Which trailer hitch to buy?

[ridgeline_kid]

Thanks for all the replies but after reading them all, I realize buying a trailer hitch is not as easy as buying a Big Mac.

Since I've never had a trailer hitch or any sort of towing system, I have one simple question:

What exactly do I need to buy to have a towing system? I went on the H&A website and noticed that there is the Trailer Hitch package, which includes: draw bar, hitch pin and cover. But the harness, locking hitch pin and hitch ball are sold separately below. And now I read in one of the postings about a braker controller. What the hell is a brake contoller? Sounds important but then one of the members said they didn't need it.

What all do I need?

[ajponu]

You won't need the brake controller, all it does is send power from the truck to the electric brakes. Since you are only towing a U-haul trailer, you won't need it.

[Horm]

The Curt hitch is the way to go!
I just installed my class 3 a couple of weeks ago, nothing to it!
All you see is the receiver, everything else is hidden by the bumper.
Top quality product at a VERY good price and very fast shipping, arrived in Canada in 2 days.

[McRidgeline]

You need to consider what size trailer you plan on getting from UHaul and how heavy it and your item / stuff will be.

To me, that would dictate if you need a brake controller or not and if a 4-pin or 7-pin connector is appropriate.

Some of the UHaul trailers have passive brake systems on them that will apply the trailers brakes whenever it detects the ball pushing back on the trailer instead of 'pulling' at the trailer.

I've not towed with one of these, but others have and have noted that it helps but, since it's done via this simple, but crude manner, you can feel the effects of the braking on the truck. I would think it would be better than just using the RL's brakes. Could be a simple way to go. That way you just get your hitch (whichever brand) and a simple electrical adapter to hook the trailer and RL together. Once again, depends on the size of the trailer you rent and how much weight you put in it.

Hope this helps. Have a good and SAFE trip.

[John32070]

All U-Haul trailers have that type of braking on them and I can tell you they do help. As to whether as good as regular electric brakes, I don't know, but it was nice not to have to be concerned about it. I pulled both the big two axle and the 5x8 single axle U-haul's and both were pretty full and the truck handled them well as did the U-Haul hitch.

[SRQRIDGE]

what about these hitches?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hidde...em120240058380

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hidde...2 50231032883

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-H...ayphotohosting

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hidde...310 036479203

[ocb_dave_ocb]

Originally Posted by SRQRIDGE

what about these hitches?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hidde...em120240058380

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hidde...2 50231032883

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-H...ayphotohosting

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hidde...310 036479203

That is the brand I have "Hidden Hitch" and I got the 4 pin harness, But I got mine from www.etrailer.com and it was $207 shipped, with express 2 day shipping.. Ordered Monday and 10 - 11 Am and it was here by Wed at 5:30 pm

[SRQRIDGE]

Dave

are you happy with this hitch?

[ridgeline_kid]

Still in the process of making a decision on the trailer hitch:

I realize everyone is waxing poetic the benefits of the OEM, but the primary reason I'm purchasing this hitch is to tow a trailer filled with my furniture and stuff from Cali to Chicago. After that, I'm going to have very little use for the hitch. So, do I need to spend an additional $150 (not including shipping from on-line dealer) for the OEM equipment when I have limited use for the hitch?

Questions: One installed, is the OEM hitch hidden under the bumper? Is the Draw-tite hitch hidden under the bumper? Can anyone provide pics of their hitch set-up?

[CapeRT]

I have the Hidden Hitch and love it. I use it for pulling my 17ft runabout and launching it, and have had absolutely no problems. I also bought the harness on ebay for $40, and it just connects in-line with the taillight connectors. It was simple to install both - no problems.