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AtomicNo13 · 12-10-2012, 07:33 AM

Great!
Share your experience.

Dunno... in Key West for the next month or so....

masseyfarm · 12-10-2012, 03:44 PM

I only needed to stabilize my front bike carrier to haul 4 bikes when wanted so my light duty 'home made hitch vise' should be adequate.

The U BOLT mentioned in the previous post (3") is too short for anything other than this light duty application. You need at least 3.5" and preferably 4" of length on the U bolt to make a HD hitch vise.

I cut up and drilled a scrap piece of 1/4" Aluminium plate for my application. 8" x 4.5".
This allows tension on the draw bar 4" forward of the U bolt and overlaps the hitch mount and snugs everything up.

For those who require the hitch vise for regular towing I recommend, for the price, you invest in the real deal to avoid using up valuable camping time.

Dave

Quote:

Originally Posted by masseyfarm

Working on mine today. U bolt available at any hardware store $1.25.
DYL65181 3/8 X 2 X 3".

This is a light duty bolt but should do the job I need it to do to help stabilize the bike carrier. Just have to find a scrap piece of Aluminium to complete the vise.

Dave

JamuJoe · 12-14-2012, 05:06 PM

My hitch slop is forward/aft and I feel it when starting from a complete stop. Although I can wobble the hitch laterally in the receiver before hitching the Airstream, I've never felt that movement under tow. I've purchased a different product, the StowAway2 Hitch Coupling Tightener that I believe will solve the problem. It's simply a high strength U bolt and lipped plate.
Amazon.com: StowAway Hitch Tightener: Automotive

ROBERT CROSS · 12-14-2012, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamuJoe

My hitch slop is forward/aft and I feel it when starting from a complete stop. Although I can wobble the hitch laterally in the receiver before hitching the Airstream, I've never felt that movement under tow. I've purchased a different product, the StowAway2 Hitch Coupling Tightener that I believe will solve the problem. It's simply a high strength U bolt and lipped plate.
Amazon.com: StowAway Hitch Tightener: Automotive

Thanks......
.....that looks like it will work perfectly on the stinger for the boat, plus I probably have all the parts necessary.

Bob

MaxAB · 12-15-2012, 12:08 PM

Just rec'd my hitch vice to hopefully provide an "anti-rattle" function...

Will link it up tomorrow for a test drive - stay tuned for more...

Cheers,

Art

Alphonse · 01-13-2013, 06:12 AM

Got mine back when this thread first started and used it towing to the Canopener. Observations:
1. quick shipping and packaging ok
2. well made and easy to install; nice design and only one rachet wrench required for installation
3. tightened down after WD hitch and trailer were on TV
4. torqued it down after 75 miles
5. popping and bumping of the past is gone
6. can use on my boat and utility trailer as well since they make more noise than the AS on the WD hitch.

Bottom line, I am very pleased with it and bang for the buck is excellent.

MaxAB · 01-14-2013, 10:25 AM

Concur with each of Alphonse's comments!

We departed 26DEC - and after 2,100 miles the Hitch Vise works great. I re-torqued the two nuts at 100+ miles as a matter of routine.

After a telecon with the Reese folks, I have found that any residual "lash" can be eliminated with their available shim-kit for my model shank/hitch head. I am planning to install the kit ($5.00) to completely tighten up the system.

Great product - IMHO.

damonbeals · 01-14-2013, 01:50 PM

I like my low tech solution, I just wrapped Duck tape around the hitch until it fits tight. Simple and has worked great for several years now. And you can still remove the hitch without tools.

Damon
#4827

dkottum · 01-14-2013, 02:03 PM

Damon, I like your low tech solution too. Doesn't the great pressure just squish the duct tape?

doug k

JamuJoe · 01-14-2013, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamuJoe

My hitch slop is forward/aft and I feel it when starting from a complete stop. Although I can wobble the hitch laterally in the receiver before hitching the Airstream, I've never felt that movement under tow. I've purchased a different product, the StowAway2 Hitch Coupling Tightener that I believe will solve the problem. It's simply a high strength U bolt and lipped plate.
Amazon.com: StowAway Hitch Tightener: Automotive

I've just finished a 1340 mile, five day tow and the StowAway2 Hitch Coupling Tightener worked perfectly. No movement whatsoever from the shank in the receiver. It's good to find a simple, inexpensive solution to an annoying problem. BTW, I had to install it 'upside down' with the nuts on top due to the construction of my drop down hitch. No problem.

