Are you planning to haul a trailer, camper, boat, or other equipment this year? If so, you‘re not alone. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, over 11.8 million recreational boats were registered in the U.S. as of 2019, and the RV Industry Association reports that over 11.2 million American households now own an RV.
All those trailers and towable toys require a proper tow hitch to pull them safely. But with so many different hitch types and conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know where to start. One of the most common questions I hear as an automotive expert is: "Does Walmart install trailer hitches?"
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll answer that question in detail and walk you through everything you need to know to buy the right hitch and get it installed correctly. By the end, you‘ll be equipped with the knowledge to tow with confidence on all your adventures. Let‘s hitch up and hit the road!
Does Walmart Install Trailer Hitches?
The quick answer is no, Walmart does not currently install trailer hitches at any of its Auto Care Center locations. If you buy a hitch from Walmart, either online or in-store, you‘ll need to have it installed elsewhere.
This might come as a surprise, since Walmart does offer many other auto services like oil changes, tire mounting, and battery replacements. However, hitch installation is a more complex job that requires specialized equipment and expertise.
According to my contacts at several Walmart Auto Care Centers across the country, the company has chosen not to offer hitch installation due to the potential liability issues involved. A poorly installed hitch can lead to trailer sway, detachment, and catastrophic accidents, so it‘s understandable that Walmart wants to avoid this risk.
As an authorized Curt Manufacturing dealer and hitch installer myself, I can attest to the importance of proper hitch selection and installation. Even a small mistake in the installation process, like failing to torque the bolts to spec or damaging the wiring harness, can compromise the integrity of the entire setup.
For everyone‘s safety and peace of mind, it‘s best to leave hitch installation to certified professionals who have the right tools and training. Luckily, there are plenty of reputable service providers who can get the job done right, which we‘ll cover later in this guide.
Trailer Hitches for Sale at Walmart
Just because Walmart won‘t install your hitch doesn‘t mean they‘re not a great place to shop for one. In fact, Walmart offers one of the best selections of hitches and towing accessories from top brands like Curt, Draw-Tite, B&W, Reese, and more.
Most Walmart Supercenters have a dedicated automotive section where you can browse hitches and other towing gear in person. Alternatively, you can shop their even larger selection online at Walmart.com.
Walmart‘s user-friendly website makes it easy to filter hitches by vehicle make, model, and year to find a compatible fit. You can select your vehicle from a dropdown menu and instantly see all the hitch options that will work.
So, how much can you expect to pay for a trailer hitch at Walmart? That depends on the style, weight capacity, and brand of the hitch. Let‘s break it down:
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Rear receiver hitches are the most common type and start around $50 for a light-duty Class 1 or Class 2 hitch. These are suitable for hauling small trailers, bike racks, and cargo carriers up to 3,500 lbs gross trailer weight. Heavier-duty Class 3, 4, and 5 receiver hitches run anywhere from $75 to $250 at Walmart.
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5th wheel hitches are designed for towing large RV campers and attach to a special mount in the bed of a pickup truck. These heavy-duty hitches average $400 to $1,200 depending on the weight rating and features. Walmart stocks 5th wheel hitches from Curt, Reese, and B&W with capacities up to 25,000 lbs.
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Gooseneck hitches are another heavy-duty option used for towing large livestock, equipment, and flatbed trailers. They also mount in the bed of a pickup truck and use a ball hitch instead of the wheel-shaped 5th wheel coupling. Walmart sells gooseneck hitch kits for $200 to $500 with towing capacities up to 30,000 lbs.
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Weight distribution hitches are a special type of receiver hitch that use spring bars to distribute the tongue weight of a trailer more evenly across the tow vehicle‘s axles. This improves stability and braking control when towing heavy loads. Walmart offers weight distribution hitches from $100 to $500.
Of course, these are just average price ranges and you may find certain hitches on sale for less or more expensive depending on the specific model and features. Be sure to compare prices and read customer reviews before making a purchase.
In addition to the hitch itself, you‘ll also need a few essential towing accessories to complete your setup. Some of the most important include:
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Trailer wiring harness to connect the electrical system of your vehicle to the trailer for brake lights, turn signals, and other functions. Walmart sells vehicle-specific wiring harnesses from $15 to $100.
