What eTrailer is and what it sells

eTrailer is an online retailer that specializes in trailer hitches, towing accessories, and related equipment. The company sells to both individual buyers and commercial customers. You browse their website, add items to a cart, and check out like any other online store. eTrailer handles shipping directly to your address.

The product range includes receiver hitches (the metal frame that bolts to your vehicle), ball mounts, safety chains, wiring harnesses for trailer lights, brake controllers, and cargo carriers. They also sell trailer parts themselves — jack stands, couplers, LED lights — though their main business is the hitch and accessory side. Most items ship within one to three business days.

eTrailer operates warehouses in multiple states and partners with manufacturers like Draw-Tite, CURT, and Horizon to stock their products. You can filter by vehicle make and model on their site, which helps you find a hitch that physically fits your car or truck. They also offer installation guides and customer support by phone or email if you have questions before or after purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • eTrailer is a mail-order business for trailer hitches and towing gear, not a manufacturer — they resell products from established brands.
  • You can search by your vehicle's year, make, and model to find a compatible hitch without guessing at part numbers.
  • Most orders ship within one to three business days, and eTrailer publishes tracking information once your package leaves the warehouse.
  • The site includes installation guides and videos for many products, and customer service can answer questions about fit and compatibility before you buy.
  • eTrailer accepts standard payment methods (credit cards, PayPal) and offers a return window if an item does not fit or work as expected.

How to find the right hitch on eTrailer

Start by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model into the search tool on their homepage. eTrailer will show you all compatible hitches in stock, sorted by price and receiver size (1.25-inch, 2-inch, or 2.5-inch openings are most common). Each product page lists the hitch class — Class I, II, III, or IV — which determines the weight it can tow.

Read the product description carefully. It will tell you whether the hitch mounts under your bumper, replaces your bumper, or bolts to the frame. Some vehicles require drilling or cutting; others bolt on without modification. The page also shows you the drop or rise (how far below or above the receiver the ball will hang), which matters if you are towing a trailer with a specific coupler height.

If you are unsure whether a hitch will work for your setup, call eTrailer's customer service before ordering. They can confirm fit, discuss weight capacity, and answer questions about installation difficulty. This step saves time and prevents ordering something that will not work.

Placing an order and payment options

Once you have selected a hitch, add it to your cart along with any accessories you need — a ball mount, safety chains, a wiring harness for trailer lights. eTrailer will calculate shipping based on your address. You can proceed to checkout using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.

eTrailer does not require you to create an account, though doing so lets you save your vehicle profile and order history. At checkout, you will enter a shipping address and billing address (they can be different). Most orders to residential addresses arrive within five to seven business days after shipment, depending on your location.

eTrailer also offers expedited shipping options if you need the hitch sooner. These cost more but can cut delivery time to two or three days. Check the shipping options at checkout to see what is available for your zip code.

Installation: doing it yourself or hiring help

eTrailer publishes installation guides and videos for most of their hitches. If you are comfortable with basic tools — a wrench set, a drill, possibly a jack — you can install many hitches yourself in one to three hours. The guides walk you through each step, including where to bolt the hitch to your vehicle's frame and how to torque the bolts to the correct tightness.

Some installations are straightforward (bolt-on hitches with no drilling). Others require removing your bumper, drilling holes in the frame, or running wiring through your vehicle to connect trailer lights. If you are not confident in your mechanical skills, a local mechanic or U-Haul store can install the hitch for you, usually for $100 to $300 in labor depending on complexity.

eTrailer's customer service team can tell you over the phone how difficult a particular installation is for your vehicle. They can also recommend local shops in your area if you prefer professional installation. Do not assume you need a dealer — independent mechanics often charge less and can do the work faster.

Returns and warranty coverage

eTrailer allows returns within 30 days of purchase if an item does not fit, does not work, or arrived damaged. You will need to contact their customer service to start a return. They will provide a return shipping label or instructions for how to send the item back. Once eTrailer receives and inspects the returned item, they will refund your money or issue a store credit.

Most hitches and accessories come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship. This is typically one to three years depending on the brand and product. eTrailer will help you file a warranty claim if something fails, though you may need to contact the manufacturer directly for repairs or replacement.

Keep your receipt and any documentation that came with the hitch. If you ever need to return or warranty the item, you will need proof of purchase and the original packaging or photos showing the condition when it arrived.

Comparing eTrailer to other hitch retailers

eTrailer is one of several national online retailers for trailer hitches. Others include Curt, Draw-Tite's direct site, Amazon, and local U-Haul locations. eTrailer's main advantages are a large inventory, vehicle-specific search tools, and detailed installation guides on their site. Their prices are competitive but not always the lowest — it pays to compare the same part number across a few retailers before ordering.

Local shops and U-Haul stores let you see the hitch in person and often offer same-day or next-day installation. This is valuable if you need the hitch quickly or want professional installation included. Online retailers like eTrailer usually have lower prices because they do not maintain physical locations, but you pay for shipping and must install the hitch yourself or hire a mechanic.

If you know exactly what hitch you need and want to save money, eTrailer is a solid choice. If you are unsure about fit or want professional installation, a local shop may be worth the extra cost for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does eTrailer install hitches, or do I have to do it myself?

eTrailer sells the hitch and ships it to you; installation is your responsibility or you can hire a mechanic. eTrailer provides guides and videos to help with DIY installation. They do not operate installation shops, but their customer service can recommend local mechanics or U-Haul locations near you that offer installation services.

What if the hitch I ordered does not fit my vehicle?

Contact eTrailer's customer service within 30 days of purchase. They will arrange a return and refund or store credit. Before ordering, use their vehicle search tool or call them to confirm fit — this prevents ordering the wrong hitch in the first place.

Can I return an item if I changed my mind?

Yes, eTrailer accepts returns within 30 days for any reason. The item must be unused and in original packaging. You will pay for return shipping unless the item arrived damaged or was the wrong product. Contact their customer service to start the return process.

Do I need a ball mount and ball, or does the hitch come with them?

Most hitches are sold without a ball mount or ball. You order these separately based on your trailer's coupler size and towing weight. eTrailer sells ball mounts and balls as separate items. Their product pages show what you need, and customer service can help you choose the right size.

How long does shipping take?

Standard shipping is five to seven business days after the order ships. Most orders ship within one to three business days. eTrailer offers expedited shipping at checkout that can reduce delivery time to two or three days for an additional fee. Check your order confirmation for a tracking number once the package leaves the warehouse.