| Installing a Trailer Hitch on an SUV |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-610 |
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Q:I want to install a trailer hitch on my SUV so I can tow a boat. Can you walk me through the steps? A: (Trisha Hessinger, DIY Automotive expert) Most SUV's already have trailer-hitches as standard equipment, but if yours doesn't it's not a problem. They're fairly easy to install. - First, familiarize yourself with the classes of hitches to ensure that you're installing the correct hitch for your vehicle. Check your owner's manual to find the towing capacity of your vehicle. That will determine the type of hitch you can install.
- Know the weight of the boat you'll be towing. Remember that the gross towing weight will include the weight of the trailer as well as the boat.
- A Class 1 hitch typically uses a narrow receiver (figure A). This light-duty hitch can only tow up to 2,000 pounds. For a boat, you'll probably need to go to a larger hitch.
- A Class 2 hitch has a heavier construction, more attachment points, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
- For a boat, Trisha recommends a Class 3 hitch (figure B). This larger hitch has a two-inch receiver, and can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
- Read and follow the manufacturer's directions for the installation procedures. The manual should tell you whether any drilling will be needed for your particular application.
- The mounting hardware is included with the kit (figure C). For this particular hitch, there are three attachment points on each side.
- Safety Alert: Whenever performing automotive work of this type, always wear safety glasses.
- Secure the receiver to the vehicle's frame using hanger bolts and nuts. Place the nuts through supplied washers, and insert the bolts through the pre-drilled holes in the frame.
- Carefully lift the hitch into position (figure D), and insert the threaded bolts through the pre-drilled holes in the hitch (figure E).
- Install the nuts on he bolts, and hand-tighten them.
- Place the nuts on all six of the bolts first, before you go back and tighten each one individually with a ratchet wrench (figure F). Tighten the nuts to the proper torque specifications according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- The bolts used in this installation are carriage bolts (figure G). The squared portion of the bolt fits down into a lock-washer so that, as the nut is tightened, the top end of the bolt is held stationary.
- With all six bolts installed and tightened to the proper specs, the main portion of the assembly is complete (figure H).
- The next step is to install the hitch into the receiver. The front end of the hitch simply slides into the receiver. There are different styles and sizes of hitches, and the type of trailer you use will determine the drop-down length of your hitch. Another variable is the size of the hitch-ball (figure I). The size you use will be determined by the type of trailer you use.
- Once the hitch is placed in the receiver, it is secured with a receiver pin and cotter-pin safety clip (figure J).
- The final step is to follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the wiring for the trailer lights (figure K).
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books
Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896
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