Imagine waking up outside in paradise. You'll soon experience this in your new 5th wheel.
Travel trailers are the most popular type of recreational vehicle (RV). This is followed by fifth wheels, which make up 20% of RVs.
You'll need to install a trailer hitch to tow your trailer. What does trailer hitch installation involve? How much does a trailer hitch cost, and what does trailer hitch installation cost?
Understanding 5th wheel hitch installation can ensure a seamless trailer hitch install. Let's explore car hitch installation, including fifth wheel hitch installation costs and who can perform tow package installation.
Trailers vs. 5th Wheels
Travel trailers are usually less costly and contain more storage than fifth wheels. You can also tow them with a wider range of vehicles, from cars to pickup trucks.
Fifth wheels usually require full-size pickup trucks since they are generally heavier. These recreational vehicles have several levels and higher ceilings than travel trailers. Let's examine several FAQs and answers about these vehicles and their hitches.
Fifth Wheel and Travel Trailer Costs
How much does a fifth wheel cost? Fifth wheels usually cost more than travel trailers since their living spaces are larger, creating a sense of luxury.
New fifth wheels cost about $50,000 on average. New travel trailers cost around $20,000.
These prices may vary depending on your RV's condition, model, and brand. Remember that pre-owned RVs are typically less expensive than the latest ones.
Tow vs. Trailer Hitches
You may hear some people use the term "tow hitches" and others say "trailer hitches"? What's the difference between a tow hitch and a trailer hitch? Nothing, as they're the same thing.
Trailer hitches are used to tow trailers behind cars or pickup trucks. They're also called receiver hitches. The trailer hitches used to pull fifth wheels are often called gooseneck hitches.
Trailer Hitch Installation: Types of Hitches
Your vehicle can tow several thousand pounds, but your hitch might not be able to. Trailer hitch styles and sizes vary depending on the kinds of trailers they're designed to pull.
Your tow hitch classification also determines the amount of weight your automobile can tow with your hitch. Let's explore the different types of trailer hitches available.
Class 4 Trailer Hitch
This type of hitch is designed for extremely heavy-duty trailer towing. It can accommodate 10,000 pounds. Class 4 hitches are used to hold commercial trailers and large RVs.
Class 3 Trailer Hitch
Class 3 trailer hitches are used for lighter heavy-duty trailer towing. They can hold 8,000 pounds. Use these hitches for horse trailers and fifth wheels.
Class 2 Trailer Hitch
A Class 2 trailer hitch is ideal for medium-duty trailer towing. It can hold 3,500 pounds. This trailer hitch is usually used for a medium-sized trailer, like a travel or small camper trailer.
Class 1 Trailer Hitch
Class 1 trailer hitches are made for lighter-duty towing. They can accommodate 2,000 pounds.
Use a Class 1 hitch for a small trailer, like a small boat or utility trailer. Choose Class 1 trailer hitches if you're seeking cheap trailer hitches and don't have several thousand pounds to tow.
Trailer Hitch Cost
How much does a trailer hitch cost? It depends on the kind of hitch you need and the automobile you're installing it on. The cost by different trailer hitch parts also depends on where people purchase their hitches.
Travel trailer hitches typically cost between $100 and $500. Fifth wheel hitch parts may cost between $350 and $1,200.
Tow Package Installation Process
Is installing a travel trailer hitch easy? It can be complex if you've never mastered how to hook up a trailer. Hire a mechanic to do the job if you're not sure how to attach a trailer to a hitch after reviewing the manufacturer's instructions.
The first step in installing your hitch may be trimming your vehicle's fascia, the detachable plastic panel on your front. This might be necessary to make room for the hitch.
Trimming your car's heat shield might also be necessary to install your hitch. The shield is above the exhaust (gas by-product) underneath your car to block exhaust heat from reaching other parts. Removing or trimming your vehicle's underbody panel is another step you may need to do to create space for the new hitch.
Attaching the hitch to the vehicle may require two people since hitches are heavy. You'll need to bolt the hitch to the car's frame by lifting the hitch onto the frame and tightening the bolts.
