Does Walmart Install Hitches in 2026? [Full Guide]

Trailer hitches are a popular accessory that allow you to tow trailers, bikes, boats, and more behind your vehicle. With hitches available at low prices, Walmart is an attractive retailer for these products. But does Walmart also provide hitch installation services?

Unfortunately, Walmart does not install hitches on vehicles purchased from their stores. However, with some DIY know-how or help from a professional installer, you can still use a hitch bought at Walmart to enhance your vehicle‘s towing capabilities.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about purchasing and installing a hitch from Walmart, including:

• Hitch options available at Walmart
• National chains providing hitch installation
• Finding reputable local installers
• DIY hitch installation tips
• Cost estimates
• Safety considerations

Let‘s get started!

What Types of Hitches Does Walmart Sell?

Walmart offers a wide selection of trailer hitches and accessories, both online and in most brick-and-mortar stores. You can find basic hitches for under $50 as well as heavy-duty hitches designed for towing over 10,000 pounds.

Some of the major hitch types and brands available at Walmart include:

• Class I hitches: Lowest towing capacity, under 2,000 lbs. Good for bikes, cargo carriers. Brands include Reese, Draw-Tite, Curt.

• Class II hitches: Medium duty, tow up to 3,500 lbs. For small trailers, boats. Brands include Reese, Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch.

• Class III hitches: Heavy duty, towing capacity up to 8,000 lbs. For larger trailers. Brands like Reese, CURT, and Draw-Tite.

• Class IV hitches: Highest capacity, up to 14,000 lbs towing. For big trailers, RVs. Brands like CURT, Draw-Tite, Reese.

• Fifth wheel hitches: For towing fifth wheel travel trailers. Reese, CURT, and Draw-Tite brands.

• Gooseneck hitches: For hauling gooseneck trailers. Brands include Draw-Tite, REESE, Pro Series.

• Receiver tube hitches: Allow for different hitch types to be inserted. Brands like Reese, Tow Ready, CURT.

• Custom receiver hitches: Fixed tongues for specific applications. Brands include Reese Elite, Bulldog.

Walmart also sells associated hitch accessories like ball mounts, hitch balls, wiring kits, and more from reputable brands.

Can Walmart Install My Hitch?

Unfortunately, Walmart does not offer professional hitch installation services at their Auto Care Centers.

The scope of services at Walmart Auto Care Centers includes:

• Oil changes
• Tire services – rotation, balancing, flat repair
• Battery testing and replacement
• Air conditioning recharge
• Windshield wiper installation
• Air filter replacement

Notice that specialty services like hitch installation are not included. Walmart focuses on quick, basic car maintenance services only.

So while you can purchase high-quality hitches from Walmart, you‘ll need to use a professional installer or DIY to get it mounted on your vehicle.

National Chain Retailers That Install Hitches

If you don‘t want to install your Walmart-purchased hitch yourself, consider using a national retailer that provides professional installations. Two popular options are:

U-Haul

U-Haul offers hitch installation at locations across the U.S. and Canada. With most light-duty vehicle hitches, U-Haul provides same-day installation if ordered before noon.

Estimated cost: $100-$150 if you already have the hitch. More if U-Haul supplies the hitch.

Pep Boys

Pep Boys auto parts stores also install trailer hitches purchased from any retailer. Their certified technicians have experience with most vehicles.

Estimated cost: $50-$250 if you provide the hitch. More if they supply parts.

Both U-Haul and Pep Boys typically offer warranties on hitch installation labor. Installation costs vary by vehicle make/model and hitch type. Call your local store for an exact quote.

Finding a Local Independent Mechanic

Rather than a national chain, you may want to have your hitch installed by an independent mechanic. The benefit is keeping business local while often paying less than dealers and chains.

Here are some tips for finding a qualified local hitch installer:

• Ask for referrals: Talk to friends, family, and neighbors to find out who they recommend.

• Search online directories: Check Google Maps and platforms like Yelp and Angie‘s List. Read reviews.

• Call local shops: Explain you need a hitch installed on your vehicle make/model. Ask about experience, parts/labor rates.

