Follow These Steps to Replace Your Trailer Hitch
Trailer hitches are a must-have for anyone who wants to use their vehicle to tow a trailer. The hitch is one of the accessories you need to create a link between your vehicle and the trailer. Some trucks and utility vehicle models come with hitches as standard features. For those that don't, you need an aftermarket hitch, which will often accompany the trailer you are getting for your vehicle. The aftermarket ones also come in handy when you need to replace the stock hitch that was fitted on your vehicle by the manufacturer. Use this guide to fit or replace a trailer hitch.
Pre-Installation Guide
You need to adhere to some basic rules and safety precautions before you install a trailer hitch. First, make sure that you have some protective gloves and suitable clothing that allows you to take on all that mechanical work. Secondly, make sure that you select the right trailer hitch. You can see the various options at your disposal here. Furthermore, make sure that there is no physical damage to the area that you want to fit the hitch. Cracks and worn-out metal parts are also a cause for concern because they will not provide enough support when towing the trailer.
Ready the Truck
The proper installation of a trailer requires access to the underside of the rear end of the vehicle. Use a jack to raise the back end of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands once when you are confident that you have good-enough access. Some vehicles will require you to loosen the bumper or exhaust pipe to create enough room for the jack. Remember to fasten them when you finish the installation.
Assemble the Trailer Hitch
Your next step involves putting the trailer hitch together. Hold your newly acquired accessory close to the area where you want to fit without tightening the bolts. Do this while consulting the user manual from your vendor, keeping a keen eye on any parts that may be missing from the assembled hitch.
Drill the Holes and Fit the Trailer Hitch
Use your loosely assembled hitch to guide you on the size of the holes that you should drill. You can use a felt pen or chalk to mark the area you need to drill. Alternatively, you can use a C-clamp to hold the assembled hitch against the area that needs to be drilled and push the drill bit through the guide holes.
Fit the trailer hitch and fasten accordingly. Finish up by lowering the jack and attaching your trailer.
