How expensive is it to put a hitch on a car?
In most cases, you’ll pay roughly $200 to $1,000 to have a hitch installed, depending on the hitch class and size, whether you DIY or hire a professional, and whether you need extra wiring or vehicle-specific work. This article breaks down the main cost factors and typical price ranges to help you budget.
What determines the price
The total cost isn’t just the price of the hitch itself. Several factors drive the final bill, including the hitch design, the vehicle’s compatibility, and whether the installation is done by you or a shop.
- Hitch class and receiver size: 1.25" receivers (lighter-duty) are generally cheaper than 2" receivers (common for mid- to heavy-duty towing). Higher-capacity Class IV/V hitches cost more than basic Class I/II options.
- Vehicle compatibility and labor complexity: Some cars require drilling, frame modifications, or special mounting kits. Vehicles with integrated electronics or complex exhaust layouts can add labor time and parts.
- DIY vs professional installation: Doing it yourself saves labor but requires tools, mechanical comfort, and time. Pros handle torque specifications, alignment, and any required modifications, typically at a higher up-front cost but with warranty protection.
- Electrical wiring: A basic 4-pin harness is cheaper; a 7-pin (or more advanced) harness and trailer brake controller add to the price and installation time.
- Accessories and hardware: Ball mounts, hitch balls, anti-rattle devices, locking pins, and installation kits can add to the upfront cost, especially if not included with the hitch.
Conclusion: The price you pay is driven by the hitch’s capacity and design, how your vehicle integrates with it, and whether you opt for DIY or professional installation.
Typical price ranges to plan around
The following ranges reflect common market prices and may vary by region, retailer, and vehicle. Always check a written quote that itemizes parts, wiring, and labor.
- Hitch component price (receiver hitch)
- 1.25" receiver for light-duty use: $100-$250
- 2" receiver for standard to heavy-duty use: $150-$350
- High-capacity Class IV/V or OEM-style hitches: $300-$600
- Wiring harness and electrical options
- 4-pin harness: $15-$60
- 7-pin harness or more complex wiring: $40-$140
- Installation costs
- DIY installation: cost largely tires down to parts and any tools needed; labor time is your own
- Professional installation: typically $75-$150 per hour; most jobs take 1–2 hours, totaling around $75-$300
- Total installed price ranges
- Simple bolt-on hitch (1.25", basic wiring): roughly $250-$500 installed
- Standard 2" hitch with wiring and ball: roughly $350-$700 installed
- OEM or high-end setups with added hardware: roughly $500-$1,000+ installed
Conclusion: These ranges provide a budgeting framework, but actual quotes can vary based on vehicle, region, and whether any drilling or custom fabrication is required.
DIY vs professional: what to consider
Deciding between do-it-yourself installation and professional help depends on cost, skill, and how you plan to use the hitch. Here are the key considerations.
- DIY benefits: Lower upfront cost and immediate availability for a simple bolt-on hitch with basic wiring.
- DIY risks: Potential warranty issues if not done to spec; risk of improper alignment or torque; may require special tools or exacting measurements; some vehicles require drilling or complex wiring.
- Professional installation benefits: Proper fit and torque, clean electrical integration, and often warranty coverage for the installation; experts handle any necessary drilling or brackets.
- Professional costs and logistics: Higher upfront price and potential scheduling time, but with assurance and service documentation.
- Warranty and eligibility: Some hitch kits and vehicle warranties prefer or require professional installation to maintain coverage.
Conclusion: If you have the tools, time, and a straightforward bolt-on hitch, DIY can save money. For vehicles with complex electronics or if you want warranty protection, a professional installation is usually worth the cost.
Summary
Adding a hitch to a car is a mid-range automotive upgrade with costs that can vary widely. For many drivers, a basic 1.25" receiver with simple wiring installed by a shop lands in the $250–$500 range, while a more capable 2" system or OEM installation can push the total toward $700–$1,000 or more. DIY installation can cut labor costs but may not be suitable for every vehicle or situation. Always obtain a detailed quote that breaks down hitch price, wiring, labor, and any possible modification fees, and consider your vehicle’s needs and your comfort level with installation.
In the end, planning ahead and comparing a few quotes will give you a clear sense of what fits your budget and towing plans, whether you’re hauling a bike rack, boat trailer, or camper.