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Trailer hitch ball mount to attach your hitch ball to the receiver tube. Ball mounts come in different sizes and weights to match your hitch class. Walmart has fixed and adjustable ball mounts from $20 to $150.
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Trailer hitch lock to secure your ball mount or accessories to the receiver and deter theft. You can find hitch locks at Walmart for $10 to $30.
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Hitch pin to keep the ball mount in place and prevent it from rattling. Walmart sells various hitch pins and clips starting under $5.
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Safety chains to provide a backup connection between your trailer and tow vehicle in case the hitch fails. Grab a set of safety chains rated for your trailer weight for $10 to $30.
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Trailer brake controller to activate the electric or hydraulic brakes on your trailer. This is a must-have for any trailer over 3,000 lbs. Walmart carries brake controllers from $50 to $200.
You can purchase all of these towing accessories and more both online and in-store at Walmart to pair with your new trailer hitch. Just make sure to choose components that are rated for your specific trailer weight and hitch class.
Understanding Hitch Classes and Towing Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a trailer hitch is the weight capacity. Exceeding your hitch or vehicle‘s rated towing limit is a recipe for disaster and can put you and others at risk on the road.
Trailer hitches are divided into five main classes based on their maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW) ratings:
| Hitch Class | GTW Rating | TW Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | up to 2,000 lbs | up to 200 lbs |
| Class 2 | up to 3,500 lbs | up to 350 lbs |
| Class 3 | up to 8,000 lbs | up to 800 lbs |
| Class 4 | up to 10,000 lbs | up to 1,000 lbs |
| Class 5 | up to 20,000 lbs | up to 2,700 lbs |
The GTW is the total weight of your fully loaded trailer, while the TW is the downward force that the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch. As a rule of thumb, the TW should be about 10-15% of the GTW for safe towing.
To give you a better idea, here are some common trailer types and their average weights:
- Small utility trailer: 1,000-3,000 lbs GTW
- Medium travel trailer: 3,000-6,000 lbs GTW
- Large boat trailer: 5,000-7,000 lbs GTW
- Mid-size camper trailer: 7,000-10,000 lbs GTW
- Large 5th wheel RV trailer: 12,000-18,000 lbs GTW
- Gooseneck flatbed trailer: 15,000-30,000 lbs GTW
When selecting a hitch class, you need to consider not only the weight of your trailer but also the towing capacity of your specific vehicle. This information can be found in your owner‘s manual or on a sticker inside the driver‘s side door jamb.
Your vehicle‘s towing capacity will depend on factors like the engine size, transmission, axle ratio, and brake system. Some small cars may only be rated to tow 1,000 lbs, while a heavy-duty pickup truck can often handle upwards of 30,000 lbs.
For example, here are the maximum towing capacities for some popular vehicles when properly equipped:
- Ford F-150: 5,000-11,300 lbs
- Chevy Silverado 1500: 6,500-12,500 lbs
- Dodge Ram 1500: 6,280-10,620 lbs
- Jeep Grand Cherokee: 3,500-7,200 lbs
- Toyota Tacoma: 3,500-6,800 lbs
- Nissan Rogue: 1,102 lbs
As you can see, towing capacity varies widely from one vehicle to the next. Never assume that your vehicle can handle a certain size trailer just because it has a hitch – always verify the specific limits in your manual to avoid exceeding them.
Once you know your vehicle‘s max tow rating, choose a hitch class that matches or exceeds that capacity. When in doubt, it‘s better to go with a higher class hitch for added strength and peace of mind.
Where to Get Your Trailer Hitch Installed
So you‘ve purchased the perfect hitch and wiring harness for your vehicle – now what? As we covered earlier, Walmart won‘t be able to install it for you, but there are plenty of other trusted options to get the job done right.
Professional Hitch Installation Services
For most people, the easiest and safest option is to have their trailer hitch installed by a qualified professional. This ensures that the hitch is mounted correctly, all the bolts are properly torqued, and the wiring is connected without any issues.
