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kennyzzz's avatar
kennyzzz
Explorer
Jun 11, 2015

anti-hitch rattle, homemade

[img]http://s17.photobucket.com/user/kennyzzz/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150611_102311_zpsxv8fw0qf.jpg.html?filters[user]=7254396&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=1[/img]I purchased one of the anti rattle hitch devices, you know the things that are supposed to stop your hitch from rattling around.
the one I purchased did not work campground is only 20 miles from the house when we arrived the anti hitch device was loose, I tried front ways back ways no matter which way I positioned the 4 screws it was always lose when we arrived back home 20 miles later so this is the concept I came up with 2 pieces of aluminum, but this is the only stuff I had around, 2 5/8 grade 5 bolts.I put beveled angle on top piece in a small angle on the bottom, on the bottom one I have a piece of flat steel with a slight filing I wanted to give it a little bit of angle, took machine shop in high school would love to have a vertical mill would make things so much nicer but this should work of course I haven't tested it yet but just wanted to show my homemade anti-itch device. I know it looks Jimmy rigged it should work.

7 Replies

  • pappcam's avatar
    pappcam
    Explorer
    Jun 12, 2015
    Hmmm.... My WDH puts enough torque on the stinger that it doesn't rattle inside the receiver when I'm all set up for towing even though it's a fairly loose fit to start.

    Is this a solution in search of a problem? Just asking.
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Jun 12, 2015
    kennyzzz wrote:

    That hitch vice looks good, I wonder if it can be used vertical not horizontal like it shows in the video.

    I see no reason that it wouldn't, after all it pinches no matter which way it is installed,the only problem may be if the mounting of the receiver is to close to allow the bolts to go thru, but why would you,it is a lot easier to get at the bolts from the side. The nuts on the Vice are set in a hole that holds them so you only have to use one socket or wrench to tighten them.
  • kennyzzz's avatar
    kennyzzz
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2015
    I made this so I can use this to keep the hitch from bouncing around when towing, I have a Chevy with the sloppy hitch that they're known for so my hope is that when I have to weight distribution bars (600 pounders) connected that the hitch will not slop around so to speak, I think it should be plenty strong because the aluminum pieces are almost three fourths of an inch thick and then by using 5/8 (or 9\16 they were they next size up from 1\2 inch ) grade 5 bolts they have a tensile strength of i think over 18,000 pounds so I can't see them stretching and I also went with grade 5 washers so everything's matched correctly I can't see the aluminum giving way because it's so close together but I will know after the first trip if it worked, if the aluminum does not work I will have to go to steel my problem is though I only have a half inch drill and the aluminum plates I used are three quarter inch were already drilled I just needed to widen the holes in a bit.
    That hitch vice looks good, I wonder if it can be used vertical not horizontal like it shows in the video.
  • bguy's avatar
    bguy
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2015
    For anti hitch rattle device I use the one method that's guaranteed to work.

    Pull the pin and remove the hitch from the truck.
  • IAMICHABOD's avatar
    IAMICHABOD
    Explorer II
    Jun 11, 2015
    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 like the one at the bottom of your picture.

    Until I found the one at Hitch Rider. much like the one you made, This will keep everything tight.

    Their Hitch Vice is the best and easiest one I have come across and it really works.
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Jun 11, 2015
    Well done! Is the aluminum tough enough to withstand the stress? You could use steel, but it would be tedious to drill big holes in a thick piece of steel.

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