Forum Discussion

IAMICHABOD's avatar
IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Nov 06, 2014

Fixing Hitch Rattle

I have tried almost every Anti Rattle device on the market, most have been no good or so complicated and cumbersome that they are useless.

While looking for a Trike Rack for my Catrike I stumbled on a place called Hitch Rider

There I saw a Anti Wobble device and thought I would give it a try.

Their Hitch Vice is the best and easiest one I have come across and it really works.

I have no connection to this company but I thought I might pass it on.

10 Replies

  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Nov 17, 2014
    Hank85713 wrote:
    On the motorcycle we just welded a nut to the receiver and after installing the hitch ball, we tightened the bolt until no slop was evident. Dont know why this would not work for folks with a bicycle rack or anything else. The nut is on the botton side of the reciever and needs to be a gr 8 of 3/8 inch or so to work best.


    1. Not everyone has a welder.
    2. Not everyone with a welder is comfortable welding on their receiver.
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Nov 17, 2014
    the bear II wrote:
    Thanks again for this post. I installed the hitch Vise over the weekend and it solved my rattle problem completely.

    During the past few years I had tried wood shims, washers as shims, a U-bolt device and most would work for one or two trips but the rattle would come back.

    After 500 miles worth of trips, no rattle using the hitch vise. I amazed at how much more quiet it is now.


    Cool Glad it worked for you.

    I have a whole box of all the other types that never worked, they are now going in the Recycle Bin
  • Hank85713's avatar
    Hank85713
    Explorer
    Nov 17, 2014
    On the motorcycle we just welded a nut to the receiver and after installing the hitch ball, we tightened the bolt until no slop was evident. Dont know why this would not work for folks with a bicycle rack or anything else. The nut is on the botton side of the reciever and needs to be a gr 8 of 3/8 inch or so to work best.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Nov 17, 2014
    Thanks again for this post. I installed the hitch Vise over the weekend and it solved my rattle problem completely.

    During the past few years I had tried wood shims, washers as shims, a U-bolt device and most would work for one or two trips but the rattle would come back.

    After 500 miles worth of trips, no rattle using the hitch vise. I amazed at how much more quiet it is now.
  • mikegt4's avatar
    mikegt4
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2014
    I made my own version of this anti rattle device using a piece that I cut out of a steel rectangular tube, it's worked great for many years.

    http://www.stowaway2.com/store/p/601-StowAway-Hitch-Tightener.aspx
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Nov 06, 2014
    Quarters, nickels, dimes work for shimming slop between receiver and hitch

    I usually take care of it with 2 quarters 1 top and 1 side taped on.
  • LarryJM's avatar
    LarryJM
    Explorer II
    Nov 06, 2014
    IAMICHABOD wrote:
    I have tried almost every Anti Rattle device on the market, most have been no good or so complicated and cumbersome that they are useless.

    While looking for a Trike Rack for my Catrike I stumbled on a place called Hitch Rider

    There I saw a Anti Wobble device and thought I would give it a try.

    Their Hitch Vice is the best and easiest one I have come across and it really works.

    I have no connection to this company but I thought I might pass it on.


    I've been using the Hitch Vice from Hitch Rider for about 5 years and agree it does the job and I have recommended it quite a few times in the past when this subject comes up.

    I did replace the OEM bolts/washers/nuts with grade 8 hardware for a little more clamping force. It's important to torque those fastners to the correct torque so you get the proper clamping and holding forces on the drawbar.

    Larry
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Nov 06, 2014
    Thanks for the post. I have been trying to stop a rattle my mobility scooter lift makes. I've tried a couple of things but no luck. After reading your post and looking at the website, I placed an order for the Anti-Rattle Device.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,148 PostsLatest Activity: Jul 12, 2025