ROBERT CROSS · 01-14-2013, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamuJoe

I've just finished a 1340 mile, five day tow and the StowAway2 Hitch Coupling Tightener worked perfectly. No movement whatsoever from the shank in the receiver. It's good to find a simple, inexpensive solution to an annoying problem. BTW, I had to install it 'upside down' with the nuts on top due to the construction of my drop down hitch. No problem.

Ended up ordering the SA2 also. Works perfectly on our Class V Reese with the boat stinger. Also use it "nut's up", the V has a much wider flange around the opening and it makes securing it much quicker with the Makita cordless impact.

Bob

MaxAB · 02-23-2013, 09:36 AM

By way of a follow-up, the following information is submitted, FYI:

After installing the Hitch Vice, all "lash" between the receiver and shank was eliminated. However, there was still some "wiggle" between the shank and the "Hitch Head."

I called Reese to discuss the issue. The technician informed me that although "some" lash or wiggle is still safe, it is recommended to install their "Hitch Shim Kit." I ordered four of the $5 shim kits which consist of a single (2.0" x 5.3" x .050" - hole size 0.8") shim (Reese Part Number 58207) - intended to be fitted between the shank and the hitch head. Easy to install, for sure.

The photos show the "before/after" views. The "top-down" view illustrates the location of the shim on the left side of shank. There was only enough room for a single shim - so I've got 3 extras.

I tightened the two 1 1/8" attaching nuts with my 18" - 1/2" drive torque wrench.

With the Hitch Vice and shim kit in place, there is absolutely NO lash from the ball forward!

I've re-torqued both the Hitch Vice and the Hitch Head twice over the last 500 miles and everything is ROCK-SOLID.

**GCinSC2** · 02-23-2013, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RLS

I also made one up from some thin aluminum I had around. I just lay it on top of the bar and slide it in

Has worked for the past 4 yrs.

RLS,

I made one almost identical to yours out of stainless. Managed to make a 90 deg two sided and a single side shim. I now have 3 sides shimmed. Stinger slides in and is almost no movement. Don't think anything was wrong, just normal slide fit. But I truly feel that this was a significant part of the rig calming down. We do all of the setups on the hitch and then it's sloppy at the last connection, just doesn't seem right to allow slop at the final connection.

YMMV

Gary

toocubed · 03-06-2013, 08:05 PM

MaxAB How is the hitch vise working?? I have oval holes in the reciever now and am concerned this will create stress and future breakdown. Hope to see you soon...Sedona?

MaxAB · 03-07-2013, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toocubed

MaxAB How is the hitch vise working?? I have oval holes in the reciever now and am concerned this will create stress and future breakdown. Hope to see you soon...Sedona?

The Hitch Vise coupled with the Reese Shim Kit was the answer I was looking for. No more popping or grinding at slow speeds or backing-up like before. The holes in my receiver were starting to elongate, but this fix stops that from getting worse.

We're looking forward to linking up with you and Ronnie! Still working on getting the bathroom and shower fixed up - everything torn apart now!

Say, "hello" to everyone at the St. Patty's Day rally - Erin Go Braugh!

...suggest trying the Hitch Vice! (I've got an extra shim kit if you need one!)

Cheers,

Art

toocubed · 03-11-2013, 11:36 AM

Art, Thanks for the feedback and I'm ordering mine.

MaxAB · 03-12-2013, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toocubed

Art, Thanks for the feedback and I'm ordering mine.

Paul: Be sure to check the torques on the bolts after 100 miles or so...

They ship quickly after placing your order. Be safe, amigo.

Cheers,

Art

Alumaholic · 10-17-2013, 04:03 PM

Well, I've had mine awhile.
Put it on for a trip to Creede, Co.
Made a run from Abq to White Sands and back.
Then, yesterday we pulled the Airstream from Abq to Mesa, AZ.
It works as advertised.
I am very happy with the product.

crispyboy · 12-29-2015, 08:21 AM

Reviving and old thread....

Those of you who own the "Hitch-Vise" - what do you think of the product?

Would you buy it again?

It looks like it stops side/side movement but what about up/down?

It looks like a decent product and was I thinking about an impulse buy.....

Luckyducks · 12-29-2015, 08:40 AM

I've used a Hitch Vise for the past 6 years. The reason I bought it was to firm up hitch slop for my Rock Tamers. When loaded with the trailer on the hitch, I don't need the Hitch Vise as everything is solid. But, while at a campground and unhitched, I had a wobble in the Rock Tamers while they were on the drawbar (I leave them on all the time). The Hitch Vise solved my problem with the wobble. It's a great product. Very economical too compared to others on the market. Russ