Hooking Up Trailer After Car Hitch Installation
Hooking up a travel trailer following hitch receiver installation is a breeze. Back up your automobile slowly until the newly installed hitch is one foot from the trailer. The hitch should be lined up with the trailer's front.
Rotate the trailer jack's handle until the coupler rests securely on your vehicle's hitch ball. The coupler is the part that connects the vehicle to the trailer, while the hitch ball is the spherical part on your hitch.
Pushing down on your trailer's latch and inserting a lock or safety pin there will keep your coupler from moving. You're ready to tow.
You might wonder if it's worth it to install a trailer hitch. A trailer hitch is a good investment for transporting watercraft if you enjoy spending time outdoors. It's also worthwhile for those who plan to haul materials and tow trailers.
5th Wheel Hitch Installation
Installing a fifth wheel hitch involves several steps. You must remove your pickup truck's spare tire and pinpoint the front base's rail. The next step is to mark your drill locations.
Enlarge your bolt hole, and put a bolt in your vehicle's under-bed brackets. Your final step is to bolt in your fifth wheel rail. You're now ready to connect your fifth wheel to your pickup.
Hooking Up a Fifth Wheel
Hooking up your fifth wheel following trailer hitch installation is straightforward. Lower your pickup truck's tailgate, and align your pickup's hitch with your trailer's kingpin (a steel pin).
Reverse your pickup truck slowly until the fifth wheel's kingpin slips into the pickup's hitch. A clicking sound will let you know the pin is secure, meaning you're ready for towing.
Trailer Hitch Install Costs
How much does tow hitch installation cost? Travel trailer hitch installation costs between $50 and $200 for service fees and labor. Truck hitch installation for a fifth wheel may cost $750 to $1,700, which includes labor and the hitch.
Fifth Wheel Hitch Installation Timeline
How long does it take to install a trailer hitch? Travel trailer hitch installation may take approximately half an hour to two hours. Fifth wheel hitches installation might take three to seven hours since it's more involved.
Trailer Hitch Installation Cost Savings
How can you save money on your trailer hitch installation costs? Shop around for the most competitive price if you can't install your trailer hitch yourself (more on where to shop next).
Another way to save money is to avoid buying a heavy-duty trailer hitch if you'll tow only occasional or light loads. Choosing a lower-class hitch (e.g., Class 1 or 2) will save you on the installation and hitch costs.
Install a Trailer Hitch: Where to Go
Where should you go to get a hitch installed? A top provider of trailer hitch installation services is U-Haul, a leading provider of moving help.
Local auto shops and mechanics specializing in hitch installation can also provide this service. Contact multiple shops directly to find out their availability and prices.
Types of Auto Transport Trailers
Suppose you're moving to another state and you need to transport your fifth wheel there. Auto transport companies known as fifth wheel movers can handle this task.
A hot shot car transport service can also help transport your car to your new home. They can send a vehicle to a buyer if you plan to sell a car in 2023, too.
Choose door-to-door auto transport for a more convenient vehicle transport experience. This service available through auto transport companies will let you choose specific addresses to pick up and drop off your vehicle. You won't have to search for a nearby terminal to complete the transactions.
Cross-Country Car Shipping Cost
How much does long-distance car towing cost? Auto transport companies may charge between $700 and $1,050 to ship a car to another state a few hundred miles away. Transporting a vehicle more than 1,300 miles costs between $600 and $4,100.
A car shipping calculator can help you determine your vehicle shipping costs. It'll prompt you for details like your vehicle size and pickup date. Other details that the car shipping calculator will ask you for include your starting and ending locations.
How We Can Help Tow Your RV
Do you plan to install a trailer hitch? How much will your trailer hitch cost?
Hitches cost up to $1,000. Your trailer hitch installation cost may be $1,700.
A 5th wheel hitch installation or travel trailer hitch install can be complicated. Hire a trailer hitch installation service to ensure it's done properly.
Is car hitch installation worth it? Yes, fifth wheel hitch installation is worth the time and money since proper tow package installation makes towing watercraft and trailers easy.
Do you need to transport your fifth wheel? Nexus Auto Transport can help. Request a quote now!
