Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

[toomuchclub_1113]

I need to get a Hitch installed on my Grand Cherokee and am considering having U-haul do it. The whole package including Tranny cooler is 291.00 that's with a class 3 hitch. Has anyone had any problems with U-haul? Just making sure before I take the dive!!<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Big Al1]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

I was very pleased with their services and prices. I don't think you should have any worries with them for they should have a lot of experience. I put a hitch on an Acura Integra once at U-Haul. My back end had been previously in a wreck so I think my frame was bent a centimeter or so. The hitch wouldn't line up with the pre-tapped holes. They busted out the winch and bent the hitch until it fit. I was impressed that they got that thing on, and they didn't charge any extra.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

U Haul hitches are made by a Brand Name hitch maker for the Canadian market which I believe is Hidden Hitch or Draw Tite. (This may be the same in the U.S. as well). Since they are in the market of selling these hitches, they should know what they are doing and make sure you get a warranty in writing.<br />I have a Hidden Hitch on my van and it has served me well.<br /><br />Who ever does the installation for you, make sure all the signal and brake lights work the same on your vehicle before you take the truck in and after.<br />Then plug in the trailer to make sure the trailer work as they are supposed to. You may find that alot of trailers have had repaired harnesses and now is the time to make sure they are correct.<br /><br />Change your transmission fluid at the end of each year.<br /><br />Goodluck,<br />Mike

 

[B_Eager]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

I used to install hitches for U-Haul when I was just an 18 year old kid. Check out who is going to install it, check the hitch and where it mounts. And I hate to say it, but watch them put it on. They should assemble the hitch before drilling holes, check for fit, mark for holes to be drilled. then loosen the hitch at all possible locations, start all mounting bolts tourge them in a criss cross pattern. Then straighten the hitch and torque the hitch assembly bolts in a criss cross pattern. Then recheck for straightness.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

seems like a real good price. i've installed about 6 hitches in the past, and they've all gone on pretty easy. the hitch and lights are cake, no experience with the tranny cooler. good luck-

 

[Seaboo2]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

That is a good price. What are you planning on towing??? I'm just wondering cause of the class 3 hitch, if it has brakes you should have a controller installed at the same time.<br /><br /> I know there are adapter available but make sure the wiring conection they are using matched your trailer.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

Toomuchclub<br />I think the U-haul hitch is a good hitch and also their tranny cooler are good quality. Two thing I would watch close is how they hookup trailer wires. They like to use the quick connect connectors that just snap over your wires and no water proofing. On the tran cooler they usely use cheap rubber hoses to connect instead of steel lines like your tran cooler is now. If that the way they do it do not forget to check or replace those hoses when needed.

 

[toomuchclub_1113]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

OK thanks for all the advice. I'll go forward with the install. By the way I'm pulling a 21ft wellcraft cuddy.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

I would not let the local U-Haul place here install a light bulb let alone a hitch and wires and cooler.I saw these guys just about destroy the wire harness on a brand new ford pickup. The guy has had nothing but problems and dead batterys and you name it since the install. Dont know about in your neck of the woods but U-Haul here pays the help at a low scale. This eliminates the better techs that you would want to work on your vehicle. Just MHO

 

[toomuchclub_1113]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

Hey FH,<br /><br />I understand what you're saying, I mean that's why i posted in the first place. This vehicle is NEW to me (50,000 mi) and I don't want to screw it up. They do guarentee the install for life, including parts but I don't need a hassle with my vehicle. Maybe I'll call around to some smaller operation just to see what's what.<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[B_Eager]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

Check out Drawtight hitches and coolers.<br />To be honest check out putting the hitch on your self. Should be a four point install and you may not even have to drill any holes on a jeep Cherokee. For wireing look up the splice plugs they plug inbetween your present wire connectors. For the cooler check out the Drawtight super cooler, works better then full surface coolers do to it's fin design and only covers less then 1/4 of the radiator surface. If you do not want to do it yourself go to an RV Dealer that sells and services campers, They tend to give you a better intall.

 

[snohomishbaddawg]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

be careful with cutting and spicing in wires for your lights. many new vehicles have electronic "brains" and other parts that are electronicaly controled. If you don't wire the lights correctly or if you happen to cause them to arc you can fry some of electronics that are not related to the lights. I have found it a great investment of a few dollars (always less that 75.00) to have the wiring harness installed. I have also always used my local trailer shop to install hitches and wiring. I know a guy that ran a U Haul shop and I wouldn't let him ride in my truck let alone work on it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

If it is a major u-haul center, you should be ok. If it is a small backlot rental on the side business, I would steer clear.<br /><br />Make your appointment for mid-week, and not around the first of the month. These places get real busy with rentals to people that are moving and are best avoided at these times.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

I don't know about your jeep, but some of them and others, have separate brake lights and turn signals and it may call for a special wiring harness.<br /><br />I recall seeing some kind of harness that had a small box made on it to work the turn signals and brake lights.<br /><br />Maybe they have changed by now.

 

[toomuchclub_1113]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

Hey Guys, thanks for all the feedback. My jeep is a 97, and one of the questions the U-haul guy asked me was if it had the onboard computer, which it does. I'm assuming the wiring will be a little different with this option. I've been calling around about prices, options etc. The price I was quoted for everything (hitch, cooler, install, lifetime warranty) from u-haul was 291.00. I've called some of the specialty shops dedicated to RV's / Trailers ETC and it's averaged around 300+ not including cooler. Most of the trailer shops didn't do coolers in the first place. I don't know, you guys have me worried about U-haul now. It is a big shop, and it is guaranteed for life......but I love this jeep and my boat, don't want to see anything happen to either

 

[toomuchclub_1113]

Re: Hitch Installation, any problems with U-haul??

OK I took the plunge and had the entire installation done at U-haul. Tranny cooler, Hitch, Receiver all installed and lifetime warranty for 275.00 with tax.<br /><br />They did an excellent job on the wiring, explained everything to me and I went on my way. I did select a larger shop than the original but that was the only difference.<br /><br />I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Thanks for all the feedback, can't beat the price.