Noisy hitch? Easy fix.

[Trambo]

Don't know about you, but after installing my Hidden Hitch, I noticed a lot of noise from the back. Worse yet, it seemed amplified in the back of the RAV. Initially I thought something was wrong, but after checking everything thoroughly, and verifying torque on all the bolts, I determined the source of the noise was the loose fitting drawbar rattling in the hitch receiver.

So...how to fix this? I thought about shims, but the drawbar fit is a little tight and I didn't want to worry about the shims falling out. So after thinking about it, it dawned on me: Put a sock on it.

Get yourself a regular tube sock. Slip it over the back end of the drawbar. You should be able to push it into the receiver, with some resistance, for a nice tight fit. Use a pocket knife to cut a hole in the hitch pin hole, insert the pin, and you're done. (Well, maybe trim the excess sock off, LOL)

This free solution resolved 100% of the noise issue. It's easy, non-destructive, and everyone has a spare sock in their drawer that should be thrown out anyway, right?

Hope this helps someone else with the same problem!

[JuneBug]

Originally Posted by Trambo

Don't know about you, but after installing my Hidden Hitch, I noticed a lot of noise from the back. Worse yet, it seemed amplified in the back of the RAV. Initially I thought something was wrong, but after checking everything thoroughly, and verifying torque on all the bolts, I determined the source of the noise was the loose fitting drawbar rattling in the hitch receiver.

So...how to fix this? I thought about shims, but the drawbar fit is a little tight and I didn't want to worry about the shims falling out. So after thinking about it, it dawned on me: Put a sock on it.

Get yourself a regular tube sock. Slip it over the back end of the drawbar. You should be able to push it into the receiver, with some resistance, for a nice tight fit. Use a pocket knife to cut a hole in the hitch pin hole, insert the pin, and you're done. (Well, maybe trim the excess sock off, LOL)

This free solution resolved 100% of the noise issue. It's easy, non-destructive, and everyone has a spare sock in their drawer that should be thrown out anyway, right?

Hope this helps someone else with the same problem!

That's the kind of solution I like, simple, effective, and cheap (free)!! Well done!!

[stick47]

As I had a hitch mounted carrier on my last pickup I didn't like the movement that the drawbar made so I drilled & tapped the receiver for a 1/2"X13 TPI hex head bolt. Insert drawbar & hitch pin then tighten the bolt. No noise of movement.

[4ever]

I like the sock idea better. Less work.

[stick47]

I wouldn't try the sock in the winter tho.

[Trambo]

Originally Posted by stick47

I wouldn't try the sock in the winter tho.

Yep - nobody wants cold feet.

[John E Davies]

How long does a sock last before it falls apart due to the pounding?

[Trambo]

The sock lasts pretty much indefinitely. I don't leave my drawbar in the receiver all the time, though. Only when I'm actually towing is it in, otherwise I stow it in the smaller storage compartment in the back. (Finally!! A use for that little floor tray! LOL)

I have several boxes of rags (old clothing) in the shed, so there's an unlimited supply of socks. I keep a few pair with the drawbar, so I don't reuse them between tows.

[njl]

I'd be worried about the sock getting wet and trapping moisture in the hitch. My hitch is rusting as it is. I don't leave the draw bar in it unless I'm towing.

[Trambo]

So, a quick update.

I towed my SV 650 to Deal's Gap last week. Left the drawbar on for the entire week (the Rav pretty much sat parked for the week... those roads are way more fun on the motorcycle. ) The ride was nice & quiet all the way down & back.

The sock trick worked very well. 1,000 mile round trip & held up just fine. Yes, it was wet when I returned home & pulled the drawbar, but no issues.

Next trip, I'll pop a new sock on & do it again.

BTW... just gotta say, the RAV tows the bike & trailer amazingly well. The V-6 never acknowledged all that weight was even back there. :D I was impressed.... as were my cabin mates, at the sheer amount of stuff I was able to bring along! The storage capacity is unreal for a "compact SUV".