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A trailer hitch is a device that is fixed onto the chassis of any vehicle meant for towing. Another name for it is a tow hitch, which is strong metallic equipment mounted onto the frame of the vehicle or truck.
They link vehicles with such attachments as trailers, bicycle racks, kayak racks, and lots more. By doing this, trailer hitches enable you to tow different vehicles conveniently.
These hitches also come in different types each with its unique designs and features. Some common types of trailer hitches are the rear receiver trailer hitch, 5th wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch, bumper hitch, and weight distribution hitch.
Of course, you can rent a trailer hitch at U-haul just like you can rent most other vehicle parts or even the vehicle itself, provided all the laid down terms of renting are met according to the requirements of the renting company.
However, before you rent a trailer hitch, ensure that the weights are compatible and it is connected properly as well. In case of any confusion, the user manual or experts on the matter can be of tremendous help.
Fortunately, some trucks are equipped with their hitches from the manufacturers such as the Ford F-150 series. It is normal to expect that when you buy a vehicle like heavy-duty type, you are most likely going to tow with it.
However, should your towing requirements exceed the basic class 3 limits, it simply means that you may need an added tow package, so to say. It is common for people to believe that their vehicles may not be able to tow mainly because they are not provided with any trailer hitch pre-installed.
On the contrary, most small cars, for example, can tow between 1,000 and 2,000 lbs, which is sufficient to maintain small attachments such as the ones that will be mentioned in the article.
Contents
How does one rent trailer hitches?
It is worthy of note that most major rental outfits hardly rent out vehicles with trailer hitches, which they claim is meant for liability concerns. Therefore, if you require a truck that has a trailer hitch, you may have to look at a U-haul, budget truck, or even Enterprise truck rentals.
Also, find out about the cost of renting beforehand. In addition, make sure that the hitch you will rent is suitable for the vehicle to be towed in terms of coping with its weight across any rough terrains or poor driving conditions.
Similarly, before renting a trailer hitch, you should put into consideration what you need it for. For instance, if you want a trailer for local moves, or picking up some goods, U-haul trailers are adjudged as the best of them all in terms of cost, provided you use the right hitches.
Additionally, you have the option of choosing between enclosed cargo trailers or utility trailers especially since they come in different sizes and features. Whatever the case may be, you are certain to get a trailer hitch that will conveniently serve your needs or projects.
It is also good for you to know your hitch system rating before you rent any hitches. To find your hitch system rating before renting, you should carefully inspect the primary trailer hitch components, which are the hitch itself, the ball mount as well as the trailer ball too.
Each one of these is specifically rated for the weight it can cope with. You should also be mindful of the cost of renting the trailer hitch as well, especially since some renting companies charge a bit higher than others without any observable differences in the quality of services offered.
In summary, before you rent any trailer hitch, ensure that both the brakes and signal lighting are working perfectly in both the trailer and the tow vehicle. Also, you should double-check to ascertain whether the mirrors are placed correctly too.
Finally, you should drive very carefully and within the legally permitted towing speeds too.
Why should I rent trailer hitches?
There are several variant reasons why people rent trailer hitches. Some of these reasons have to do with the need to move large quantities of goods from one place to another in a trailer.
Therefore, in situations like this, you are advised to get suitable trailer hitches and the trailer themselves, but only after making sure that the towing vehicle will be up for it too.
Otherwise, there may be complications in the process, which may involve possible damage to the hitch system, the towed trailer, or even the towing vehicle too.
If the size or volume of cargo you have to move from one place to another is more than the size or capacity of your vehicle, it simply means that you have no option but to rent a trailer and its accompanying hitch as well.
The size of the trailer as well as the weight of the cargo you have to move will be very important in determining the kind of trailer hitch you use. In addition, great care must be taken to ensure that the coupling of the hitch between the vehicle and trailer is done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations too.
All the conditions governing how you should drive when towing should also be strictly adhered to. Finally, make sure, too, that you maintain the constant vigil of the trailer behind the towing vehicle in the rearview mirror as you drive along.
Therefore, all mirrors and signaling lights in both vehicles must also be working properly as well, if you wish to tow safely.
How much does it cost to rent trailer hitches?
The cost of renting a trailer hitch varies slightly from one company to other. However, all things being equal, the difference is not much. Specifically, renting U-haul trailer hitches will be determined by the size of the trailer you wish to tow as well as the weight of any accompanying cargo too.
However, after putting everything into consideration, most companies can rent you trailer hitches at costs starting from about 15 dollars, which means that there are hitches for which you will be required to pay a lot more depending on their capacities and other features.
Where can one rent trailer hitches?
It is very easy to find out where you can easily rent trailer hitches nearest to you. First, you can conduct online research on renting trailer hitches. This will provide you with all the needed information on the matter especially if the correct keyword is used.
In the alternative, you can simply enter your zip code on the company’s website and thereafter, click on ‘trailers’ beneath the ‘show location’ which has the word ‘tab’ on it. To give some popular examples, you can rent a trailer hitch at U-haul, Walmart, Penske, and Budget among several other places too.
What is the function of trailer hitches?
Trailers and their accompanying hitches are primarily meant to move household wares or equipment from one place to another. Specifically, the hitches attach the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Therefore, whatever choices you are bound to make, will depend on the size of the trailer and cargo you have to haul along. For this reason, trailer hitches come in different sizes and strengths or capacities.
Just make sure to choose that which will serve you properly by referring to the user manual or asking specialists in the matter. Most notably, trailer hitches are structural components that bolt onto the vehicle and therefore, provide a sort of coupling point for hooking up the trailer.
FAQ
How much does it cost to install a hitch at U-haul?
Not unexpectedly, how much it costs to install a trailer hitch at U-haul will depend on several factors. Firstly, it will depend on the hitch, its features, and size too. Secondly, it will also depend on the size of the trailer and its accompanying cargo as well.
However, all things being equal, it will cost around 100 to 150 dollars to install a trailer hitch at U-haul. However, you should know that this cost does not include the actual cost of the tow hitch itself and all other necessary components or equipment. It is just the cost for the installation of the hitch.
Fortunately, U-haul has a lot more than about 1,500 locations in Britain alone, which do these things quickly and professionally at friendly prices too.
Conclusion -Can You Rent Trailer Hitches
Towing becomes necessary particularly when you have large or heavy equipment to move from one place to another. If your vehicle cannot accommodate or cope with the weight or size of the cargo you have, then, it becomes imperative that you hire a trailer if you must get the job done.
However, before you do that with any satisfaction, certain conditions must be ensured. First, you must make sure that the trailer hitch you use in attaching the trailer and the tow vehicle is suitable for the job, or else it may suddenly snap with disastrous consequences.
Secondly, while towing, you should ensure that all the recommended towing rules are obeyed without let up. Thirdly, ensure that the hitch is securely installed between the tow vehicle and the trailer. To this effect, the user manual can be of great help.