Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Hitch Rattle

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Hitch Rattle

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4572
Printed Date: 19 May 2024 at 9:05am
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Topic: Hitch Rattle

Posted By: fwunder
Subject: Hitch Rattle
Date 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 - 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 - 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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2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!

Replies:

Posted By: furpod
Date 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.

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Posted By: fwunder
Date 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.

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2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!

Posted By: CharlieM
Date 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.

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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD