Trailer Hitch Clunk

[Vayned]

Do you just deal with the clunk from the trailer hitch in the receiver or do something to quiet it down? I've heard some say they would rather have it so they know it's back there. It's not bad when the boat is attached but without it there's more clunk. Thought about wrapping some electrical tape around the hitch that slides into the receiver. There are various products for sale that I see that will dampen the noise.

[WIGuide]

I would put a few wraps of electrical tape around it and then use an anit-rattle pin. I've got the Reese version of this http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Lets-Go-Aero/63232.htmland it works well. Virtually eliminates all clunk and rattles. The only issue I have with it is that it loosens itself up over really bumpy roads so I end up taking a 5/8" ratchet and socket to it about once a month during the summer to tighten it back up. I could probably just throw some thread locker on there and it'd be fine, but tightening it isn't a big deal either. 

[Way2slow]

I'm not sure what clunk you are talking about. If it has brakes, then you are going to be some because of the tongue sliding back and forth for the master cylinder. Other than that, I don't know why you would be getting a clunk if everything is right back there.

Oh, I read you post again and apparently you are saying you are getting movement between your hitch and receiver. I've never had that problem. Matter of fact, if I leave mine in too long, I usually have to beat it out.

[Vayned]

Yes where the pin slides in, maybe velcro but moisture might get in.

[00 mod]

I too hated it.  Put a bunch of wraps of duct tape on it.  BIG MISTAKE.  The tape glue will melt in the summer and then it was like a miracle to get it back out.  Now I just deal with the clunk!

 

Jeff

[BassnChris]

I drilled and tapped a hole on both sides. Then put in 2 bolts (1/2").

Tighten them up and it stops the slop noise in the receiver.

Used longer bolts so that my hitch lock would work.

[OsideRida06]

I also get the same noise. I just let it clunk around myself. A big percentage of the people who get the noise vs those who don't from what I hear is from aftermarket towing kits that don't fit as perfect as stock ones do. I know mine is aftermarket and it clunks too. Mine is not bad enough for me to do anything about it though. 

[papajoe222]

W.W. Grainger sells a liquid,plastic coating for hand tools. You dip the handle of your hand tool into it and it gives it a thin coating of soft plastic.  One coat is about the thickness of a couple of wraps of electrical tape without concerns about heat and the tapes glue messing up the works.  It's also great for your trailer's swing hitch pin.