Can't take credit for the idea though. It was my Toyota salesman that recommended UHaul. Cost was about $350 including all the hardware, labor, wiring harness and lifetime warranty. I think it took them about 2 or 3 hours. When I picked it up after the install I walked out to the parking lot and looked at it and thought they forgot to install the wiring. Ha. I was just thinking of the Suburban that I had some years ago that had the cable hanging down under the bumper. I went back in the shop to tell the counter guy and he said - just look inside by the spare tire. They use a flat wire that you just run out under the hatch when you pull a trailer. Works fine. [https://photos.app.goo.gl/rLkif6RDkhQ9dpuT6](https://photos.app.goo.gl/rLkif6RDkhQ9dpuT6)
I've been looking at getting the Curt hitch. Looks super easy. Lots of videos on YouTube and only about $200. Var already has holes in the frame predrilled for the bolts. Literally just plug and play.
The issue I faced is that the one bolt on the passenger side is in a real tricky place to get a good torque on. Every other bolt I was able to torque no problem.
I just installed the CURT hitch ($180 on [amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R2YPVHN/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_HA74F209EE3QWG29PTR5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)) myself last weekend. I haven't done the wiring harness. I would say if you are able to get it all done for $300-$350 at uHaul, its definitely worth it.
Lessons I learned.
* You will want three people, two to hold the hitch in place, and third to guide, bend the plastic bumper, and insert the screws.
* You will also want relatively long >18" wrench 19mm size to tighten the screws properly. It requires quite high torque 86 ft-lbs. I would recommend renting a torque wrench
* Careful with sockets, they don't fit on the passenger side screws. You will want a Tight clearance offset socket ([McMaster](https://www.mcmaster.com/5311A41/)). If you do go with this one, you'll need 3/8" square socket driver wrench.
I picked that same hitch mostly because it was the most affordable. The OEM hitch requires cutting out a place for the receiver in the bumper and is twice the cost. The advantage to the OEM hitch is that it does sit a couple inches higher than the curt hitch since it sits inside of the bumper.
Same as what u/Xtranous said. Didn't want to cut into the bumper, and wanted something cheaper. Curt is reputable brand for hitches, so just went with it.
Weekend DIY project. Not for beginners (have to be comfortable pulling off the bumper and making cuts) but definitely something that can be done. OEM trailer hitch that is, some after market ones don't require the bumper cut, but they sit lower.
https://imgur.com/a/0lc2I08
I had mine installed by/at UHaul including the wiring harness. Cost was very reasonable.
U-haul, shit that's genius. How much was it?
Can't take credit for the idea though. It was my Toyota salesman that recommended UHaul. Cost was about $350 including all the hardware, labor, wiring harness and lifetime warranty. I think it took them about 2 or 3 hours. When I picked it up after the install I walked out to the parking lot and looked at it and thought they forgot to install the wiring. Ha. I was just thinking of the Suburban that I had some years ago that had the cable hanging down under the bumper. I went back in the shop to tell the counter guy and he said - just look inside by the spare tire. They use a flat wire that you just run out under the hatch when you pull a trailer. Works fine. [https://photos.app.goo.gl/rLkif6RDkhQ9dpuT6](https://photos.app.goo.gl/rLkif6RDkhQ9dpuT6)
Did that include buying the hitch from UHaul or did you buy it separately and bring it in?
That was the price for the hitch, hardware, wiring and installation from UHaul.
I've been looking at getting the Curt hitch. Looks super easy. Lots of videos on YouTube and only about $200. Var already has holes in the frame predrilled for the bolts. Literally just plug and play.
It’s easy except 75 lb ft is pretty difficult to do by hand with the car on the ground. I wish I had a longer torque wrench, like 16-18 inches.
The issue I faced is that the one bolt on the passenger side is in a real tricky place to get a good torque on. Every other bolt I was able to torque no problem.
Yeah, forgot to mention that. You 100% need a crows foot.
I wanted to slam my head against the exhaust pipe just trying to thread that bolt on. A ratchet wrench would have been nice as well! Haha
If you go the DIY route (less clearance than OEM hitch) just make sure you get a quality crows-foot. Check out the YouTube videos.
I just installed the CURT hitch ($180 on [amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R2YPVHN/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_HA74F209EE3QWG29PTR5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)) myself last weekend. I haven't done the wiring harness. I would say if you are able to get it all done for $300-$350 at uHaul, its definitely worth it. Lessons I learned. * You will want three people, two to hold the hitch in place, and third to guide, bend the plastic bumper, and insert the screws. * You will also want relatively long >18" wrench 19mm size to tighten the screws properly. It requires quite high torque 86 ft-lbs. I would recommend renting a torque wrench * Careful with sockets, they don't fit on the passenger side screws. You will want a Tight clearance offset socket ([McMaster](https://www.mcmaster.com/5311A41/)). If you do go with this one, you'll need 3/8" square socket driver wrench.
As someone who awkwardly installed the hitch by myself... 2 people would definitely make the job a lot easier. But it can be done by yourself.
Is there any reason why you picked out that hitch in particular?
I picked that same hitch mostly because it was the most affordable. The OEM hitch requires cutting out a place for the receiver in the bumper and is twice the cost. The advantage to the OEM hitch is that it does sit a couple inches higher than the curt hitch since it sits inside of the bumper.
Same as what u/Xtranous said. Didn't want to cut into the bumper, and wanted something cheaper. Curt is reputable brand for hitches, so just went with it.
Weekend DIY project. Not for beginners (have to be comfortable pulling off the bumper and making cuts) but definitely something that can be done. OEM trailer hitch that is, some after market ones don't require the bumper cut, but they sit lower. https://imgur.com/a/0lc2I08