Towing Question noises from hitch

[kdh0519]

We have just recently purchased a 1980 31' Excella II. We towed it for the first time and it made all kind of noises from the hitch area. We are guessing that it was the load levelers. It was every time we went into a turn. It made popping noises. We are used to towing a pop up camper and was wondering if this is normal or is there something we are doing wrong?

[Excella CM]

Yep, those could be your sonic dampeners at work! That is assuming you have the dual cam anti-sway. To know if your sound is normal, we neeed to know what hitch set-up you're using.

[pmclemore]

I remember being startled by my friction anti-sway device on my first trip. Also, I use grease on my hitch ball - some folks don't.

Pat

[Goin camping]

Yep, First time I towed and heard that it scared the wee outta me.

If you really want to know if you have to worry or not. Just post what type of setup you have.

[moosetags]

We get squeeking and creeking noises with our Hensley hitch when turning at low speeds. Regreesing helps, but it still makes some noise.

[CanoeStream]

Yes, Pat, it is recommended to use grease on the hitch ball. There are a number of alternatives -- never been able to find the thread with the secret stuff to keep from marking up my pants. Even heard of somebody using wax paper.

Same question: Do you know the brand of weight distribution/anti-sway gear on your Excella? Yes, Reese dual cam makes noise on turns or backing up. Never apply grease to lessen that noise -- it's the friction that holds your trailer in line when it needs to.

[ScottW]

I've found that if you keep the windows up and the radio turned up loud, you don't hear those scary noises.....

[Ganglin]

We came off a 12 foot fiberglass Coleman pop-up also - to a 27 footer. The load levelers/anti sway creaks, groans and pops. Try to just think of it as the hitch reminding you it is doing what it's supposed to.

[Chuck]

*IF* its a Reese dual-cam, Reese says you can put a dab of vaseline on the saddle-cams to reduce the noise. grease is too slippery, and will reduce the effectiveness of the anti-sway effect. But apparently, vaseline isn't all that slilppery. seems odd, but if the manufacturer says its ok...

anyway, I tried it on mine, and it works great. It pretty much eliminated any noise from back there.

[CanoeStream]

Thanks Chuck. I thought I remembered their instructions said vaseline was okay but figured I needed to double check that.

[Silvertwinkie]

Yea, ditto, I'm switchin' to the Vase...... Been using just an ever so slight coating of grease. Of course as most tech heads, I rarely RTFM.

[Minnie's Mate]

In addition to the Reese Dual Cam, the Equal-i-zer brand hitch that I have makes a similar noise in tight turns. It takes getting used to. I had been warned of the noise before we got our trailer so I knew to expect it...doesn't mean I didn't think I hit something with the trailer though. However, I did hit a guard rail in a tight turn with the trailer on our first camping trip and it made less noise that the hitch does!

[jcanavera]

Gee and I thought the noise was the low speed campground warning system!

Sort of like the backup warning beeps.......

Jack

[dbradhstream]

When I bought our AS the dealer installed an Equalizer and the service manager told me NOT to grease it. Without grease, our AS sounded like a rusty old battleship being dragged down the road and we attracted stares from other RV'rs in the wrong sort of way. Then I actually read the Equalizer owner's manual which expressly says that grease CAN be applied without affecting performance. I now use a "white" marine grease that I buy in the boat section at Bass Pro Shops and we're nearly silent.

[Excella CM]

From the horse's mouth, i.e. Reese website:


Can I grease the Dual Cam Sway Control (DCSC)?

Do not grease the cam and cam arms. The Dual Cam was designed to use metal-to-metal friction. Heavy greasing of the cam and cam arm surfaces with affect performance. If noise is offensive, a very light coating of lubricant, such as Vaseline, may be used. Tongue weights over 1,200 lbs. may require a light coating of grease to reduce friction and prevent excessive wear. The Dual Cam Sway Control DCSC is not to be lubricated on the cam arms when the tongue weight is under 1,200 lbs. Instead you will want to apply a thin coat of a petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline. This will act as a poor lubricant, but works well to dampen the sound. For trailers with over 1,200 lbs. tongue weight you should apply a couple of drops of an 80/90 gear lube to the cam arm to prevent excessive wear caused by the increased tongue weight.

Awh, what do they know? Anyway, the real reason that they were designed to be noisy, as practically everyone knows, is that Airstreams are so light and smooth that without an occasional audible reminder, we'd forget they were back there.

[kdh0519]

Thank you guys for all the input about the creeks and pops when towing. Makes me feel better about the camper. I guess I won't be so nervous when we go camping this weekend. Thank you all again.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by dbradhstream

When I bought our AS the dealer installed an Equalizer and the service manager told me NOT to grease it. Without grease, our AS sounded like a rusty old battleship being dragged down the road and we attracted stares from other RV'rs in the wrong sort of way. Then I actually read the Equalizer owner's manual which expressly says that grease CAN be applied without affecting performance. I now use a "white" marine grease that I buy in the boat section at Bass Pro Shops and we're nearly silent.

Had the same problem with the EQ hitch when I got it.....lots of popping and groaning. A litle dab of the equalizer lube that they sell and it was almost silent........and HAPPY

[HiHoAgRV]

2 arguments againts using grease-

1) it's gonna get on your clothes (it's amazing how far grease weavles can jump)

2) it collects dirt and turns into grinding compound so wipe it off and regrease regularly if your a 'greaser'

[pmclemore]

Do you reckon that the "grinding compound" wears the ball and hitch away faster than an ungreased metal-to-metal junction would?

[HiHoAgRV]

If the chrome is in good shape, it's a great anti wear surface. Once it's gone you are probably correct.