Hitch Rattle

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   I know that a little play in receiver hitch is normal and with the weight of the Pod it's a non issue but, when I'm just using the WDH attached bike rack without the pod attached or pulling a smaller utility trailer the rattle and movement is annoying.
I came across this simple device and am wondering if anyone has used one. It's a U-Bolt Beam clamp and can be found in most big box hardware stores:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Superstrut-3-3-16-in-U-Bolt-Beam-Clamp-ZU501-10/100207165#.UngtXBJM_kc

Or a more expensive and slightly heavier duty version:

http://www.amazon.com/Stow-Away-020-6-StowAway-Tightener/dp/B0001CMUV4

If nothing else it does look like a cheap and effective light load rattle solution if it doesn't cause damage to the hitch.

fred

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fwunder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 1676	Topic: Hitch Rattle Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 5:33pm
	I know that a little play in receiver hitch is normal and with the weight of the Pod it's a non issue but, when I'm just using the WDH attached bike rack without the pod attached or pulling a smaller utility trailer the rattle and movement is annoying. I came across this simple device and am wondering if anyone has used one. It's a U-Bolt Beam clamp and can be found in most big box hardware stores: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Superstrut-3-3-16-in-U-Bolt-Beam-Clamp-ZU501-10/100207165#.UngtXBJM_kc Or a more expensive and slightly heavier duty version: http://www.amazon.com/Stow-Away-020-6-StowAway-Tightener/dp/B0001CMUV4 If nothing else it does look like a cheap and effective light load rattle solution if it doesn't cause damage to the hitch. fred
	2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 5:36pm
	My hitch actually has a welded nut on it, with a hole through the sleeve, a couple inches back of the pin hole. Slide your draw bar in, put in locking pin, then turn a couple threads on the bolt, and walla.. silence.

fwunder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 1676	Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 5:46pm
	That's a great solution and one I wish I had. I do have a Thule bike rack that has a similar "bolt on" sleeve which works great.
	2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!

CharlieM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797	Posted: 08 Apr 2014 at 6:29pm
	Or you can drill and tap the receiver for a 3/8" SS bolt. Works great. Cheap too, especially if you have, or have access to, the tap.
	Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD