Towing noise
05-17-2010, 11:52 PM
#1
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2008 CLK 350 Cabriolet and 2009 GL 450
Towing noise
I am new to towing. I put a Reese ball mount into my factory installed towing receiver. I then tried pulling a small (5x8) utility trailer and the noise from the hitch was loud and sounded like metal against metal. Is this normal, as there is some room between the ball mount and the receiver so, I can move the ball mount slightly side-to-side and up and down. Is there any mods to quiet or reduce the noise? Thanks in advance for any help.
05-18-2010, 09:42 AM
#2
I would check the following:
- Ensure that you have the correct ball size (should be stamped on the trailer receiver)
- Ensure you have the weight close to the front/middle of the trailer. It is always better to have at least 100 lbs on the hitch (200lbs+ would be better) and don't be afraid to put some weight on the hitch (keep it below the max, which you shouldn't have to worry about with a 5x8 trailer). As a rule of thumb, with a utility trailer, I want the receiver to be pretty hard for me to lift by hand. Having weight on the ball will transfer some of the weight off the trailer tires and be also much more stable.
- You can also put some grease on the ball or receiver. It sounds like you may have some rust in there that needs to works its way out. BTW, I rarely use grease (because it's messy), but I do use my trailer often and it's stored in door so I don't have an issue with rust.
Good luck!
Rod
- Ensure that you have the correct ball size (should be stamped on the trailer receiver)
- Ensure you have the weight close to the front/middle of the trailer. It is always better to have at least 100 lbs on the hitch (200lbs+ would be better) and don't be afraid to put some weight on the hitch (keep it below the max, which you shouldn't have to worry about with a 5x8 trailer). As a rule of thumb, with a utility trailer, I want the receiver to be pretty hard for me to lift by hand. Having weight on the ball will transfer some of the weight off the trailer tires and be also much more stable.
- You can also put some grease on the ball or receiver. It sounds like you may have some rust in there that needs to works its way out. BTW, I rarely use grease (because it's messy), but I do use my trailer often and it's stored in door so I don't have an issue with rust.
Good luck!
Rod
05-18-2010, 10:16 AM
#3
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2002 S430, 2004 Cobra, 2004 Tahoe
Good advice from Ron B. You could also put a slightly larger pin through the receiver to reduce the movement. Unfortunately it's never going to be quiet, you just want to make sure the trailer is locked down on the hitch properly (and that you have the correct ball size for the trailer).
05-18-2010, 09:54 PM
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2008 CLK 350 Cabriolet and 2009 GL 450
Great advice!!!
Thanks all for the great advice! I did find the SoftRide QuietRide Anti-Rattle Locking Hitch Pin at RealTruck.com for $33.29 and free shipping. Can't wait as it sounds like exactly what I need!
