Tow sounds

forgalsus

I did a tab 320 S test tow today.   There was a lot of banging/rattling going on.   The dealer rep said it was normal.   Would appreciate feedback on what is considered normal hitch noises?   thanks

atlasb

Our 320 also had hitch rattle.  there are several different hitch adapter/ anti rattle items and adding a little weight to the tongue weight helps.  Keeping the tow as level as possible also helps a little.  When we got our 400, no more rattle. 

Sharon_is_SAM

Yes, movement of the bar in the receiver makes a racket - especially going over railroad tracks!  You can add a simple hitch tightener that helps a great deal.  Also, once you add some tongue weight, there will be less noise.

Homebodyatheart

When your Tab is empty it does bounce around a bit. You can buy a Stowaway Hitch Tightener, Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for 2 Inch and 1.25 Inch Hitches to cut down on the noise. Personally I like the occasional clunk as it reminds me I’m towing! 

Once you add gear, food, propane, maybe water it will smooth out! Also putting weighty items on the floor in front of the axle helps. 

Go for it! 😊

mreric

if the noise is not coming from the hitch and draw bar movement than it might be something else.     i have a pretty quiet ride

BrianZ

We got this hitch tightener.  It's just a U-bolt & a plate, but very hefty & it really made the hitch quieter & solid feeling when going over bumps..

Mission Automotive Hitch Tightener for 1.25" and 2" Hitches - Heavy-Duty, Easy-Install, No-Rust - Made in The USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01597QPL6

Marceline

Some people will tell you not to worry about it, but for me the sound of metal banging is the sound of metal fatiguing. There are a number of options:

https://www.etrailer.com/search/Hitch+Tightener#/

forgalsus

Thanks everybody!

ScottG

I like the rattling. It lets me know the T@B is still back there!  :-)

Sneakle

I put one wrap of duct tape on my hitch before inserting it in the receiver and it helped a lot. Just don't wrap so much that you can't insert it.

nbrandt

There is also something called the J Pin Hitch that you can get at etrailer that really quiets a hitch down.

4ncar

That’s the sound of your trailer still behind you! When it stops...you have bigger issues then just a noise! 

rajamar

BrianZ said:

We got this hitch tightener.  It's just a U-bolt & a plate, but very hefty & it really made the hitch quieter & solid feeling when going over bumps..

Mission Automotive Hitch Tightener for 1.25" and 2" Hitches - Heavy-Duty, Easy-Install, No-Rust - Made in The USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01597QPL6

We have the same device and I was pleasantly surprised at how eliminating those fractions of an inch of play in the hitch stopped the thunking noises and the constant "feedback" from the T@B. Feels much more stable and solidly connected to TV. 

tabiphile

Was that the name of a Beach Boys album?

Travelin3D

Are you thinking Pet Sounds or Good Vibrations?

TabberJohn

Looks like it only works with Draw-Tite hitches but is anyone using this gadget? 
https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Anti-Rattle/Draw-Tite/63080.html
Watch one of the videos.

PNWtabber

Great discussion.  My son seems to think getting a solid hitch rather than the "tubular" one I currently have would reduce the noise.  Any thoughts on this idea?

VictoriaP

PNWtabber said:

Great discussion.  My son seems to think getting a solid hitch rather than the "tubular" one I currently have would reduce the noise.  Any thoughts on this idea?

I’d try a simple $10-15 hitch tightener before spending that kind of money.

Two other options, the Curt RockerBall and the Convert-a-Ball cushioned ball mount, both claim to reduce the impact of trailer movement on the hitch, and therefore *may* reduce noise.

ChrisFix

+1 on a hitch tightener. I use this one, but they mostly all perform similarly.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01597QPL6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Nary a sound from the hitch receiver...

PNWtabber

@ChrisFix -- I ordered one on Amazon today!  Thanks.

Ron

Also a vote for the hitch tightener.  My Wrangler Rubicon has a fairly big drop to the hitch with an angle to brace the flat metal plate the ball goes on to the square tube.  I had to cut a notch in the tightener plate to make it fit.  Works great and feels like a weight distribution hitch or an air lock pintle hitch.  No noise.  Also takes longer for someone to steal the hitch.

db_cooper

Another vote for a hitch tightener.  For those that like the sound as a reminder,  I'd rather eliminate a known noise so I can hear an actual problem noise.