Community Forums

Nxkharra · 02-08-2017, 05:23 PM

Hi all, we are using a Roadmaster Sterling to tow a Jeep behind our 37 foot MH. I just saw a Roadmaster Quite Hitch device that eliminates rattling of the two bar in receiver. Is it OK to completely eliminate any shaking or a little rattling is OK for the system.

cruzbill · 02-08-2017, 05:32 PM

Due to my setup using a 2" drop receiver, I use 2 of the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch thingies- they are just 'u' bolts with a bar under the two nuts. They are expensive, but they work great. I just wish I could find them for less. I also use two on the toad, as we have a 7" receiver extension and a bike rack. The bike rack is now solid as a rock.

Mr_D · 02-08-2017, 05:47 PM

I also have two of them, also due to needing a drop hitch. One works fine the other one doesn't do much but only because the receiver on the MH is slightly oversize and moves side to side slightly. The Quiet Hitch can't eliminate all that side to side movement. I tried some thin wood shims but they fell out in just a few miles.

Nxkharra · 02-08-2017, 05:49 PM

So eliminating the rattling totally is a good thing? Concern is are we damaging the connection by making it too rigid.

Waiter21 · 02-08-2017, 06:50 PM

Yes, these eliminate play between the receiver and the bar insert. I have one on my Mirada.

Nxkharra · 02-08-2017, 06:52 PM

I realize it does eliminate. My point is do we want to totally eliminate rattle? Or a little rattle is good to have.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 02-08-2017, 07:16 PM

Nxkharra-

I can't see any positive effects from allowing towing gear to rattle or have play while underway (short of the noise alerting you to some state- which has been mentioned in an iRV2 post). Best to eliminate it completely.

I have and use one or two Quiet Hitches, as needed.

Nxkharra · 02-08-2017, 07:25 PM

Great answer. Thank you.
I have one on order and might get the second one.

FIRE UP · 02-08-2017, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruzbill

Due to my setup using a 2" drop receiver, I use 2 of the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch thingies- they are just 'u' bolts with a bar under the two nuts. They are expensive, but they work great. I just wish I could find them for less. I also use two on the toad, as we have a 7" receiver extension and a bike rack. The bike rack is now solid as a rock.

cruzbill,
Well, you asked about where to find them for cheaper? I made mine. Now, a lot of what I'm going to describe depends on your mechanical/craftsman/fabricator skills. First, I cruised on down to our local Tractor Supply store. There I found a pack of two, leaf spring suspension U-bolts with washers and Nylock nuts. The cost, about $7.00 or so. These U-bolts are 1/2" in diameter, not the cheesy 3/8" versions you pay so much for. And, they're the EXACT correct measurements in all directions for making these "hitch - tight" components.

Now, the other part of the system, I already had. It was a piece of round stock steel, 3/4" in diameter. I simply cut it the length needed and, laid out the holes needed for the fitting of the u-bolts. I had to grind the flat spots for the nuts to sit on when one tightens them. It took about 45 minutes to make each one, start to finish. And I've got a grand total of about, a whopping $4.50 in each one.

And the really, really good part, they are about 5 times stronger than the commercial ones you purchase for a considerably higher cost. The nuts are 1/2" x 13 Nylock nuts and, you use a 3/4' wrench on them. I've tightened the bejesus out of them and, drove all over several states and would check them every once in a while and, they didn't even think about coming loose.

So, to you and the OP, this is just something to consider, based on ones ability to be a home DYI type.
Scott

Waiter21 · 02-09-2017, 04:32 AM

Play is like a hammer beating the device constantly. Eliminating play in any mechanical device is a good thing.

I installed one of these, I also adjusted the hitch coupler to reduce play in the ball hitch, yet still allow free turning.