How To Install a Trailer Hitch

A tow hitch, or receiver hitch, allows you to hook a trailer to your vehicle for towing. It includes a reinforced receiver that can accept a certain size draw bar, and each one is rated for a specific weight class. The hitch you choose will have a towing class that corresponds with the capabilities of your vehicle, so that’s the most important thing to know before deciding on a trailer hitch. You should never haul anything that exceeds the towing capacity of your hitch or your vehicle.



Tools & Materials

Safety Glasses Safety Glasses

Gloves Gloves

Reese Trailer Hitch Trailer Hitch

Ball and Ball Mount Starter Kit Ball and Ball Mount

Penetrating Oil Pb Blaster Penetrating Oil

Power Torque Wire Brush Wire Brush

Small Wire Brush - Battery Cleaner Small Wire Brush

Power Torque Ratchet and Socket Set Ratchet and Socket Set

Trailer Hitch Installation Instructions

This job is performed on a 2010 Nissan Frontier, but the installation will be similar for most vehicles. Once you’ve got your hitch and supplies together, here’s what you’ll do:

(If you’re not completely comfortable doing this yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.)
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look under the vehicle for mounting points

Step 1: Prepare to Mount Trailer Hitch

Begin by looking under the vehicle to find the mounting points in the frame. A lot of vehicles have provisions for a trailer hitch or tow package when they leave the factory, so in most cases, modifying the vehicle or drilling holes won’t be necessary.


Do It Right: In some cases, there may already be bolts in place on the frame, but if your trailer hitch includes new bolts, it’s best to use them. They should be the proper grade bolts for the weight rating of your hitch.

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use wire brush to clean 3 mounting threads

In this example, there are three threaded holes in the frame on both sides. Because this vehicle hasn’t had a trailer hitch installed, these are pretty rusty, and it’s best to clean them out before attempting to install your hitch to avoid damage to the threads. To clean these, use some penetrating oil and a wire brush that fits inside the threads.
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bolts clean surface of frame with wire brush

If the threads on your vehicle are particularly rusty, you may need to use a threadtapper tool to remove all of the rust.
Once the threads are clean, test one of the bolts included with the hitch to make sure it threads easily by hand.
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clean the surface of the frame rail with wire brush

Clean the surface of the frame with a wire brush so the hitch will mount flush. If it does, you’re ready to mount the hitch.
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slide hitch into place slide the bolts into the center mount on each side of the frame

Step 2: Mount and Secure Trailer Hitch

Once the hitch is slid up into place, put the provided washers on your bolts and start threading the center bolts into the holes on both sides of the frame. The teeth on the washers should be against the receiver hitch. Make sure and get several turns on the bolt before taking pressure off of the hitch.


Do It Right: You may need the help of a second person to get the hitch in place. It can be a little heavy, so be careful when you raise it.

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install the remaining bolts after the center bolts using ratchet to tighten

Once both center bolts are started, install the remaining bolts.

Using a ratchet and socket, tighten the bolts until they are snug against the hitch, and the hitch is fully seated against the frame. Then torque the bolts to manufacturer specifications.
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unscrew the nut and remove the lock washer from the ball

Step 3: Install Hitch Ball and Draw Bar

Now that your receiver hitch is installed, you’re ready to install your hitch ball, draw bar, draw bar pin, and retainer. Select the ball size you need for the trailer you’ll be towing, and the ball mount drop height.


Do It Right: Lifted vehicles will need a draw bar with a larger drop. It’s EXTREMELY important that the trailer be level with the hitch for towing.

Unscrew the nut and remove the lock washer from the ball.
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pass the threaded end through the top of the ball mount

Pass the threaded end through the top of the ball mount.


Do It Right: It can be difficult to install the ball and tighten the nut, because these parts may require tool sizes larger than what you might have in your garage. So, there are ball mounts available that have the hitch ball already installed and torqued to specification. These kits may also include the draw pin and clip for a complete solution.

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use pipe wrench to hold the ball and then tighten the nut

If you want to install the hitch ball to the ball mount yourself, or if you frequently tow different trailers and have to change ball size often, here’s how to do it at home. Use two crescent wrenches, or an open end wrench or trailer hitch ball wrench on the nut and a vise or pipe wrench to hold the ball. Tighten the nut until the lock washer is fully compressed and the nut is tight. Make sure that whatever you use to hold the ball is covered with a rag to avoid damaging the ball’s finish, and be sure it’s tightened to manufacturer specifications before towing.
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insert and pass the retaining clip through the hole in the pin

Insert the end of the ball mount into the receiver on your hitch, and line up the hole for the pin. Insert the pin through the hole.


Pass the retaining clip through the hole in the pin.
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Additional Resources

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The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.