Strange hitch noises

[FCStreamer]

So I towed for the first time ever yesterday. And for the second time ever today. Everything was fine except for some very odd noises coming from the hitch. I have an Equalizer. Sounded like something was breaking back there. Made me stop at first and go back to take a look. I then realized that it would make that croaking sound every time I took a slow turn.

Is that normal? I was tempted to spray it down with T9 or something but figured I should ask first.

[SeaLevel]

That's normal, but these help a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/Equal-i-zer-95...rch_detailpage

You should read the hitch manual on what should be lubricated, and how to maintain the hitch.

[andreasduess]

All hitches creak. My new Hensley stinger creaks a lot more than my old one, for some reason.

[Moflash]

Normal,on turns

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by SeaLevel

That's normal, but these help a lot:

http://www.amazon.com/Equal-i-zer-95...rch_detailpage

You should read the hitch manual on what should be lubricated, and how to maintain the hitch.

I second the bracket jackets. It made a big difference in my Equalizer noises and I don't get a ton of grease on my hands when hitching or unhitching. There is still the CLUNK when the spring arm strikes inboard or the retaining pin, but just moving around in the CG or Publix parking lot I don't sound like I'm a one AS parade.

[FCStreamer]

Ok, I did the jackets. Still have the odd sound. I'm used to it already, but I wish it didn't do it.

https://youtu.be/jQMiwgWOFjY

[beachbouy]

We also use an an Equalizer pulling a 2016 International 30 with a 2015 Yukon XL so it is a very similar setup and we don't even come close to that much noise. We use a light application of Equalizer lube on the hitch and ball and that is all we use.
It is actually rare we get any noise. We have the bracket jackets and haven't used them yet.

Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[Tincampers]

Should have got a Blue Ox. No noises while turning or backing up. I've heard some EQ hitches sound like the apocalypse is coming. No way I would put up with that.

[Rocinante]

No need to switch hitches in mid-stream, as it were.

Our Equal-i-zer is dead quiet when we treat it right. You must regularly grease the hitch ball and the pivoting heads on the hitch itself. If you do this in addition to using the bracket jackets, it won't make a sound. If you forget to grease the pivot points, you'll hear about it soon enough, "Screeeeech! Grooooan! Cluuuunk!" When you hear that sound, it's time to grease the pivot points again.

[FCStreamer]

I have not greased anything. That will be my next step.

[Rocinante]

With the bracket jackets in place you will not need to grease the bars at all. Just the pivot points in the hitch head. Still messy, but not as messy as greasing the bars. Be sure to wear your "trailer pants" when hitching and un-hitching to avoid ruining good jeans with grease marks. Don't ask how I know to do this.