[Electrik]

I've got two small trailers that I tow. Since they're both pretty light, and I'm never carrying cargo that weighs a lot, there's fairly low tongue weight on the hitch. Therefore, I've got a lot of noise coming from the hitch. If I'm carrying a heavier load, or have a bit more tongue weight, there's not as much rattle.
It's not between the trailer and ball, it seems to be more from the ball mount having a little too much room in the receiver hitch on the truck itself.
So...
What do you guys use? Anything? I know there's spring loaded locking pins, or some that use a bolt, instead of a slip-in pin. I've also seen the collars that go over both the hitch and the ball mount, and set screws basically tighten down on each piece, preventing movement.

Any thoughts? Experience? Or does everybody just live with it?

 

[WRXCarl]

No help here but subscribed. I would love to know the same as I just finished towing a ton of furniture with my Pacifica and that has terrible hitch rattle. It's much quieter when the trailer is loaded up though.

 

[DrPepper]

Electrical tape

Wrap a couple of turns around the front and back of where the insert sits in the receiver. It doesn't take many turns and you don't get it back in. It still won't be dead quiet but it helps.

 

[Kooopsd]

Wrap a couple of turns around the front and back of where the insert sits in the receiver. It doesn't take many turns and you don't get it back in. It still won't be dead quiet but it helps.

I did the same on mine when I had my Dakota and it took all the rattle out.

 

[WRXCarl]

Wrap a couple of turns around the front and back of where the insert sits in the receiver. It doesn't take many turns and you don't get it back in. It still won't be dead quiet but it helps.

At risk of sounding like an idiot. What is a turn?

 

[DrPepper]

Illinois / midwest jargon for....

wrap the tape all the way around the insert so only the tape contacts the inside of the receiver. Also as in, "take a turn around the block...".

Is'ok, you can't get "tonic" (Boston idiom) here but they have "soda", and ask for a "Red Beer" (beer & tomato juice out west) and they will look at you like your nuts.

Anyone for "rocky mountain oysters"? Don't ask... LOL

Gotta love this country...!
DrPepper

 

[nitrohog]

And the post that made me laugh the most today goes to Art lol. But really? Tomato juice and beer:what:

 

[DrPepper]

You know what a "Bloody Mary" is....

well, if you go out west in any bar and ask for a "Red Beer" the bartender will with no hesitation pour you up a glass with ~1/3 Tomatoe juice and ~2/3 tap beer. Hot day and you want something for a boost and relax, it is an amazing drink. But, the best part is it's an easy recipe, even for me..!!! See below..LOL

http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink7433.html

Google it and you have lots on the subject

DrPepper

 

[jmaack727]

bud light clamato. FUCKING NASTY>

 

[nitrohog]

It does sound kind of odd, however I'm also a bit intrigued at the same time lol.

 

[Electrik]

Even though I'm off topic, I'm forced to agree with jmaack.
Maybe the empty can would make a good shim?

 

[Electrik]

UPDATE - I bought this: Stow-Away Hitch Tightener

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/StowAway-Hitch-Tightener/dp/B0001CMUV4/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1357403371&sr=1-1[/ame]

I felt a little stupid paying 20-something dollars for a U-bolt and chunk-o-steel, but it was easier than scrounging around, drilling some holes in 1/4" steel...
ANYWAY, it works well. It fits both my Subaru's 1-1-4", and the Dakota's 2" receiver. It eliminates ALL of the play in the receiver. Now, all I hear is the ball squeaking, and a tiny bit of rattle from it. It is so much better! There's other cool products out there, but this one was cheap, and universal.

 

[Electrik]

DAMMIT! I got ahead of myself. Okay, it fits the Subie just fine.
The problem on the Dakota is that I have a 6" drop hitch. Because of the big welded gusset on the ball mount, I can't push it for enough into the receiver to insert the pin. This new clamp (the 1/4" plate) hits the gusset before the ball mount is slid in completely. Hmmm...

A) a challenge.
B) The Dakota is used for the bigger loads anyway, where the tongue weight is greater, and the rattle isn't as bad, anyway.
C) a different ball mount would work just fine. It all depends on a lot of circumstances.

 

[Tom A]

D) Trim that gusset a little.

 

[WRXCarl]

Well to feel stupid a 2nd time in this thread.... Can you post a picture of where that thing holds it. I fail to see where you actually use this device.

 

[Electrik]

I'd have to trim quite a bit, I'd think.

 

[Tom A]

Yeah, you might be better off cutting a slot in that plate.

 

[WRXCarl]

Oh damn now I understand. Yea just cut a notch into the part you bought in the middle and it will slide around that.

 

[DrPepper]

Interesting idea....

how about installing it to the side instead of bottom...???

:huh:... think I'll sit down and have a nice beer....DrPepper