like 30 or 40 dollars, much cheaper than me doing it myself.

Lured In · 06-07-2005, 03:58 PM

Stew... I have installed 2 on my own rigs and it is very simple. Uhaul, Chevy, GI Joe's all sell bolt on hitches that shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to install. More than likely it will take longer to get the lights patched in than to install the hitch. Again most places that sell hitches sell light kits, too.

If you do it yourself you can get by for less than $150 easy (hitch, stinger/ball, lights and lock.. Take it somewhere and it could run you upwards of $250, depending on the shop.

At the very least get a few quotes before you decide.

06-07-2005, 07:15 PM

Thanks guys

It looks like it will be pretty easy to do once I look at the hitch I want.

sunshinefisherman · 06-09-2005, 05:34 AM

A few years ago in Lebanon, I saw the aftermath of an accident in the cleanup stages. The Fire dept had spent 2 hours cutting a family of 4 out of their vehicle.
The guy who caused the accident was sitting there in his Suburban with his family looking like his life was over.

Seems that his tandem axle trailer came loose on the highway and took out the other family's car.
:depressed:

The ball came loose and he did not have safety chains on. Duh!

The moral: If you are unsure of what you are doing, hire a pro to do it.