Need tips to stop noisy/clunking receiver hitch

[koolaid]

Truck is '23 GMC 2500hd. Hitch is 2.5" with B & W stow away receiver for use with multi- pro tailgate.

Works great but when not towing, thing makes clunking noise when going over bumps or braking. You know it's back there which is annoying considering truck is pretty quiet and smooth.

Don't really want to remove it every time not in use, defeats purpose of stow away feature. No room for silencer pads, tight fit but not tight enough to not clunk. It's heavy, maybe 30-40 lbs.

 

[IDspud]

Welder up

 

[bootz1981]

i bound a bunje from the down facing ball to the safety chain eye. crude yes but it works 99% of the time

 

[zal]

No-Tool Anti-Rattle Hitch Clamp for 2" Receiver

This anti-rattle hitch clamp provides quieter towing by securing the hitch connection. It is fast and easy to install, featuring a no-tool clamp-style lever. The tightener simply installs over the shank and hitch receiver tube opening, and tightens down onto the connection to eliminate rattling...

www.curtmfg.com

For a 2”.

No-Tool Anti-Rattle Hitch Clamp for 2-1/2" Receiver

This anti-rattle hitch clamp provides quieter towing by securing the hitch connection. It is fast and easy to install, featuring a no-tool clamp-style lever. The tightener simply installs over the shank and hitch receiver tube opening, and tightens down onto the connection to eliminate rattling...

www.curtmfg.com

For 2.5”.

Shop Anti-Rattle Hitch Pins & Clamps

CURT anti-rattle hitch pins and clamps offer smoother, quieter towing for a more enjoyable ride. A trailer hitch anti-rattle pin has a threaded shank to tighten down on the ball mount and keep it from vibrating in the receiver. An anti-rattle hitch clamp can be used with a hollow or solid shank.

www.curtmfg.com

If the hitch is a hollow tube.

 

[Coldfinger]

I have not done this, but I have considered placing a few small linear welds along the top edge of the ball mount to get a snug fit.

Weld a bead or beads, then grind down beads so the ball mount fits snugly into the receiver tube.

After doing this, your ball mount may not readily fit into another receiver without requiring some minor grinding.

 

[Ex-Flit]

Some type of shim might work, (plastic or wood) depending on how much room there is.

 

[volcano buster]

There is a lot of moving parts with style hitch.

 

[koolaid]

Yes, lots of moving parts but the clunking noise is mostly from up and down movement between the hitch and receiver as it's easy to duplicate. Going to try to shim top and bottom with very thin piece of plastic. If that doesn't work, Val's link had a hitch pin that I could tighten like a bolt but still maintain a lock. Will try the cheap solution first.

 

[zal]

If that doesn't work, Val's link had a hitch pin that I could tighten like a bolt but still maintain a lock.

I’ve been called worse. Lol.

 

[Mafesto]

Pull it out 2"
apply sealant to the last 2'' and re-insert.
I've never tried it, but some brilliant SOB posted it on Snowest today.

 

[PSI 800]

In BC it is actually illegal to leave your hitch in.

 

[koolaid]

In BC it is actually illegal to leave your hitch in.

What's the reasoning behind that?

 

[PSI 800]

No idea, its not enforced to much though. I do know that it hurts like hell when you walk into 1 though

 

[meathooker]

What's the reasoning behind that?

Creates a point load in case of impact. Crash tests are done bumper to bumper.

 

[zal]

In Alberta, it’s illegal as well

 

[chevy_man]

Turn the stereo up....


I haven't had a stock stereo in 20 years though. First thing I do is add a couple amps, speakers, and sub.


I think a smear of rtv silicone in there would deaden the sound. I've never been able to hear one rattle though.

 

[Chadx]

Zal already posted the solutions above. Use a cheap, simple anti-rattle kit/clamp and you're done.

 

[Hawkster]

Took a piece of inner tube and slid it part way than followed up with a few hits from a dead blow to drive that hitch in. Also replaced the receiver pin with a drop hitch pin, cut and threaded the end and put a lock nut on and pulled the loop off the pin after assembly, couldn't find a locking one I liked.
It'll be a little harder for slippery fingers to walk away with, just gonna take a few tools to pull it.

 

[Fosgate]

Easy slip on solution. I've used these in the past and they work well.

Amazon product ASIN B07V57Z6NP
Currently have this. Downside is every time I want to take the receiver off It involves a wrench to loosen this first.

Amazon product ASIN B07VWL3R3M

 

[koolaid]

Well it's been two weeks, I feel I can give a solid update. Used a thin plastic shim up top along with a few beads of windshield urethane along receiver, then shoved it in and let dry overnight. No clanks or clunks, quiet back there. Because of tight fit, lots of the aftermarket fixes simply won't fit on this application. Thanks for all the input