Etrailer Return Policy 2026

If you’re staring at a trailer hitch or wiring kit that doesn’t fit, the first thing you want to know is how easy it’s going to be to send it back. The eTrailer return policy is actually pretty clear once you understand a few key conditions. But miss one detail, and you could lose money or time.

As of 2026, the standard return window is 30 days from delivery. Restocking fees start the moment you open the box, and they usually run around 15% of the purchase price. That’s a significant chunk if you just changed your mind.

So before you ship anything, let’s walk through exactly what happens in each situation.

Quick Answer

eTrailer accepts returns within 30 days. Unopened items get a full refund. Opened items face a 15% restocking fee.

Special orders cannot be returned. Defective items ship back for free.

Why You Need to Know eTrailer’s Return Rules Before You Ship Anything Back

Most people don't read the fine print until after they've already packed up the box. That's when the surprises hit. The biggest mistake is assuming “opened” and “test-fit” are the same as “unused.” They are not.

Here’s why it matters: eTrailer treats any item that’s been opened, test-fit, or partially installed as “used.” That triggers the restocking fee. And if you return an item in that condition without the original packaging, the fee can be higher, up to 25% in some cases.

The good news: if eTrailer sent you the wrong part or the item arrived damaged, you’re covered. They’ll cover return shipping and waive the restocking fee. But you need to know how to prove it.

More on that below.

The Two Biggest Surprises: Restocking Fees and Return Window

Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Acabashi (CC BY-SA)

The first surprise is the restocking fee. It’s not hidden, it’s listed on their website, but most people don’t think about it until the refund shows up smaller than expected.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Unopened items: No restocking fee. Full refund minus original shipping.
• Opened or test-fit items: 15% restocking fee (sometimes 20, 25% on niche parts).
• Installed items: Technically still returnable, but expect the restocking fee plus potential damage deductions.

The second surprise is the 30-day window. That clock starts the day the package is delivered, not the day you open it. Miss it by a day, and eTrailer may refuse the return entirely.

There are no exceptions for holiday travel or busy work schedules unless you contact them before the deadline and explain the situation.

One note: eTrailer does sometimes extend the window during the holiday season. But don’t count on it. Set a reminder on your phone the day your package arrives.

Decision Tree Start: What’s Your Situation?

The right path depends on why you’re returning the item. Let’s walk through each scenario.

You Got the Wrong Part (eTrailer’s Mistake)

If eTrailer shipped the wrong item, you’re in the best position. Contact customer service within 30 days. They will issue a prepaid return label and waive the restocking fee.

You don’t need to worry about condition, just return the wrong part.

• What to do: Email or call with your order number and a photo of the incorrect item.
• What you get: Full refund or free exchange, no fees.

The Item Arrived Damaged or Defective

Similar to the wrong-part scenario, but you need to report it quickly. eTrailer asks that you inspect the package upon delivery. If there’s visible damage, take photos of the box and the item before unpacking.

• What to do: Submit a damage claim within 48 hours (some cases allow up to 7 days). They’ll provide a prepaid label.
• Important: If the item is defective but undamaged, you may need to go through the manufacturer’s warranty instead of a return. eTrailer will guide you.

You Changed Your Mind (Unopened)

Best-case scenario for you. The item is still sealed in original packaging, all manuals and hardware are inside, and the box isn’t banged up.

• Refund: Full refund of the item price. Original shipping charges are not refunded.
• Restocking fee: $0.
• Return shipping: You pay to ship it back, unless it’s an oversized item (then you may need to arrange freight pickup).

You Opened It, Test-Fit It, or Tried to Install It

This is the most common scenario. You bought a hitch, tried to hold it up to your vehicle, realized it doesn’t line up, and now the box is open.

• Refund: Item price minus 15% restocking fee. Shipping charges are nonrefundable.
• Condition requirements: You must include all hardware, instructions, and original packaging. If the box is missing or damaged, the restocking fee may go up.
• Test-fitting: eTrailer considers test-fitting as “used.” If you scratched the paint or bent a bracket, they may deduct more or refuse the return.

You Bought a Special-Order or Oversized Item

Some items on eTrailer are marked as “special order” or “non-stock.” These are typically custom or low-volume parts.

• Return policy: Most special-order items cannot be returned at all. Read the product page before you buy.
• Oversized items: Heavy items like large cargo carriers or truck toolboxes may require freight return shipping. That can cost $50 to $100 and isn’t covered by eTrailer unless it’s their mistake.

You’re Past the 30-Day Window

eTrailer’s policy is strict on this one. If you contact them on day 31, they may still accept the return, but they’re not required to. In practice, customer service has some discretion.

A polite call explaining your situation, especially if you had a good reason like an extended work trip, might get you an exception. But don’t rely on it.

How Condition Affects Your Refund (and Fees)

Let’s put this in a simple table so you can check your situation at a glance.

A few things to note: Original shipping charges are never refunded, even on unopened returns. So if you paid $12 for shipping, that $12 is gone. The restocking fee is calculated on the item price only, not the total order.

If you’re shipping back a heavy item, the cost of return shipping can wipe out a big chunk of your refund. In our research, many buyers end up with only 60, 70% of their original payment after both shipping and restocking fees. That’s why it’s worth double-checking fitment before you place the order.

Now that you know the rules, the next step is actually starting the return. That’s where the RMA process comes in, and we’ll cover that in the next section.

Step-by-Step: How to Request an RMA and Ship the Item Back

Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Meanwell Packaging (CC BY)

The process is straightforward once you know the exact steps. Start by logging into your eTrailer account. Navigate to your order history and find the item you want to return.

Click the “Request Return” link.

You can also call customer service directly. In our research, phone requests tend to process faster than online forms. Have your order number and a brief reason ready.

Here’s the timeline most customers report:

• Same day: You receive an RMA number and a return authorization form via email.
• 1, 2 days after request: Return label arrives if you’re shipping a standard-size item. Oversized items often require a freight pickup scheduled by phone.
• After you ship: eTrailer inspects the return within 1, 3 business days of delivery.
• Refund issued: Usually 3, 5 business days after inspection. It goes back to your original payment method.

What to include in the box:

• The item itself (all parts, hardware, manual)
• The original packaging (eTrailer emphasizes this)
• A printed copy of the RMA form or the order number written clearly inside the box
• Any accessories or wiring harnesses that came with it

Don’t seal the box until you’ve double-checked everything. Missing a bracket or a bolt can increase the restocking fee or trigger a rejection.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Money or Time

Image source: Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Robert McRill

The biggest mistake we see comes from assuming “test-fit” means “same as new.” It doesn’t. You held the hitch up to your truck? That’s used.

You opened the wiring kit and laid the wires on the driveway? That’s used.

Here are the most expensive errors buyers make:

• Skipping the inspection at delivery. If the box is crushed but you don’t document it within 48 hours, eTrailer may blame you for damage. Take photos before you cut the tape.
• Returning without the original box. eTrailer expects the box the item came in. A substitute box with different dimensions can result in a higher restocking fee or a rejected return.
• Forgetting the hardware bag. Hitch pins, bolts, wire connectors, all need to go back. Missing pieces can cost you 25% or more.
• Shipping a heavy item without a prepaid label. If you paid for return shipping out of pocket on an oversized item, you might spend $50 to $100. That’s often more than the restocking fee.
• Waiting until day 30. Even if the package is in transit on day 30, eTrailer counts the return as received when it hits their warehouse. If it arrives on day 31, the return is technically late.

A practical fix: set a calendar reminder for day 25 after delivery. That gives you a five-day buffer to pack, print labels, and drop the package at the carrier.

What About Exchanges? Faster Than a Refund?

Sometimes an exchange is smarter than a refund. If you ordered the wrong fitment but the right model is in stock, eTrailer can process an exchange instead. You still have to return the first item, but they ship the replacement immediately once they receive the RMA request.

Here’s the tradeoff:

• Pros: You don’t wait for the refund to clear before ordering again. The replacement ships while your return is in transit.
• Cons: You pay the same restocking fee if the original item was opened. You also pay return shipping unless eTrailer made the error.

In aggregate reviews, most customers who did an exchange reported getting the new part within 4 to 7 days. That’s faster than refunding, reordering, and waiting for delivery.

One catch: exchanges only work if the replacement costs the same or less than the original item. If you’re upgrading to a pricier model, you’ll need to do a full return and place a new order.

When to Use the Manufacturer’s Warranty Instead of a Return

Not every issue with a product falls under eTrailer’s return policy. If the item works but fails a month after install, the manufacturer’s warranty is your next stop.

eTrailer sells parts from brands like Curt, Draw-Tite, Reese, and Hopkins. Most of these companies offer a limited lifetime warranty on structural parts (hitches, brackets) and a 1-to-5-year warranty on electronic components (brake controllers, wiring harnesses).

