Jerky while towing
I am towing a Wildwood with an F150. The Wildwood is 4600 pounds. I made sure before buying I would be well within my capacity for both towing and payload. I have only been out 4 times with it and ...
Forum Discussion
facory wrote:
You can buy a clamp that clamps the receiver and hitch together to eliminate all play. It eliminates the noise too. I have been using one for years and wouldn't be without it.
I also have used a Hitch Vise when carrying my bike in a carrier on the back of my truck or pulling a utility trailer. They do not work with a weight distributing hitch however and they are not needed there as the WD spring bars keep the shank pulled to the top of the receiver almost all the time. The only exception would be where you go over a RR crossing or other "bump" that causes the spring bars to unload.
The Hitch Vise or shims probably would not help the OP as I don't think shank movement is causing his situation. It sounds to me more like trailer tongue weight, not enought WD, or just bouncy pavement. Pushing the "tow button" on the truck would have nothing to do with the problem IMO.
If the problem is occuring only when stopping or starting, I would check the small bolt under the ball on the bottom, trailer side of the hitch between the WD bar sockets. This helps keep the hitch head locked in the proper tilt position and tends to loosen up after a bit of time. It should be checked every time time you tow.
Barney
