Tow Hitch

[propster]

The hitch receiver combo on the jeep has a little play. It clunks and bangs a bit going down the highway. Does anyone make an aftermarket "shim" or cushion or sleeve that tightens things up a bit?

[GBPackerNut]

You know, my '06 Jeep WK (Grand Cherokee) does the same, sure makes a hell of a racket back there. I have been trying to figure out if its my recever on the truck, or the hitch tube assy. But yeah, I have been trying to figure out how to shim it up or make it so its not so noisey.

[Nutty Fisherman]

If it's making noise when you are not pulling anything, take the hitch out of the receiver. Other wise I don't think there is much you can do, there has to be a little play in there other wise you wouldn't be able to get it in or out.

[Gissert]

If it is just the reciver/hitch interface that is rattling, wrap the hitch with electrical tape to git a snugger fit - that will quiet it down.

As the tape wears, you'll have to re-apply, but it really cuts down on the noise.

[steffanf]

I agree with what Nutty said... pull the hitch out of the receiver when not in use. That is why they make them removable. Now, if you are having rattling problems when you are towing the boat, there is good chance that you do not have enough tongue weight on the trailer. You might need to shift your boat forward up on your trailer. If that doesn't work, they do make hitches that insert deeper into the receiver. I am assuming you have a standard Class III or IV reciver on the Jeep. Bascally, the square hitch tube is just some 2-3 inches longer with the pin hole further from the end on the hitch I am talking about. Take your hitch to the store (FF has a good selection of these) and find the one you need.

[GBPackerNut]

Yeah, most of the time I have noise problems, I don't have enough tongue weight, most of the time its ok.

Its probably because its my first SUV, and not a pickup, it seems a billion times louder.

If the trailer has substantial tongue weight is virtually quiet.

[LakeDocktor]

I have noticed this on our 2008 Liberty as well. Pulling a trailer is horrible. It feels like the whole rear end is going to fall off! I took it back to the dealership (another long story) and he told me to soak it in salt water so it starts to corrode and then put it back into the sleeve. The rust will tighten the gaps! I know this isn't what I did or what I wanted to do. I'm not sure if yours was installed by a Jeep dealership, but they are known to be a little loose than they should be, this coming from a different dealer. I just used electrical tape and taped some rubber washers on all sides to give it some cushion.

[Phred52]

I use a Convert-a-ball cushioned ball mount. Nice and quiet and you don't get that 'jolt' when you pull out from a stop. Cabelas carries them, as well as some farm stores. Cabelas also has an 'anti-rattle hitch bracket', but I don't think that is what you're looking for. Phred52

[GBPackerNut]

couple wraps of duct tape seems will work fine. Yeah the jeep receiver is a bit oversized.

[IFallsRon]

Mine fit snugly but the bike rack has some slop so I bang a washer into the bottom side to fix that.

[propster]

Sounds like it might be a common problem with Jeep receivers. Mine doesn't make noise when not trailering, otherwise I would just remove it. I was referring to the noise when trailering, and it does have proper tongue weight. The noise is when hitting bumps and holes in the road. I'll try some tape to thicken it up, or maybe a washer or two.

[CAMAN]

google 'Hitch Vise' I think its exactly what your looking for.

[propster]

That looks like it might just work, Thanks Caman

[GBPackerNut]

same here, gonna have to give it a try.