Here’s the rule of thumb:

• Item defective but unopened? Use eTrailer’s return policy.
• Item failed during normal use within warranty period? Contact the manufacturer directly. eTrailer won’t process a return for a part that’s been installed and used unless it’s clearly defective from day one.
• Item damaged in install (over-torqued bolt, bent frame)? That’s on you. Neither eTrailer nor the manufacturer will cover it.

Before you call the manufacturer, have your order number, the part number, and a clear description of the failure. Most brands require you to submit a warranty claim through their website and provide photos of the damage.

eTrailer does offer some help here. You can call their support line, and they’ll walk you through the warranty process. But they won’t issue a prepaid label for warranty returns that aren’t their responsibility.

Real Scenarios: What Happened When Customers Followed (or Ignored) the Policy

Let’s look at three common situations and the outcomes reported by verified buyers.

Scenario 1: The careful return

A customer ordered a 2-inch hitch receiver for a Ford F-150. It was the wrong drop height. They never opened the box.

Within 20 days, they requested an RMA, paid $18 for return shipping, and received a full refund minus shipping. Restocking fee: $0. Total cost to return: $18.

Scenario 2: The test-fit mistake

A customer opened a wiring harness, held it next to the tailgate, decided it looked too complex, and repacked it. They returned it on day 22. eTrailer assessed a 15% restocking fee on the $85 harness. That’s $12.75 lost.

Return shipping was $9. Total out-of-pocket: $21.75. The harness was perfectly fine, but the “opened” category triggered the fee.

Scenario 3: The late return

A customer bought a cargo carrier, installed it, used it once, took it off, and tried to return it on day 35. eTrailer refused the return. The customer then tried the manufacturer’s warranty, but there was no defect. The carrier is now sitting in their garage.

These scenarios illustrate the cost of not reading the policy before acting. The first customer saved $12.75 just by leaving the box sealed. The third lost the entire purchase price.

A smart habit: before you cut the tape on any eTrailer package, decide whether you’re keeping it. If there’s any doubt, take fitment measurements first. Many returns are avoidable with a tape measure and a 10-minute under-vehicle inspection.

Quick Reference: Return Policy Cheat Sheet (by Item Type)

Use this table to check your specific situation before you start a return.

Keep this table handy. It covers about 90% of the items eTrailer sells. The key takeaway: unopened is your cheapest path.

Once the box is open, you lose at least 15%.

Final Decision Guide: Choose Your Path

You have three basic options depending on your situation.

Option 1: Keep the item. If it fits and works, you're done. No fees. No hassle.

Option 2: Return it. Follow the RMA process. You'll lose shipping costs and possibly a restocking fee. Best for cases where the item doesn't fit or you changed your mind.

Option 3: Exchange it. Faster than a refund if you need the right version. You still pay return shipping and any applicable restocking fee on the original item.

Here's a quick decision flowchart for your specific scenario:

• Item is unopened and you don't want it? Return it. Full refund minus shipping.
• Item is opened but you haven't installed it? Decide fast. Measure twice. If it won't work, return it and accept the 15% fee.
• Item is installed and works fine but you don't like it? Keep it. Returns on installed items are rarely worth it.
• Item is defective? Contact eTrailer within 48 hours. Free return. Full refund.
• Item is past 30 days? Call customer service. Be polite. You might get an exception, but don't count on it.

In our research, the smartest move is to check fitment before you open anything. Use eTrailer's fitment tool on the product page. Measure your vehicle's receiver height and class.

A few minutes of checking can save you $20 to $50 in fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to return an item to eTrailer?

You have 30 days from the delivery date. The clock starts when the package arrives, not when you open it. Contact them before day 30 to start the return process.

Does eTrailer charge a restocking fee?

Yes, on opened or test-fit items. The standard fee is 15% of the item price. Unopened items returned in original packaging have no restocking fee.

Fees can go up to 25% if parts are missing.

Can I return a hitch that I test-fit but never installed?

Yes, but it counts as opened. You'll pay the 15% restocking fee and return shipping. Include all hardware and the original box to avoid a higher fee.

Does eTrailer pay for return shipping?

Only if the return is due to their error: wrong item shipped, defective product, or damage from shipping. For all other returns, you pay the return shipping cost.

What happens if I return an item after 30 days?

eTrailer may refuse the return. Customer service has some discretion. A polite call explaining your situation might help, but there's no guarantee.

Always start the return before day 30.

Can I exchange an item instead of returning it?

Yes. Exchanges are faster than refunds because eTrailer ships the replacement once they receive the RMA request. You still pay return shipping and any restocking fee on the original item.