What type of shop should i have install my trailer hitch?

Bought a trailer hitch for my '09 Subaru Forester with the intent of installing it myself, until I found out that I had to lower the dual exhaust in order to do it. Decided it would be best if I took it somewhere. Should I take it to a regular auto mechanic, or a specialized RV/boat shop?
The exhaust doesn't need to be altered, just temporarily lowered in order to install the hitch.

Hey bud if i was you i would stay clear of the specialized shops they have a bigger chance of charging you more, than a regular mechanic. But also installing a trailer hitch isn't to hard i would talk around and try to find a "weekend warrior" shade tree mechanic who would do it for you for $50 bucks or less. Depending on the style you bought it shouldn't take more than a hour at the most. I dnt know where you live but the Mechanic rate in my area is $60-$80/hr so anything under that would be good.
Good luck

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What kind of trailer hitch do I need for a 2001 dodge caravan?

I would like to put a trailer hitch on my van. I don't need to tow a boat or motor home or anything. I just need it for pulling a small trailer full of branches or getting mulch for the gardens. What class do I need? Will one of the universal hitches work, or do I need to get a specific model?

This all depends on the exact model and factory options on this van

First you must understand the rating system for hitches available for your van

Class 1: Can tow up to a 2000 pound trailer and 200 pound tongue weight
Class 2: Can tow up to a 3500 pound trailer and 350 pound tongue weight
Class 3: Can tow up to a 5000 pound trailer and 500 pound tongue weight

Keep in mind that the towing capacity includes the total weight of the trailer itself and everything loaded in the trailer.

The 2001 Dodge Caravan came with several different towing capacities

4 cylinder engine - 1000 pound towing capacity. Use a Class 1 hitch
3.3 V6 without towing package - 2000 pound towing capacity. Use a Class 1 hitch
3.3 V6 with towing package - 3600 pound towing capacity. Use a class 2 or class 3 hitch
3.8 V6 without towing package - 2000 pound towing capacity. Use a Class 1 hitch
3.8 V6 with towing package - 3800 pound towing capacity, Use a Class 3 hitch

One last very important thing to consider when using a trailer. Do not exceed the capacities of either the tow vehicle, trailer, ball, or hitch.

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