Installing trailer hitch for sedan (2024)

Hey guys.

I'm fed-up with riding my bike to the track, so i've decided to install a trailer hitch on my car ('00 Acura TL), so i could just rent motorcycle trailer from U-Haul and get it over with.

Anyone done anything similiar with their car?
I understand i need Class 1 trailer hitch (under 2000 lbs).

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions on this or knows the place that does this kind of work (wielding the trailer hitch to the car frame?)

Cheers
-Dar

Dar,

Before I sold it to get a truck, I had SportsRack install a hitch on my Honda Accord. It is not welded but bolted to the car's frame. It is actually not hard to install at all

man, i forgot his name but he was @ the tech day towing a bike trailer he just purchased w/ his prelude (the newest 1)

uhual sells hitch/trailers. IIRC, they quoted me $150ish for the hitch and install.

uhaul is super expnsive, they wanted $175 + $150. and a 30 day warranty

this place on bayshore & geneva wanted $175 + $40

i ended up getting it from jcwhihtney for $99 and did it myself.

Thanks guys!

Keep the responses coming!

I understand there is separate price for the hitch itself+the installation?

How much do they charge for motorcycle trailers though?

Looks like uhaul rents motorcycle trailers for $15 a day.

Also, i found JC Whitney hitch for $89.99

I guess ill check with SportRack store in San Carlos, to see if they can match the price or just do an install.

Thanks for all the info guys!

-Dar

Anyone know how much a trailer plus fully loaded bike weighs? I've been thinking of the same idea but hesitated because of the problems it may cause on my clutch/tranny.

/akr/

See the specs below. Basically empty weight is 550 and with the bike it will be around 1000lbs Any kind of car can pull extra 1000 lbs trailer (maybe not if you are driving GEO Metro ).

The actual down weight on the hitch itself is 200 lbs or less, depending on the trailer type.

Hope this helps
-Dar

---------------------------------------------
Motorcycle Trailer
Lightweight and easy to tow

Specifications Empty weight: 550 lbs
Max load: 950 lbs
Maximum Gross Weight (trailer plus load): 1,500 lbs
Tow hitch required: Class 1 (1,500 lb. minimum rating)
Hitch ball: 1 7/8, 2 or 2 1/8, (2,000 lb. minimum)
Dimensions Inside: 7'8" x 3'9.5" (92" x 45.5") (LxW)
Features • Ideal Motorcycle Hauler
• Lowest deck
• Softest ride
• Easy towing
Recommended
Moving Items • 1 rope
Advisem*nts Your towing vehicle

All SUVs must be equipped with a hard top. U-Haul does not allow any type of sport-utility vehicle not equipped with a hard top to tow U-Haul equipment.
Must weigh 1,500 lbs. (curb weight) or more
Must not exceed maximum allowable hitch ball height 25"
Must have external mirrors on both sides
Must have fully operational lighting
Other

This trailer available for local rental only _ must return to rented-from location
Maximum recommended speed: 45 mph
Trailer lighting must be operational at all times _ day and night

Dar25 said:

Maximum recommended speed: 45 mph

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Ha Ha! I love that.

I was driving from Seattle to RI once with a U-haul trailer behind my V8 Volvo wagon. Cruising across the west on endlessly straight and empty roads... looking in the mirrors and every time seeing that 45 mph warning on the trailer fenders...

I was cruising 70-80, bored, and was contemplating the warning label. WTF, lets see what happens if you double it.

90 mph with an overloaded U-haul is fun!

I got the DrawTite hitch for my Saturn from Hitches for less. Good price and the right model, mounting kit and wiring kit specific for my car.

http://www.hitches-forless.com/hitch_selector_auto.htm

Installed it myself and it was a PITA, but now that its done, well worth it

slowpoke said:

JC Whitney = Junk

Click to expand...

for tools & such, yeah. BUT they are selling the Hidden Hitch brand which is the same thing Uhaul sells, but with their own name on it. Also, the warranty is longer from jcw.

hey thanks Pelikan!

I found that one (JCW) for $90. Ill check with SportRack next week for installation price.

JnglstTICAL said:

I know chuci has a hitch on his honda accord, went to a place on camden, near bascom.....forgot what its called though...

Click to expand...

SportsRack !!!

Hey MackeyStingray,

It was me at tech day with the trailer. Yes I install both a class I on the newest prelude and will install a class III on my 03 odyssey van. The van will be used to carry the three track bikes I will have this summer. Thats right three of them J/K . They will weigh about 1000lbs but the trailer I have is heavy duty so it should be able to carry 2-3000lbs. With all the suggestions you should go either unhaul or sportsrack they are fair in price but they will all charge you an arm and leg for labor .

Depends on the car that you will have the hitch installed go to the biggest size availble for it. You never know when you will carry other stuf that is heavy. If you rent the uhaul trailer which I did many times you will waste money at 15 bucks a day with a deposit. If you want I know a place that will sell you a two bike trailer for 230. Well good luck with the hitch but if I were you I install it myself just two or three bolts on each side.