We just bought a new toy hauler, and we're pushing up against the limits on tongue weight for our current hitch receiver, so we're planning to upgrade it. I found one that says no drilling required; bolts should match up with the holes that are already there...any reason we can't install it ourselves? My husband is reasonably handy in a general sort of way but without much experience working on cars specifically...but my brother, who does have a lot of experience with that, will be here to help. Husband's nervous about it, since the consequence of messing it up would be losing the trailer on the highway somewhere....but it sounds like a pretty straightforward job to me. Thoughts?

I'd do it myself. The worst that happens is that the holes don't line up. Then it's a decision as what to do at that point - either fix the holes or get a different hitch.Bill

You should have no problem swapping the receivers. It is pretty straight forward, just follow torque instructions to keep it secure. Best be sure tow vehicle is up to the capability, to match the new receiver. There may have been a reason it had a light duty set up.Happy wrenching,Jerry

MFL wrote:You should have no problem swapping the receivers. It is pretty straight forward, just follow torque instructions to keep it secure. Best be sure tow vehicle is up to the capability, to match the new receiver. There may have been a reason it had a light duty set up.Happy wrenching,JerryTrailer has a heavy hitch since it's a toy hauler....It's 7000 pounds dry, and our van's tow capacity is 10,000 pounds (which is right at the max weight of the new trailer, but we'll never come close to that; the main "toys" we're going to haul are bikes and maybe kayaks--we figure we'll top out at maybe 8500 or for a long trip). Current hitch receiver is only rated for 1000 pounds, and Jayco lists the dry hitch weight at 985.

I've done it a couple times. Make sure you have the right hitch for your vehicle, make sure you are using the right torque specs and its pretty easy to DIY.

It's as straight forward as it gets. Unbolt the old receiver, drop it down out of the way. Bolt the new one back in its place. Bolt pattern should match just fine just make sure the hitch you buy is for your vehicle.

Is installing a hitch receiver a reasonable DIY job?

kokotg
Explorer
Jan 05, 2017
MFL wrote:
You should have no problem swapping the receivers. It is pretty straight forward, just follow torque instructions to keep it secure. Best be sure tow vehicle is up to the capability, to match the new receiver. There may have been a reason it had a light duty set up.

Happy wrenching,
Jerry

Trailer has a heavy hitch since it's a toy hauler....It's 7000 pounds dry, and our van's tow capacity is 10,000 pounds (which is right at the max weight of the new trailer, but we'll never come close to that; the main "toys" we're going to haul are bikes and maybe kayaks--we figure we'll top out at maybe 8500 or for a long trip). Current hitch receiver is only rated for 1000 pounds, and Jayco lists the dry hitch weight at 985.
MFL
Nomad II
Jan 05, 2017
You should have no problem swapping the receivers. It is pretty straight forward, just follow torque instructions to keep it secure. Best be sure tow vehicle is up to the capability, to match the new receiver. There may have been a reason it had a light duty set up.

Happy wrenching,
Jerry
Trackrig
Explorer II
Jan 05, 2017
I'd do it myself. The worst that happens is that the holes don't line up. Then it's a decision as what to do at that point - either fix the holes or get a different hitch.

Bill

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Is installing a hitch receiver a reasonable DIY job?

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