Travel Trailer creaks and cracks when moving?

[Wpk109]

Hello everyone. We are new to the RV world and just purchased a 2013 AR-ONE 25' travel trailer. We are a little concerned on how much noise the trailer makes when in tow. Lot's of cracking, squeaking, etc. Is this normal? Is this just a break-in thing?

Thanks!

[GilliedogKiwi]

What kind of hitch do you have - you say take it off before backing up? We have the Reese Straightline hitch with the camlocks and you don't have to get out and unhitch anything at all - its wonderful.
Angela

[Wpk109]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I'll be greasing up this weekend! And yes, I do take off the sway bar before backing in/turning sharply...had a really good mechanic set me up at Grumbine's RV in Harrisburg, PA. He was really throrough and really knew his stuff!

[Roundtwo-40]

We LOVE ours, it rained our last trip out and the boys both had their space and DW and I relaxed and did our own thing (knitting and reading). We looked at each other and both said "we made the right decision" I dont think it is right for everyone, but it sure works for us 🙂 Thanks for the post 🙂

Happy Camping!

[waynec1957]

Roundtwo-40 wrote:
Are you using a weight distributing hitch with anti sway bars? If so that is what is probably creaking, mine has friction bars that rub metal on metal.

This is way off topic, and I apologize in advance, but I gotta tell you we looked at that Jayco Eagle 328RLTS at the Indianapolis RV show a few months back and absolutely LOVED that rig. Those opposing super slides make that front living space HUGE. Awesome camper....

[LakeN]

RedRocket204 wrote:

sbowman871 wrote:
Grease the trunion ends on the weight distribution bars.

Yup. I make it a habit of new grease on the spring bar connections to the hitch as well as the ball every time I hook up. Then a couple of paper towels to wipe off the grease when I unhitch. Wiping off the grease avoids making a mess as well as always having fresh grease the next hitch-up.

Ditto

[DE88ROX]

"Its just your normal noises in here" Tom Petty

Its going to creak to some degree depending on what you have greased. remember that the bars and chain are under a great deal of tension.

Like other have said, grease the bars ,NOT THE ANTI-SWAY BAR where they hook onto/into your hitch. You will see a dramatic difference in noise.

Also, you might want to make sure that you remove the anti-sway bar prior to backing in. I usually take mine off while im stopped and checking into the campground.

[CavemanCharlie]

My suspension creaks and groans. If I put a drop of oil on the points where the center hanger thing moves then it quits for a month or so then starts back up again.

[RedRocket204]

sbowman871 wrote:
Grease the trunion ends on the weight distribution bars.

Yup. I make it a habit of new grease on the spring bar connections to the hitch as well as the ball every time I hook up. Then a couple of paper towels to wipe off the grease when I unhitch. Wiping off the grease avoids making a mess as well as always having fresh grease the next hitch-up.

[colochoclab]

Ours makes a racket, especially at slow speeds. It is indeed the EQ hitch creaking and groaning, it is normal. I use the "Sway Bracket Jackets" on my Equalizer and it helps a bit.

[goducks10]

Make sure you lube the short end of the spring bar that slide up into the WD head.

[JIMNLIN]

I lube all my suspension flex/pivot points once a year so my trailers suspension don't creak/pop/squeak/groan/etc.
Hitch noise and suspension noise is easily determined by letting some one drive the rig around a corner in the campground while you walk along beside the trailer.

[Jack_Diane_Free]

Sounds pretty normal to me.

[Wpk109]

LOL! Thanks for all the advice! Can't wait to get out and enjoy the outdoors!

[Roundtwo-40]

Mine creaks when turning (or I just notice it more then :)) From my experience it is normal and will always do it. If it stops turn around and go back to pick up your trailer :B JK.