grw@inmet.UUCP (02/21/84)
#N:inmet:2700055:000:735 inmet!grw Feb 20 11:10:00 1984 I am interested in installing a trailer hitch to my 82 Saab. However I have been quoted a (close to) rediculous price by my otherwise reasonable dealer. Can anyone on the net give me some idea of what they paid for trailer hitch installation (including hitch, electrical connections, installation charge)? Also, since I don't own a trailer I'll be using the hitch with rented trailers and I understand that there may be electrical connector mismatch problems between trailers and cars. Any info will be useful as I am basically completely uninformed re: trailers and hitches. Thanks in advance. -- Gary Wasserman ...harpo!inmet!grw ...hplabs!sri-unix!cca!ima!inmet!grw ...yale-comix!ima!inmet!grw ----------
grw@inmet.UUCP (02/24/84)
#R:inmet:2700055:inmet:2700057:000:900 inmet!grw Feb 23 11:51:00 1984 I've received a couple of responses via mail since posting this message. I'm still not fully educated though I am getting there. So far the information I've gotten has begun to help me understand how I should go about deciding what kind of hitch to buy and where I am likely to find the best deal on one. The only problem I have yet to hear about is SAAB experience. I am somewhat reluctant to allow a person not experienced in SAAB mechanics to install the hitch (since it requires drilling) and yet I am holding off on forking over $75 to $100 to a SAAB mechanic to do the work since I have been told that I can get a hitch and installation for ~that amount. Keep those cards and letters coming. I'll post a summary and discuss the solution I decide upon down the road. -- Gary Wasserman ...harpo!inmet!grw ...hplabs!sri-unix!cca!ima!inmet!grw ...yale-comix!ima!inmet!grw
philip@qubix.UUCP (Philip Wang) (02/25/84)
I am sorry that I post this reply instead of mailing it. Some-
thing wrong that I couldn't send a reply mail out. Therefore...
I put a hitch on my '83 Dodge Aries station wagon in May '83.
Before I had it installed, I checked the prices from dealer and
U-Haul. The dealer would charge me $200+ (I think. I forgot
the price, but, it is $200+ or $300+.) The parts which dealer
would install are: 1. hitch 2. electric connector 3. bigger
radiator and some other thing (such as oil cooler and transmission
fluid cooler. Because my car has auto transmission.) I forgot
the exact parts list, but those I listed above are the major.
If you don't tow a trailer very often, I'll suggest you go to
get the hitch from U-Haul, just like what I did. I paid $60+
for the hitch, w/o the towing ball, and the labor. It is enough
to tow a trailer in town, or for short distance. But, if you
need to tow for a long distance or uphill, I think it will
be better to install by the dealer. Because you will have
less chance to get overheat.
For the trailer lights, you can buy a pair of special light bulbs
from them which will give you two connectors from each light bulb
for tail light and turn signal/stop light. But, if your car has
separated turn signal and stop light, you need some other kind of
circuit to combine them. Ask U-Haul, they can give you the answer.
Another thing that you need to remember: Check your turn signal
flasher. Make sure it can handle the extra light bulb on the
trailer. I burned out my original one. Get a heavy duty type
which can handle 2-6 bulbs.
--
Philip Wang @ QUBIX Graphic Systems, Inc., Saratoga, CA.
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