Hitch and receiver rattle

Devoman · 12-28-2007, 09:28 PM

Well...I finally ready to fix the space in which the reciever into the hitch is just a tad to small and it rattles when driving or gives a thunk when I take off.What solutions have you all done to fix this.I have heard all kinds of things but they are all not a permanent solution.I have found 1 though but do you all think this could hold up over time with this much force.Thanks All.
The Hitch Corner sells Draw-Tite trailer hitch accessories

Sean Woodruff · 12-28-2007, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devoman

I have found 1 though but do you all think this could hold up over time with this much force.

That's the first thought I had also when I saw this. How well will it hold up under weight distributing loads? I haven't ever seen one but it looks like an innovative fix. Not that xpensive to try out either.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 12-28-2007, 10:09 PM

Hi, I don't have a hitch rattling problem, but what you have pictured, in my opinion, would only work if you drive around with the hitch in the receiver without your trailer attached. I don't think it would be strong enough to hold things in place with a real load on it. [trailer and WD hitch installed] I had thought of makeing and useing a thin metal wedge that you can tap in place either on the top or bottom of the receiver.

thecatsandi · 12-29-2007, 07:30 AM

That does not look like it will work very well under any load. You hitch pin is likely worn or too small.

overlander63 · 12-29-2007, 07:57 AM

I have some slop in the receiver/head also. Part of it is the brand of receiver and head you use, some have closer tolerances. Part of it is wear, also. If you have lots of time to mess with it, you can make a nylon/teflon pad for the head to ride on, it should hold up pretty well.
The head moves in the receiver on ours as well, but the only time I hear a "clunk" is when I walk into it

...ouch.

safari57 · 12-29-2007, 05:52 PM

I had one hitch head that had the same problem you had. I ran a small bead of weld on the bottom, one on each side of the bottom. Then test fit it and used the grinder judiciously until it slid in tightly but was still removable without hurting myself trying.

As Michelle has noted it could also be a too loose pin. I've found that going to the RV Parts store and trying their hitch pins until I found one that was just slightly tighter fit than mine stopped an annoying rattle on one hh.

Barry

Devoman · 12-30-2007, 05:18 PM

I have only tried a couple pins but I think you and michelle are right about that.The only thing I would have to fix then is the up and down movement of the hitch to make it completly solid.I think I am going to talk to a friend of mine who welds and see what I can do about it here in the future.Thanks everyone.

Pop Rivet · 12-30-2007, 05:38 PM

Have you checked with VW? I have the same problem with my car and I bet it's the same receiver. Be interesting to see what you come up with.

ROBERT CROSS · 02-16-2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devoman

Well...I finally ready to fix the space in which the reciever into the hitch is just a tad to small and it rattles when driving or gives a thunk when I take off.What solutions have you all done to fix this.I have heard all kinds of things but they are all not a permanent solution.I have found 1 though but do you all think this could hold up over time with this much force.Thanks All.

The Hitch Corner sells Draw-Tite trailer hitch accessories

If it's snug in that fitting, maybe it could be welded on...

16595 · 03-14-2008, 09:28 PM

My receiver is only a year and a half old and I have a lot of slack in the connection. I have been considering some strips of sheet metal to be inserted along side the shank.

Has anyone tried that?

Also, I wonder if the receiver will continue to get more sloppy if nothing is done to stop the action.

The welding and grinding/fitting would be the best solution if done by a welder who protects the tempering of the steel.

Dwight
31' Classic/GMC 2500HD 6.0L

uwe · 03-14-2008, 09:39 PM

My 2007 Suburban requires a deep drop shank for the WD hitch. The receiver is so loose, that the bottom of the shank where the ball resides can swing back and forth over one inch in either direction. It is ridiculously loose. It clunks and wiggles like it's defective. It is not the hitch pin, in my case. It is simply a sloppy receiver tube. I haven't a clue what to do about it.

Devoman · 03-14-2008, 10:02 PM

I am planning to try the weld line down the shaft on the top and side of it.I would think this would work but I have not tried it yet.I am still looking into a solutions.I would say though that mine wiggles around about 1/2 inch max but I think it is a tiny bit smaller than that.

Westfalia · 03-14-2008, 10:13 PM

Devo, BE CAREFUL welding directly on the vehicle. Disconnecting the vehicle ground line at the battery is not enough. All of the computers are tied into ground as well. It can get expensive quickly.

Find someone that has experience with welding on european vehicles.

safari57 · 03-14-2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devoman

I am planning to try the weld line down the shaft on the top and side of it.I would think this would work but I have not tried it yet.I am still looking into a solutions.I would say though that mine wiggles around about 1/2 inch max but I think it is a tiny bit smaller than that.

The weld down the top and side does work, we've done it with no issues.

The other question is to have a good look at the receiver as well to make sure that it's not cracked. I've seen this a few times. If you need more info let me know.

Barry