How to Install a Trailer Hitch

If you have a motorcycle, a boat or even a horse to transport, you'll need a trailer to do so. You'll have to install a trailer hitch on your truck to attach the trailer to. While that might sound like a difficult project, if you have the right tools and follow the correct steps, you can install a trailer hitch yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • Trailer hitch
  • Jack
  • Drill
  • Bolts
  • C-clamps
  • Jack the truck up to give yourself plenty of clearance to install the trailer hitch. If necessary, loosen the truck's bumper or exhaust system prior to installation.

  • Assemble the entire hitch--the drawbar, pin and clip, per manufacturer instructions but do not tighten any bolts. Hold the hitch up to your truck to ensure it is going to be a proper fit. This will also assure you that there are no missing parts.

  • Drill holes into the truck frame by using the loosely assembled hitch as a template. It is important not to drill holes more than 1/16-inch thicker than the bolts to be used to attach the trailer hitch to the truck.

  • Clamp the hitch to the frame using C-clamps to hold it into place. Bolt the hitch to the frame and tighten all bolts. Then tighten all bolts on the hitch to manufacturer specifications.

  • Make all electrical connections for the brake lights and turn signals following manufacturer's instructions. Test to make sure all lights work before taking the trailer out onto the road.