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How to Pay for Your SUV Trailer Hitch

How to · Auto

How to Pay for Your SUV Trailer Hitch

Get your SUV ready for camping season without breaking your monthly budget.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $26.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $400 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

That SUV is a workhorse, but it needs the right hardware to handle a trailer. Maintenance and gear upgrades add up, and the best time to book shop labor is late winter before the spring rush hits and mechanics get slammed.

You are looking at about $400 for a standard hitch install. Don't let that lump sum ruin your monthly cash flow when you can break it into manageable pieces.

Remember that the 0% intro APR is a deadline, not a pass to ignore the bill. If you leave a balance on the card after the 15 months are up, the interest will jump to the standard rate and negate your savings.

The steps

  1. 01

    Check the shop rates

    Call three local installers to get quotes. Make sure they include the hitch, wiring, and labor in the price. If they try to upsell you on fancy covers or ball mounts, say no for now.

  2. 02

    Time your booking

    Book your appointment for February or early March. Shops are usually quiet then and might be more willing to negotiate on labor costs to keep the bays full.

  3. 03

    Set up your payment

    Use the Discover it® Cash Back (Discover) card to pay for the installation. It gives you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This gives you a 15-month window to pay off the $400 without paying a cent in interest.

  4. 04

    Automate the math

    Take that $400 bill and divide it by 15. You only need to set aside $26.67 per month to clear the balance before the intro period ends.

  5. 05

    Clear the balance

    Set up an automatic monthly payment for at least $30. This ensures you pay off the hitch comfortably before the 0% window closes.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Should I buy the hitch online myself?

You can, but most shops won't install parts they don't sell. Stick to a package deal from the shop to avoid installation headaches.

Is the cheapest hitch safe?

Yes, as long as it is rated for your vehicle's towing capacity. A hitch is basically a chunk of steel; name brand doesn't matter as much as the weight rating.

Does the 0% APR apply to everything I buy?

It applies to new purchases for 15 months from when you open the account. Don't use the card for other stuff if you want to keep the math simple.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Missing a payment can trigger fees and may end your intro rate early. Always pay at least the minimum due on time.