Some of the top places that offer trailer hitch installation include:
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U-Haul – With over 1,500 locations across the U.S. and Canada, U-Haul is one of the most convenient options for professional hitch installation. Their certified technicians can install any type of hitch on just about any vehicle. Prices start at $100 for labor only if you bring your own hitch, or $200+ for a hitch and installation package. All U-Haul hitch installations are backed by a lifetime warranty.
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Pep Boys – This national auto service chain has over 1,000 locations that offer trailer hitch installation. Pep Boys can install hitches and wiring on most vehicles, with prices starting at $50 for labor only or $130+ for a complete hitch package. They offer a 1-year warranty on all hitch installations.
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Local RV dealerships – If you plan to tow a large RV trailer, your local RV dealership is a great place to have a 5th wheel or gooseneck hitch installed. RV service centers specialize in these heavy-duty hitches and can ensure a secure connection to your tow vehicle. Prices vary but expect to pay $400+ for labor and parts.
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Independent hitch shops – Search for "trailer hitch installation near me" and you‘re likely to find a number of independent shops that specialize in hitches and towing accessories. These local shops can often provide more personalized service and competitive pricing compared to the big national chains. Be sure to read reviews and ask about their experience with your particular vehicle and hitch type.
When choosing an installer, always look for a company that employs certified technicians and uses quality hardware. Don‘t be afraid to ask about their installation process, warranties, and customer reviews before handing over your keys.
To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some sample installation prices from popular service providers:
| Service Provider | Hitch Install Labor Only | Hitch + Install Package |
|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $100-$150 | $200-$450 |
| Pep Boys | $50-$250 | $130-$500 |
| RV Dealership | $200-$500 | $500-$1,500 |
| Independent Shop | $75-$200 | $150-$600 |
Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates and your actual cost may be higher or lower depending on factors like your location, vehicle make and model, and hitch class. It‘s always a good idea to get a quote from multiple providers to compare prices and services before making a decision.
Installing a Trailer Hitch Yourself
If you‘re handy with tools and comfortable working on your vehicle, you may be tempted to install your trailer hitch yourself to save some money. While this is certainly possible for some simpler hitch setups, it‘s generally not recommended unless you have experience with this type of work.
Installing a trailer hitch involves drilling holes in your vehicle frame, running electrical wiring, and torquing hardware to specific values. If any of these steps are done incorrectly, it could compromise the strength of the hitch connection and lead to serious problems down the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are over 50,000 accidents involving trailers each year in the U.S. A significant portion of these accidents are caused by improperly installed or maintained hitches.
If you do decide to install your own hitch, be sure to carefully follow all the instructions provided by the hitch manufacturer. Take your time and double-check each step to ensure everything is connected securely.
You‘ll also need some basic tools like a drill, socket set, torque wrench, wire strippers, and crimp connectors. Depending on your vehicle, you may need to remove the bumper or other components to access the frame for hitch mounting.
If you have any doubts about your ability to install the hitch correctly, it‘s always better to leave it to the professionals. The peace of mind and safety are well worth the extra cost of installation.
Final Thoughts
Towing can open up a whole new world of possibilities for adventure and fun, but it‘s important to do it safely. By choosing the right trailer hitch for your vehicle and getting it installed by a trusted professional, you can ensure that your trailer is securely connected and ready for the road ahead.
While Walmart may not be able to install your hitch, they do offer a great selection of hitches and towing accessories from top brands at competitive prices. With a little research and planning, you can find the perfect setup for your towing needs.
Whether you‘re hauling a small utility trailer or a massive 5th wheel RV, always follow these towing safety tips:
- Never exceed your vehicle or hitch‘s rated towing capacity
- Distribute the weight of your load evenly and keep the tongue weight within spec
- Use safety chains and emergency brake away cables as a backup
- Check your hitch, coupler, and safety chains before each trip
- Allow for extra stopping distance and avoid sudden maneuvers while towing
- Practice backing up and parking with your trailer in an empty lot before hitting the road
By following these guidelines and investing in quality towing equipment, you can enjoy all your favorite activities with confidence and peace of mind. Happy towing!
