Hitch selection and installation?

[DoubleD]

I need to install a hitch on my S-10 Blazer 4X4.  I have decided that I want a class III hitch, even though my PU only requires a class II.  I have never bought a hitch.  What should I look for?  I have already decided on a Prodigy brake controller.
Should I just shop price, go to Uhaul, or look at all of the brands?  Of course, I have only 4 days to make my selection and get the unit installed.  I would like to keep the unit as tucked away as possible in order to minimize loss of clearance for my 4X4.
What do you suggest?

[tlhdoc]

Is the frame on your Blazer predrilled for a receiver?  If it is, it is a simple do it yourself job if you have the time.  If not call around and look for the lowest price.  I agree that the class III hitch is the way to go.  There are other accessories that you may want to use in the future that will fit it.

[SpeakEasy]

My hitch-guy told me that all the different "brand names" are manufactured by only two different manufacturers. One of them is Reese, but I don't know who the other one is. Is it Hidden Hitch? (Or is that one of the "brand names?") Anyway, the choices might be fewer than you think.

You will probably find a wide variation in price, however, if you have them install it.

Hope this helps.

[wynot]

My hitch-guy told me that all the different "brand names" are manufactured by only two different manufacturers. One of them is Reese, but I don't know who the other one is. Is it Hidden Hitch? (Or is that one of the "brand names?") Anyway, the choices might be fewer than you think.

I don't know if that is necessarily true, but I do think that hitch/trailer businesses often order from who they can make the most mark-up on.
 
Another option for the original poster, is to go a farm supply store (like Tractor Supply) and buy a Class III/IV for an S-10.  They will most likely have it in stock as well.  S-10s and Blazers are standard stuff.  When I needed my front receiver hitch for my Tahoe, I told my trailer jobber that I wasn't in a hurry, so he called me up the next morning and told me it was in and ready for pickup.  Oh well....
 
You won't lose clearance on your receiver hitch, it tucks up pretty tight to the bumper.
 
As far as installation, if you haven't done it before, it isn't really difficult, but it can be somewhat time consuming.  These things are heavy and awkward.  I think my hitch guy charges $50 for install, and probably can do it in about 30 mins.  It took me about 3 hours to install my front receiver, because of disassembly and other things that needed to be done.

[JNet]

I have been thinking of doing the install of the hitch myself.  According to the directions, it is a matter of dropping the exhaust and bolting it on.  Can I pay someone to install the electrical wiring separately?  The dealer wants $505.00 plus tax for everything, the RV shop wants $350.50 a body shop up the street wants $269.95.  I would rather save some of my hard earned money for camping! I have a 2005 Kia Sportage V6.

[mountainrev]

Receiver hitches are fairly easy installs, even if you're not particularly mechanically inclined.  I know--I've installed them on two of my tv's so far!  Wiring too!

Here's a good place to look:  //www.etrailer.com.  Good selection.  Good prices.

[wernstriumph]

Hello, I got my receiver from e-trailer.com and was very happy with the website. You type in your vehicle and year and it gives you all sorts of info( which wiring harness to use, trans cooler, part #s and even installation info.) The prices were very good too. It took me 45 min. to install my Hidden Hitch class III on my 2003 Windstar. Some of these other "parts warehouses" could learn a thing or two from e-trailer's website.

[flyfisherman]

In my particular area they have Farm Supply Stores where they sell every conceivable thing that might be used by a farmer; and included in the mix are hitches. The prices are considerably less then I've noted elsewhere, but you have to either install same yourself or hire someone to do it for you.  Since these reciever hitches are designed to fit a particular vehicle, installing them is really a piece of cake as the holes will already be in the frame of the Blazer.



Fly

[fritz_monroe]

I looked on E-Trailer and it looks like the S-10 Blazer hitches are bolt on.  Of course without having the year of your S-10, I couldn't say for sure.

I'm a firm believer in do it yourself.  A bolt on is just that, a bolt on.  I had never installed a receiver, and I installed one on our Armada.  I put in 6 bolts and that was that.  The 30 minute install time was really 30 minutes.  If you aren't comfortable with the wiring, have the hitch place do that, but it may just be a plug to put in.

Good luck with it.

[tknick]

I have to agree with most of the previous posters.  I have purchased and installed a hitch from e-trailer and was pleased.  Also, like previously said most farm supply stores have an unbelievable selection of trailer related accessories.  
Chevy has been making pickups and suv's for quite a while and I would guess that your blazer is a "no drill" model in which the frame is already drilled for the hitch.  all you will likely have to do is bolt the hitch on.  A hydraulic floor jack will help with the installation because the hitches are awkward and soem are heavy.  As for the wiring, I'm guessing you can buy a plug and play harness that should install in about 5 minutes.  That would be a 4 way flat harness.  If you need a 7 way round you will need to do a little more work, but it is definitely a do it yourself project.

good luck
travis

[JNet]

Before I even noticed the replies to my question, I went ahead and purchased what I needed from etrailer!  I had been surfing for a while and I liked their site the best, I called the CS # and the lady assured me that I could do this myself.  Also, I was confused about the receiver size, some were 1 1/4 some were 2", she said to go with the 2" it was the most popular for bike racks etc. She said they have to go through some installs prior to actually answering the phones and she was shocked that it was so easy.  I ordered the receiver and wiring, next step the shaft thingy and ball (LOL).  I haven't made it that far and I do know I have to measure and keep the PU as level as possible while towing.  First things, first. Also, the hardest thing about installing the receiver is I need to drop my exhaust, it looked to be an easy enough task. I received notification that it did ship, I am patiently waiting.  Also, purchased a Coleman Portable Toilet for $50.00 @ Meijer yesterday, it was on clearance!