How to Mount a Hitch
A hitch is an extension to a vehicle--usually a truck--that allows you to tow something behind you. This could be anything from a simple trailer to a camper or 5th-wheel. The hitch itself is a sphere-shaped object attached to a metal plate which is then attached to your vehicle. Whatever you are towing is then slid over, and attached to, the hitch itself.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Jack with jackstands
- Proper-sized hitch for your vehicle
- Drill
- 1/2-inch socket wrench with socket set
- Torque wrench
Instructions
-
Prepping the Hitch Area
-
1
Jack the rear of the vehicle off the ground, if necessary. Place the jack stands under the frame in the rear of the vehicle. You may or may not need to do this depending on the ride height of your vehicle. You need enough room to crawl under the vehicle and work.
-
2
Locate the hitch area on your vehicle. Since a hitch is an aftermarket option, you may or may not have a hitch area on your vehicle. If you don't, you shouldn't install a hitch on your vehicle. Vehicles that are set up to accommodate a hitch should have an extension of the vehicle's frame that is available to attach a hitch.
-
-
3
Consult the instruction manual for your particular hitch to find out if you need to drill holes for mounting brackets for your hitch.
-
4
Drill any holes necessary so that you can mount the hitch. Normally, hitches are made to be used with existing holes so as to not compromise the integrity of the vehicle's frame or the hitch itself.
-
5
Attach the hitch reinforcing brackets according to your hitch model. This will spread the load across the frame so that the frame and hitch do not fail.
-
6
Test fit the hitch. Make sure the hitch assembly is symmetrical to the vehicle before inserting the retaining bolts.
-
7
Lay the hitch flat against the frame and align the mounting holes on the hitch assembly to the mounting holes on your vehicle.
-
8
Secure the hitch assembly to the frame of your vehicle using the grade 5 bolts supplied with your hitch assembly and the 1/2-inch socket wrench. Most model hitches will use grade 5 hardened steel bolts which you must use to secure the hitch to the vehicle.
-
9
Tighten all bolts to the torque specs listed in the instructions that came with your model hitch using the torque wrench.
-
10
Lower the vehicle to the ground if you jacked it up to work underneath it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use any other bolts that the ones supplied with your hitch. You must use the hardened steel bolts supplied with your hitch assembly. Failure to do so could result in damage to your vehicle, the hitch assembly or whatever you are towing.
