Lessons on installing my trailer hitch - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

MikeWaters · 11-12-2007, 01:26 AM

I bought a UHAUL round hitch for $120 +tax.

Would have cost $30 to get it installed but I decided I would do it myself and apply that $30 towards a torque wrench.

Well, I discovered that torque wrenches are actually very expensive. The only two at home depot were $70.

At the suggestion of a home depot worker, I went to Auto Zone and put down a $100 deposit on a torque wrench and borrowed it.

The hitch is actually a quite impressive heavy piece of steel. I think it would be close to impossible to hold up the hitch with one hand and get the bolts started with the other. You might be able to do it with a couple of jacks to hold the thing in place. So Farrah helped me hold it up against the undercarriage. Her two hands, my one hand holding and the other putting in the bolts.

Got the thing in and I am good. I bought the attachment thingie with a 3.25inch drop and the knob thingie.

All is good in my trailer world.

MikeWaters · 11-12-2007, 05:35 PM

<bump, because I haven't been given due credit yet for installing it myself>

Jeff Lebowski · 11-12-2007, 05:43 PM

Way to go, Mike.

The Auto Zone tool lending service is awesome.

FMCoug · 11-12-2007, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

<bump, because I haven't been given due credit yet for installing it myself>

You should be ashamed of yourself. Some poor working class hitch installer who's just trying to make a better life for himself and his family got the shaft by you being cheap.

Way to go, cheapskate.

MikeWaters · 11-12-2007, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FMCoug

You should be ashamed of yourself. Some poor working class hitch installer who's just trying to make a better life for himself and his family got the shaft by you being cheap.

Way to go, cheapskate.

actually, the guy seemed relieved I didn't want it installed. Guy probably gets paid by the hour. When someone gets out of the store quickly, better for him. He didn't even mention getting a single accessory.

FMCoug · 11-12-2007, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

actually, the guy seemed relieved I didn't want it installed. Guy probably gets paid by the hour. When someone gets out of the store quickly, better for him. He didn't even mention getting a single accessory.

The place must be owned by a democrat. A true capitalist wouldn't put up with that crap!

K-dog · 11-12-2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FMCoug

The place must be owned by a democrat. A true capitalist wouldn't put up with that crap!

Mike wouldn't shop at a place owned by a true capitalist. He can't abide being in the same place as...profits...unless they're his own.

11-12-2007, 01:26 AM	#1
MikeWaters Demiurge Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 36,365	Lessons on installing my trailer hitch I bought a UHAUL round hitch for $120 +tax. Would have cost $30 to get it installed but I decided I would do it myself and apply that $30 towards a torque wrench. Well, I discovered that torque wrenches are actually very expensive. The only two at home depot were $70. At the suggestion of a home depot worker, I went to Auto Zone and put down a $100 deposit on a torque wrench and borrowed it. The hitch is actually a quite impressive heavy piece of steel. I think it would be close to impossible to hold up the hitch with one hand and get the bolts started with the other. You might be able to do it with a couple of jacks to hold the thing in place. So Farrah helped me hold it up against the undercarriage. Her two hands, my one hand holding and the other putting in the bolts. Got the thing in and I am good. I bought the attachment thingie with a 3.25inch drop and the knob thingie. All is good in my trailer world.

11-12-2007, 05:35 PM	#2
MikeWaters Demiurge Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 36,365	<bump, because I haven't been given due credit yet for installing it myself>

11-12-2007, 05:43 PM	#3
Jeff Lebowski Charon Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the heart of darkness (Provo) Posts: 9,564	Way to go, Mike. The Auto Zone tool lending service is awesome.