Trailer Hitch Installation FAQ | Chapel Hill Sheena

What happens when you load up your summer vacation trailer and find your new SUV doesn't have a hitch? Or maybe you have an expensive bike rack and nowhere to attach it to your car? You may start to wonder about installing a trailer hitch.

Luckily, hitch installation is available for just about any car and can get your summer plans back on track. Chapel Hill Tire is here to answer some of the most common driver questions about installing a trailer hitch in their vehicles. 

What is a hitch?

A trailer hitch (also called a trailer hitch) is a sturdy metal device that is attached to the frame of your vehicle. Trailer hitches connect your vehicle to attachments such as trailers, bike racks, kayak racks, and more, allowing you to tow a variety of items.

Can small cars have trailer hitches? What about electric vehicles and hybrids?

So, can you install a tow bar on your compact car? What about electric vehicles and hybrids?

YES! Many drivers mistakenly believe that trailer hitches are only for large trucks and SUVs. Even small cars often have some tractive power. Information on towing options can be found in the owner's manual for your vehicle. While you may not be able to tow a full trailer, your vehicle will likely be able to tow a smaller cargo trailer. 

However, especially in electric, hybrid and compact vehicles, trailer hitches perform much more than towing. Most commonly, trailer hitches are used to add bike racks to small vehicles. You can also find some unique trailer hitch attachments like a hammock mount or a hidden key safe. Read more about the benefits of a trailer hitch on small vehicles here.

Can you fit a hitch to any car, truck or SUV?

Mostly, any vehicle can have a tow hitch. These units are available from the smallest electric vehicles to the largest trucks. However, two unique situations can make it difficult to use a tow hitch. 

• Old cars: The first consideration here is if your car is much older than the car. Many older vehicles may still have a trailer hitch installed, but your auto mechanic may need to look at your vehicle's frame to make sure it can fit this attachment. 
• Damaged Frame: Second consideration: if you have any damage or severe rust on the frame, it may not be suitable for hitching a trailer.

Why doesn't my car have a tow hitch?

Ideally, your vehicle will come with a pre-installed trailer hitch. However, manufacturers are increasingly saving a few dollars by ditching them. It's a myth that cars without pre-installed trailer hitches can't have them. 

How do professional mechanics install a trailer hitch?

With the right tools and experience, installing a trailer hitch can be a simple process:

• First, your mechanic will remove rust and debris from the mounting frame at the back of your vehicle.
• They then use professional tools to attach a compatible hitch to your vehicle's frame.
• Your mechanic will then set up the hitch with the receiver, ball mount, hitch ball and hitch pin.
• Finally, they will connect the electrical wiring to your tow hitch. When larger blocks obscure your turn signals, this wiring can activate a light in your trailer.

Installing a trailer hitch near me

If you have any further questions about trailer hitch installation services, please feel free to contact the Chapel Hill Tire professionals. Our mechanics are here and ready to install a trailer hitch on your vehicle today. Make an appointment at one of our nine Triangle locations in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrborough and Apex to get started today. Then you can load up your trailer or bike rack and start your summer adventure!

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