Putting a trailer hitch on a used car

Published on : 01 November 20194 min reading time

Installing your own car parts is a bit like baking a cake. It’s not necessarily difficult, but it’s almost impossible if you don’t have the right recipe and ingredients. Getting the right tools and parts is crucial for a quality result. I’m not saying you shouldn’t improvise, but don’t think you can trust a lock that you tighten by hand because you don’t have the right size socket. Let’s face it; labour is not cheap and sometimes the instructions provided by the factory are not enough. Here are some tips to guide you through the process of putting a trailer hitch on a used car.

Tips for pre-installing the trailer hitch

trailer hitch-attachment

Of course, you want to choose a trailer hitch designed for the make and model of your used car, but you must also make sure that the trailer hitch is able to meet your needs, whether it is pulling a bike carrier or a mobile home.

Read the instructions carefully and make sure you have all the necessary tools and parts before you start. You don’t want to go halfway through the project and realize that the manufacturer forgot to include a bolt in your package.

Check the area where you are going to install the trailer hitch. Do not install the trailer hitch on a frame or area with signs of excessive damage or corrosion.

Your own physical safety is number one. When you have your used car raised, make sure it is properly secured so that it does not fall or roll.

Use appropriate safety tools and equipment. Unmatched socket wrenches can loosen the bolts, making them almost impossible to remove. Also wear safety glasses when drilling holes.

Installation steps and tips:

You must start by gently assembling the trailer hitch by holding it in the installation area. This will allow you to identify any potential obstructions and verify that you have all the necessary parts.

You will probably need to raise your used car, which you could do by using a lift or jack.

You may need to loosen the bumper, exhaust system or other parts of your used car to ensure that the trailer hitch is securely in place, especially if you have spare parts. Important – Be sure to reattach all parts after installing the trailer hitch.

Align the trailer hitch with the pre-existing holes. If it doesn’t line up with a hole, don’t panic. You will simply tighten your fastener at the desired location, roll up your sleeves and drill the necessary holes. Do not drill holes larger than the bolts. Also make sure that you do not pierce any important parts of your car.

Be sure to use the reinforcement plates provided with your trailer hitch. They strengthen the frame and distribute the weight over the edges of the frame.

Attach the trailer hitch, metal on metal, to the frame of your used car.

Connect and install the trailer hitch cables to the car.

Make sure your trailer hitch is symmetrically mounted to the vehicle and tighten all bolts and nuts.

If you encounter any problems, do not make any modifications to the trailer hitch frame. Because it has been carefully designed to support hundreds or even thousands of kilograms. The addition of holes or modifications can weaken its design and possibly cause an accident.

I hope you are now ready to enjoy the benefits of your trailer hitch. Take the time, roll up your sleeves and go. At the end of the day, you will have saved money and accomplished something.

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