Would you like to know how to remove a U-Haul hitch from your car? Well, we have researched this topic and have answers for you. Understanding how to remove a U-Haul hitch from your car is vital to ensure it's removed without damaging your vehicle.
To remove a U-Haul hitch from your car, remove two bolts under the center of the hitch with a 3/4" socket wrench.
Next, remove two bolts from the left and right sides of the hitch with an 18mm socket wrench. Lower the hitch to the ground gently to avoid damaging your vehicle's exhaust pipe.
This article will teach us how to remove a U-haul hitch from a car. We will also learn the answers to other interesting related questions, such as what class of hitches can tow U-Haul trailers, and what size ball mount do you need to tow a U-Haul trailer?
Keep reading to learn more.
How To Remove U-Haul Hitch From Car
To remove a U-Haul hitch from a car, you need all the right tools. You need a socket wrench, a 3/4" socket, and an 8mm socket.
Start by loosening and removing the bolts under the center of the hitch. These bolts will be 3/4" and need a matching socket to loosen. Once these bolts are removed, you can remove the ones on the sides.
There are two bolts on the far left and two on the far right of the hitch. The bolts on the sides are 8mm and will need the corresponding socket to loosen and remove.
Before loosening the side bolts, check to see which side your vehicle has its exhaust pipe. Removing the bolts on the side with the exhaust pipe last would be best.
Removing the bolts by the exhaust pipe last allows you to guide the side of the hitch, most likely to damage the exhaust pipe, to the ground gently.
Some vehicles, like the Chevy Traverse, require that you lower the exhaust pipe before removing the hitch. You can lower the exhaust pipe by detaching it from the rubber supports holding it in place.
Separate the exhaust pipe from its rubber supports by hand or with a pair of exhaust pliers.
Your U-Haul hitch is successfully uninstalled once the bolts are removed, and you have safely lowered the hitch to the ground.
What Class Of Hitches Can Tow U-Haul Trailers?
There are five classes of hitches that are distinguished by their towing capabilities. U-Haul trailers can be towed by class three, four, and five hitches. Let's look at the five classes of hitches and learn what their towing capabilities are.
Class One
Class one hitches have a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. They also have a tongue weight limit of 200 pounds.
The towing capacity of class one hitches makes them helpful in towing motorcycles or personal watercraft like Waverunners.
Class Two
Class two hitches have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The tongue weight limit of class two hitches is 525 pounds.
These hitches are great for towing small boats or trailers. Be sure not to overload a class two hitch.
Class Three
Class three hitches have a towing capacity of 8,000 pounds. A class three hitch has a tongue weight limit of 800 pounds.
These hitches are the first that are capable of towing a U-Haul trailer. While it's vital to keep the weight under 8,000 pounds, class three hitches can tow most small and medium U-Haul trailers.
Class Four
Class four hitches have a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds. They also have a tongue weight limit of 1,200 pounds.
A class four hitch can handle all but the largest U-Haul trailers. These hitches can also handle most boats up to small cabin cruisers, which are essentially small yachts.
Class Five
Class five hitches have a towing capacity of 25,000 pounds. The tongue limit on a class five hitch is 4,000 pounds.
This class of hitches can tow the heaviest of loads, from the largest U-Haul trailers to full-size cabin cruisers. The class five hitch is the solution if you need a reliable hitch for heavy tow jobs.
Conclusion
U-Haul trailers weigh enough to require class three hitches or higher. Make sure you always use a hitch that supports the amount of weight you wish to tow.
What Size Ball Mount Do You Need To Tow A U-Haul Trailer?
U-Haul trailers attach to the standard 2" ball mount. This is done for both ease of use and safety.
Not all classes of hitches accept 2" ball mounts. Class one and two only use 1-1/4" ball mounts, while classes three, four, and five all accept 2" ball mounts.
By U-Haul trailers only attaching to 2" ball mounts, they won't attach to hitches that are too weak to pull them. Not attaching to weak hitches will keep you safe. U-Haul hitches will also attach to most hitches that support them due to their standard size.
If you have a class three or higher hitch, but your ball mount is too large, then you need to replace it with a 2" ball mount.
How Do You Replace A Ball Mount?
To replace a ball mount, you first need to remove it. Start by removing the pin holding the ball mount in the hitch. The pin holding the ball mount in the hitch will be held in place by its own pin.
Remove the pin's pin and then the ball mount's pin. Once the ball mount's pin is removed, you can slide the ball mount out of your vehicle's hitch.
Take a 2" ball mount and slide it into your hitch. The new ball mount should have come with its own pins. You can use the old pins as long as they fit your new ball mount.
Slide in the large pin that holds the ball mount to the hitch, and then insert the pin's pin. Your ball mount will now be 2" and support U-Haul trailers.
What Else Can You Attach To A U-Haul Hitch?
When we think of hitches, we usually think of ball mounts, but ball mounts are but one of many attachments for a hitch. Let's look at several accessories you can attach to a U-Haul Hitch.
Bike Rack
One accessory for your hitch is a bike rack. Hitch-mounted bike racks come in many sizes and can hold one or many bicycles. Here are two of the best hitch-mounted bike racks on Amazon.
Allen Sports Hitch Mount 4-Bike Rack
You can find this product here on Amazon.
MaxxHaul Hitch Mount 2-Bike Rack
You can find this product here on Amazon.
Luggage Basket
A luggage basket is another great accessory that can attach to your hitch. With a luggage basket, you can expand your carrying capacity on trips. Here are two of the best hitch-mounted luggage baskets available on Amazon.
OKLEAD Hitch Mount Luggage Basket
You can find this product here on Amazon.
TITIMO Hitch Mount Luggage Basket
You can find this product here on Amazon.
Metal Step
Many types of metal steps can be attached to your hitch. A metal step can be a great way to access your truck bed easily. If you want to try a hitch-mounted metal step, here are two of the best available on Amazon.
Samman Hitch Step
You can find this product here on Amazon.
CURT Hitch Step
You can find this product here on Amazon.
Truck Bed Extender
A truck bed extender can be a useful hitch-mounted tool to assist with extra long loads. Attach the truck bed extender to your hitch and extend its arms to expand your carrying capacity. If you want to try a hitch-mounted truck bed extender, here are two of the best available on Amazon.
MaxxHaul Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender
You can find this product here on Amazon.
ECOTRIC Hitch Mount Truck Bed Extender
You can find this product here on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we learned to remove a U-Haul hitch from a car; you need only to remove six bolts with a socket wrench and lower it gently to the ground. We also learned about the different classes of hitches and which can support a U-Haul trailer.
Remember it's vital not to exceed your hitch's tow capacity, so check which class it is and whether it can tow your load safely.
We hope you enjoyed this article. If you want to learn more, check out some of these other posts.