• Confirm credentials: Do they have certified technicians, ASE certification, insurance? Are they reputable?

• Compare quotes: Get price estimates from 3-4 shops before deciding. Ask what is included.

• Check their previous work: Some shops will show pictures of previous hitch installs. This demonstrates expertise.

A competent independent mechanic is likely to provide high-quality hitch installation work at a competitive price. Be sure to get warranty details in writing as well.

Installing a Hitch Yourself – Is DIY a Good Idea?

You can save money by providing the "labor" to install your new hitch yourself. But is DIY hitch installation a good idea?

The pros of DIY hitch installation:

• Save on labor costs
• Learn new mechanical skills
• Convenience of working at your own pace

The cons of DIY hitch installation:

• Physically demanding and complex process
• Requires special tools and supplies
• Improper installation could be unsafe
• Most vehicles require cutting, drilling, welding
• No professional warranty on work

Ultimately, if you have automotive repair experience and access to tools like jack stands, drill, protective gear, etc., DIY could be an option. But for many, the cost to have professionals do it is worthwhile for safety and peace of mind.

DIY Hitch Installation Tips

If you decide to take the DIY route, here are some tips for proper hitch installation:

• Use vehicle-specific guides. Consult your owner‘s manual and online guides. Don‘t guess!

• Have a helper. Some steps require two people.

• Invest in tools like clamps, drill, torches, grinding wheel. You‘ll likely need special supplies.

• Wear protective equipment – gloves, goggles, mask, etc. Debris can be dangerous.

• Work slowly and carefully. Mark all holes precisely before drilling.

• Use painter‘s tape when spraying primer or undercoating to avoid overspray.

• Follow torque specifications for all bolts and hardware. Don‘t overtighten!

• Seal any holes drilled in trunk pan or bumper with silicone.

• Retest towing lights function after connecting wiring. Check for shorts.

• Review finished work carefully before towing. Test for movement, loosening.

With caution and patience, DIY hitch installation is doable. But for many, hiring a pro is the best option.

What Does Professional Hitch Installation Cost?

Hitch installation cost depends on:

• Hitch type – Class I-V, fifth wheel, gooseneck, etc. Higher classes cost more.

• Vehicle make/model – More complex vehicle, higher price.

• Labor rates at shop – Dealerships cost more than independent garages.

• Parts needed – Additional parts like wiring and adapters increase cost.

Typical price ranges:

• Basic Class I hitch installation: $100-$300

• Heavy-duty Class V hitch installation: $350-$800

• Fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch: $500-$1500+

• Add $100-$300+ if shop supplies hitch parts too.

When getting quotes, ask shops to break out parts vs. labor costs. Confirm what is included – some exclude electrical, adapters, etc.

For a basic Class III trailer hitch installed on a common vehicle, expect to pay $150-$400 if you provide the hitch.

Safety Tips for Towing With a Hitch

Once your hitch is professionally installed or you‘ve completed the DIY project, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Verify tongue weight and towing capacity. Never exceed vehicle or hitch limits.

• Use safety chains properly. Cross under the hitch.

• Allow extra stopping distance while towing. Brake earlier.

• Drive slowly and avoid sudden acceleration/braking when towed.

• Use large side mirrors to improve rear visibility when towing.

• Check hitch bolts and electrical periodically for looseness.

• Consider sway control or weight distribution add-ons if hauling a heavy trailer.

• Verify trailer tire condition and pressure before each trip.

• Check trailer light function before each trip. Carry spare bulbs and fuses.

Following basic towing safety helps ensure you, your vehicle, and your cargo reach the destination undamaged!

Conclusion

While Walmart doesn‘t install hitches themselves, their wide selection of budget-friendly hitches from trusted brands makes them a go-to source for the hitch itself. You then have options like professional installers at U-Haul, Pep Boys or local mechanics. Or with proper precautions, you can take the DIY route.

Whichever installation method you choose, use the tips in this guide to find the perfect hitch for your vehicle and budget. With the right hitch installed properly, you‘ll be hauling trailers and gear in no time!

Let me know if you have any other questions about purchasing and installing a hitch from Walmart. I‘m happy to provide any other information you need. Safe travels!