Guides

DIY vs Professional Install

What's actually involved, and when to call a shop.

The Quick Answer

DIY-Friendly

  • • Puck-mount hitches (easiest)
  • • Rail-mount hitches (if rails exist)
  • • Gooseneck adapters

Consider a Pro

  • • Installing new rails (drilling)
  • • Underbed wiring
  • • Complete kits from scratch

Puck System Install

Difficulty: Easy — Do it yourself

If your truck has factory pucks, installing a puck-mount hitch is genuinely simple. Most people do it in their driveway.

What's Involved:

  1. 1. Remove puck covers
  2. 2. Lower hitch into bed
  3. 3. Line up with puck holes
  4. 4. Insert and tighten mounting bolts
  5. 5. Torque to spec

Tools Needed

  • • Socket set
  • • Torque wrench
  • • Someone to help lift

Time

30-60 minutes first time, 15 minutes once you've done it.

Rail-Mount Hitch Install

Difficulty: Easy (if rails exist)

If you already have rails in your bed, mounting a hitch is straightforward. It bolts on.

What's Involved:

  1. 1. Position hitch on rails
  2. 2. Insert mounting bolts/pins through hitch legs into rails
  3. 3. Secure with clips or nuts
  4. 4. Adjust height if needed

If You Don't Have Rails

Installing rails is a bigger job — see below.

Installing Rails (From Scratch)

Difficulty: Moderate — DIY with experience, or hire a pro

This is where it gets real. Installing rails means drilling through your bed floor and bolting into the frame. It's doable for handy people, but mistakes are expensive.

What's Involved:

  1. 1. Remove bed liner, access panels, spare tire (if in the way)
  2. 2. Position bracket template on bed floor
  3. 3. Drill holes through bed floor
  4. 4. Install frame brackets under the bed
  5. 5. Bolt rails through bed into frame brackets
  6. 6. Torque everything to spec

Tools Needed

  • • Drill with metal bits
  • • Socket set
  • • Torque wrench
  • • Jack stands
  • • Fish wire (for bolts)
  • • Patience

Time

2-4 hours for experienced DIYers. Longer if you've never done it.

When to Hire a Professional

1

You don't have the tools

A good drill, torque wrench, and jack stands aren't cheap. If you'd have to buy them all, a shop may be more economical.

2

You're not comfortable under the truck

Rail installation requires working under the vehicle. If that's not your thing, no shame in hiring out.

3

Wiring is involved

If you need a 7-way plug installed in your bed, that's electrical work. Some people love it, some hate it.

4

You want a warranty/liability backstop

Professional install often comes with a workmanship warranty. Peace of mind has value.

Cost Comparison

Install Type DIY Professional
Puck-mount hitch Free (your time) $50-150
Rail-mount hitch (rails exist) Free $75-200
Rails + hitch (from scratch) Free (but time) $200-400
Complete kit + wiring Free (significant time) $300-600

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