Coupling installation: harnesses, assembly and prices

Installing a car hitch allows you to have a trailer or even a caravan. The choice of towing strap depends on your use and your electricity needs. The screed can be done in the garage and auto center. Calculate an average of 180 euros of labor.

💡 Which towing strap to choose: 7 or 13 pins?

To ensure your safety on the road in the event of towing, the towing device must be equipped with Electric socket to provide light signals (brake lights, headlights, direction indicators, etc.) of your trailer or caravan.

Therefore, when you buy a hitch, you have to choose between a 7-pin or 13-pin seat belt anchorage. The choice of this fork will depend on how you intend to use the hitch.

7-pin coupling harnesses:

Designed primarily for bike carriers and small trailers, 7-pin towing straps allow only main lighting.

13-pin coupling harnesses:

Designed for caravans or large trailers, 13 pin hitch belt not only provides lighting, but also provides constant power 12 volts per towed vehicle.

So, if your mobile home has a refrigerator, for example, a 13-pin belt is required to keep it working while driving.

Good to know : if necessary, there is adapters 7-pin plug to 13-pin plug. Likewise, there are also 13-pin to 7-pin adapters. However, remember to remove these adapters when you are not towing your machine to avoid water entering the outlet through the adapter.

🚗 How to install the towbar?

Before proceeding with the installation of the towbar, make sure that your vehicle is on a level, stable surface when you jack or jack it up. To install the towbar, you will need to remove the bumper and headlights from your vehicle.

Required Tools :

• Hitch kit 7 or 13 pins
• Jack or candles
• Keys are flat
• Pipe wrenches
• screwdriver

Step 1. Remove the bumpers and headlights.

First, remove the taillights and disconnect the electrical harnesses to gain access to the bumper mounts. Be careful not to damage wires or electrical harnesses during disassembly. Continue removing bumpers and / or plastic fairings to gain access to the hitch mounts.

Step 2: Install the center fitting

Fasten the hitch rod in the provided location. On some vehicle models, you will first need to remove the existing reinforcement bar in order to replace it with a hitch mounting plate. Likewise, some couplings are fitted with a reinforcing bar. Secure it if it concerns your hitch.

Good to know : Some mounting holes are blocked by covers. Therefore, you must remove them so that you can properly attach the hitch to the vehicle frame.

Step 3: Connect the electrical wires

Now that your hitch is securely attached to the frame, you need to take care of the electrical part of the assembly. Start by securing the coupling connector in place, then connect the electrical harnesses.

You can use the explanatory harness tables earlier in this article to connect the wires. This is the hardest part of the assembly: take the time to tie the required wires together.

Board : If you do not feel like an electrician, avoid self-wiring and call a professional to assemble your team.

Step 4: Screw in the hitch pin.

You can now attach the keel or hitch pivot to the drawbar. Make sure it is securely fastened and clipped to avoid any unpleasant surprises on the road.

Step 5. Assemble the bumpers and headlights.

Finally, raise the taillights and bumper. Do not forget to check the operation of the clutch (turn signals, brake lights, fog lights, etc.).

Important : It is recommended to check the tightening of the tie bolts after the first 50 kilometers to ensure that the assembly is secure.

🔧 Where can I install the car tow bar?

The hitch installation procedure is not necessarily straightforward. If you don't feel like doing it alone, you can go to any garage or auto center (Midas, Norauto, Speedy, etc.) to set up your team. So now find the best garages near you to install a tow bar for your vehicle.

Quick review : You can buy the towing ball yourself and ask the mechanic to take care of the assembly only. This allows you to compare couplings prices online and in stores to be sure you will find the best price.

💰 How much does it cost to install a towbar?

The cost of installing a towbar varies from car model to another depending on the required working time. However, count on average 180€ assembly only. If you buy a hitch from your mechanic, include the price of the part on the invoice.

Now you know all about how to hitch a car and how to hook it up! If you need a mechanic to install your team, feel free to contact our comparator to find the best garages near you!