Saltwater Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 2016 TC LWB. I want a hitch with a 2" receiver for a bike rack. I'll never tow anything but I want a worry-free ownership experience. The difference in price is $100 for a bolt on hitch from U-Haul ($200) vs. a welded-on hitch from Eckhart ($300) respectively. The prices exclude wiring but like I said I'll never tow anything. Which will be the most secure? Pros, cons? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty150 Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 etrailer.com has a bolt-on for about half of what your U-Haul is charging. I'm guessing that they're factoring in installation labor. But you really can install your own. It's only a few bolts, and it will do everything that you need or want. Over the years, I've always installed my own bolt-on, and have never had a problem. Hidden Hitch Class III Round Tube Receiver Hitch - 2016 Ford Transit Connect Actual Photo Installation Difficulty: 3 out of 10 3 reviews Code: 87651 Retail:$231.75 Price: $108.01 Trailer Hitch Size: 2 Inch Hitch Opening Towing Capacity: 400 Pound Tongue Weight 3500 Pound Towing Weight Distribution Towing Capacity: 400 lbs WD TW Pound Tongue Weight 4000 lbs WD GTW Pound Towing Trailer Wiring: 2016 Ford Transit Connect Trailer Wiring or use Alternate Wiring Features: This durable, fully welded vehicle trailer hitch receiver features a powder coat finish over an e-coat base to ensure superior corrosion resistance. Installation Notes: No drilling required for installation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty150 Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 NB: should you decide to have wiring installed you'll need a trailer connector module. Can't crimp the wires to the rear light wiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 Definitely a bolt on, The wiring adapter also available and easy to install . For US customers E-trailer is a great resource. Not sure if they ship to international customers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty150 Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 Is it just me, or does anyone else think that U-Haul is not the best place to have work done on your car? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 (edited) The U-Haul equipment is well made. They are not an inexpensive Option. Edited February 1, 2017 by G B L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandytc Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 5 hours ago, Fifty150 said: Is it just me, or does anyone else think that U-Haul is not the best place to have work done on your car? I have had U-Haul hitches on two of my previous vehicles, one of which was installed by them, and was quite happy with their product and labour. For my TC, I called them up for a quote, but couldn't easily find a picture of their hitch, so, since I don't like buying a cat in a bag, I bought a Curt hitch. Super easy to install. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 (edited) I have a Curt hitch also and the quality is very good . Edited February 1, 2017 by G B L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fifty150 Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 9 hours ago, Dandytc said: I have had U-Haul hitches on two of my previous vehicles, one of which was installed by them, and was quite happy with their product and labour. For my TC, I called them up for a quote, but couldn't easily find a picture of their hitch, so, since I don't like buying a cat in a bag, I bought a Curt hitch. Super easy to install. A buddy of mine got a U-Haul hitch and wiring. The hitch was fine. The wiring was all messed up. The way they crossed the wires was funny up to the point that it cost $XXX to fix what they did wrong. That's not to say that every U-Haul is a bad choice, but the guy doing the work that day was not very good. If I couldn't do it myself, I would cast the net a little farther. U-Haul would not be my first choice. There are usually shops that sell camper shells, tool boxes, ladder racks, and hitches. Those guys would probably be my second call for a quote, after getting dealership quotes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beta Don Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 I bought the Curt hitch also - Think I paid $125 with free shipping. A very easy install. I'v installed bolt on hitches on my last several cars and the Curt hitch for the TC was the easiest to install by far I agree you should buy the aftermarket module for the trailer wiring. You unplug the main connector at each tail light and the module plugs in there. You do need a +12 volt wire (which actually powers the trailer lights) and a ground wire. That's it! Also a fairly DIY install. Routing the wires which requires removing some interior plastic is the hardest part Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted February 2, 2017 Share Posted February 2, 2017 Now a days if the installer does not check for the wiring adapter kit then it is time for a new installer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomerweps Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 (edited) You can't go wrong with Hidden Hitch or a Curt Hitch. Wiring adapters are inexpensive enough. I used to use Hop-I-lite brand. On my last few vehicles, I got the towing package on them for a few reasons. Often better gearing for the hills I deal with every day and sometimes extra cooling, heavy duty flashers, etc. Before though, I always installed my own, usually bought pre-internet from J.C. Whitney Edited February 5, 2017 by Boomerweps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 The tow package definitely has merits. When you get a vehicle off the lot then some times you win and sometimes you don't Luckily for you if you still Want to use J.C.Whitney they are on line and easy to access. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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