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Post by vikx on Jun 6, 2019 20:22:58 GMT -8
Hi all,
I am having a weird problem when towing something light weight. My ball mount that inserts into the hitch rattles. A lot. It's loud and sounds like the trailer is disconnecting.
My vehicle is a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The ball mount isn't tight enough (to me) and allows these bumps and bangs going down the road. It should be a 2" receiver and ball mount, at least I think it is. This didn't happen with older tow vehicles, so I assume it's larger than the old style.
Does anyone have a remedy? Is there some kind of rubber sleeve that would help? What is it called?
Thanks for your time. This is driving me to drink more wine.
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ruderunner
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Post by ruderunner on Jun 7, 2019 1:27:05 GMT -8
First thing that comes to mind is, is it the right size ball for the tongue?
Does it only do it when towing?
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Post by youngbloodhawk on Jun 7, 2019 1:50:55 GMT -8
Guess proper way would be weld beads and grind to shimslack
I drove in 2 wooden door shims last year and have Han no more trouble
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Jun 7, 2019 7:13:56 GMT -8
First make sure it's the correct size ball.
Greasing your ball could help, it seems to help my towing setup reduce clunking and knocking sounds.
Also there might be play between the hitch and the receiver. You can replace your hitch pin with a grade 8 bolt and nut and tighten it down, or use a hitch receiver anti-rattle device (some are shims, so use a sort of u-bolt to force it in one position).
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Post by vikx on Jun 7, 2019 21:02:56 GMT -8
It's not the ball it's the ball mount going into the receiver. The 2" square hole if you will.
I've seen anti rattle devices but they all seem to need to be tightened with a wrench. With so many trailers and ball mounts, it would be nice to have something a little less hassle.
I appreciate everyone's ideas. Thanks.
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kudzu
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Post by kudzu on Jun 8, 2019 5:29:27 GMT -8
My ball mount that inserts into the hitch rattles. A lot. It's loud and sounds like the trailer is disconnecting. I have the same issue but only with one hitch. I have a lowered Suburban and it came with a hitch that was a little low for kayak trailer. So I bought a hitch with the a bigger drop and use it upside down to raise the ball to a more appropriate height. That one is like yours and it rattles. The original one doesn't because it fits much better, so I use it as most times. I have never measured them but I wonder if the new ones are using thinner wall square pipe? Pipe is usually measured on the ID so thinner wall would make it smaller. Aftermarket auto parts quality is so bad these, I assume that they have found a way to save some money with no regard for the size difference. Afterall, you won't know till you use it. Sorry, no cure other than find an old one maybe?
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Post by bigbill on Jun 8, 2019 13:26:04 GMT -8
Go to Discount Ramps then look at their hitch mount cargo/scooter carriers.They will have an anti rattle device that is included with some of them. You might call them to see if they sell them separate, but they would be fairly simple to build.
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Post by vikx on Jun 9, 2019 10:02:08 GMT -8
I think kudzu hit the nail on the head. The vehicle receivers are probably the correct size but the ball mounts themselves are slightly smaller. In other words, made in China from thinner metal... Dammit, this makes me mad. Am going to check my older ball mounts for fit.
I've found the anti rattle devices but nothing seems quick or easy. I'm shocked at how loud and how many bangs I get, especially with a light trailer. Makes one think the hitch is coming apart or the trailer is un-hitched.
I'm beginning to think a couple of shims is probably the solution. Annoying, but will fix the rattle.
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kudzu
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Post by kudzu on Jun 9, 2019 16:51:22 GMT -8
Yea, I thought I had forgotten to latch the hitch first time!
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WhitneyK
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Post by WhitneyK on Jun 10, 2019 6:29:20 GMT -8
vikx, I made one of these: Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 2" Trailer Hitches They're around $28, but I made my own for less than $7. Here's a video on how they work: How to eliminate hitch rattle with the Hitch Clamp
Also, IF it is adjustable, check the adjustment on your tongue coupler, it should be "matched" to the ball your using most (sizes to differ a bit and both become worn). There may be a nut underneath that holds the trailer to the ball. Here's a video for that: Tightening tongue nut if your ball is loose I use the hitch ball lube on mine as well, nasty I know, but keeps things smooth. After listening to our hitch rattle for 3 days while driving to Montana, I knew something had to be done! Especially going through Wisconsin & Minnesota where the roads are like; bounce, bounce, bounce. Thought we here either on horseback or heading West in a buckboard wagon. We've pulled our li'l camper over 32k miles so far through 40 of the lower 48. (boarder to boarder & coast to coast)
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Jun 10, 2019 10:01:38 GMT -8
Just out of curiosity I went to check mine, I always leave the hitch locked in the receiver (2") and discovered it had rust-welded itself together. No rattles but what a pain to free it up and remove it. Thnks vikx for bring up the topic so I could discover my negligence. Etrailer's ball mounts aren't cheap but that might be the way to go instead of Walmart or HF.
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Post by bigbill on Jun 10, 2019 16:57:35 GMT -8
Just out of curiosity I went to check mine, I always leave the hitch locked in the receiver (2") and discovered it had rust-welded itself together. No rattles but what a pain to free it up and remove it. Thnks vikx for bring up the topic so I could discover my negligence. Etrailer's ball mounts aren't cheap but that might be the way to go instead of Walmart or HF. I left the my Reese equalizer unit locked in my old truck and discovered the same problem when I went to change it . I wound up having to take complete hitch off truck and pressing it out, then I cleaned all surfaces of both parts to remove all rust then greased them and put it all back together. Two years later I traded the truck off and went to remove the Reese hitch from the receiver and guess what, I couldn't even get the pin out so it went with the truck.
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Jun 10, 2019 19:52:11 GMT -8
Bill, I ended up using PB Blaster spray and my 5# sledge.. pounded the Bjeezus till it loosened up. I also went to quik-care for a tetanus shot after trashing a knuckle on my 70 year old hand (so wear gloves next time). The T100 has a frame mounted receiver and the inside of it also rusty, don't know how to fix that without replacing, and truck is just short of 300K miles so lesson is 'keep the ball hitch out of the receiver until needed. Old dogs don't need new tricks, just need to pay attention.
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Post by bigbill on Jun 12, 2019 15:59:30 GMT -8
The first time I used kroil, PBblaster , and even heat and couldn't move it till I used a hydraulic press that's why when it stuck again it went with the truck. I'm older than you and don't have to take the abuse anymore. I also don't leave anything in hitch for an extended time now, but when I was towing something all the time I just got lazy and left it in. My bad.
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oakback
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Post by oakback on Jun 13, 2019 5:21:16 GMT -8
I don't know how you folks leave your hitch in, if I do I will absolutely smash my shin against it within a few days. A painful reminder.
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