hitch bangs up and down

[tinkerreknit]

When not towing, my weight distributing hitch bangs up and down inside the receiver tube. It is as far inboard as possible. Is there an inexpensive gizmo, or maybe some trick that would stop or minimize this annoying problem? I leave it in the receiver because I am lazy, I tow a lot, and it is the best way to keep it locked up.

[tinkerreknit]

When not towing, my weight distributing hitch bangs up and down inside the receiver tube. It is as far inboard as possible. Is there an inexpensive gizmo, or maybe some trick that would stop or minimize this annoying problem? I leave it in the receiver because I am lazy, I tow a lot, and it is the best way to keep it locked up.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

I've heard of people putting a little weld bead on the edge of the inside of the square tube, then file it until the hitch fits tight...

[chickie]

Why not take your hitch head out of the receiver when not towing?

[Frank P. Martin]

You have to remove and store your equalizer bars somewhere. How much more effort can it be to remove and store the hitch?

I remove and store the bars and hitch in the compartment of my TT as soon as I'm done using them. Protruding hitches are dangerous; not only to people walking behind the TV but to other vehicles as well. A harmless, gentle tap on the bumpers without the hitch can become an expensive insurance claim when the hitch penetrates the other vehicle.

[tinkerreknit]

The welding trick sounds best to me so far. I appreciate all suggestions, but removing the hitch isn't a good option for me.

[tinkerreknit]

I have a padlock on the TT hitch, and I use that to secure the equalizer bars (through a chain link) when not towing.

[Ray,IN]

Since you obviously have an aversion to removing your hitch head. Run a small weld across the top side of the stinger, permanently attaching the hitch to the truck receiver. This prevents theft, eliminates noise, and- if you ever decide to remove the hitch head you may simply grind off the weld.

[evan0810]

I don't know how well it works, but this is what CW sells: http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...1782&src=SRQB:

[tinkerreknit]

Thanks so much for helping, everyone. The great folks here are always quick to offer advice. I will check my local RV dealer for the ready-made Quiet Hitch, but I am thinking I will go with welding a bead to close the gap but still allow removal.

[tinkerreknit]

Interesting development; while I was waiting for access to a welder, I thought about a temporary solution. I cut a piece of vinyl house siding about 4" x 2" and slid it over the bar inside the receiver. The leading edge is flat but the trailing edge is the bottom of the siding that has 2 bends in it. I spread it flat but it still has a lot of tension and is really wedged in there. It stopped almost all the noise caused by the slack between metal parts. It tried to move backwards a little once but I pounded it back and it has stayed for many miles - both towing and not towing over a couple of weeks. So I will just ride along like this! I keep thinking it will eventually wear out or become loose, but that vinyl is very tough stuff and it might surprise us.

[Ray,IN]

Good ole Yankee(ahem- American) ingenuity!