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02-11-2013, 06:15 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In our CC.
Posts: 646
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Hitch noise
We tow a Mini Lite with a factory installed hitch. I've noticed a metal on metal sound occasionally when towing. I THINK it's the ball and receiver, but I'm not sure. I grease the ball, so it's lubed properly. Are there any adjustments on the hitch clamp? I would definitely appreciate any help.
__________________
Alan, Kathy & Cooper the camping cat
2014 Cedar Creek, 36CKTS
2013 GMC 2500 Denali
Duramax/Allison
Full timers since 5/30/2013
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02-11-2013, 06:18 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Franklin County, MO
Posts: 2,652
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Is it a weight distributing hitch? Are you sure it isn't the bars sliding when you make a turn? Ours took some getting used to, and then the dealer said that where they had not previously recommended lubing those points, the latest thinking is a little grease on there won't hurt and will certainly sound better.
__________________
Mike and Yvonne
and Sophie, the little white dog
2017 Columbus 320RSC
2021 Chevy Silverado 3500HD DRW 4X4 Duramax
“It's not how old you are, it's how you are old.” ― Jules Renard
"It's not the years...it's the mileage." - Indiana Jones
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02-11-2013, 06:19 PM
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#3
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,891
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My friction sway bar would creak and moan when turning when I had the popup.
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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02-11-2013, 06:31 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In our CC.
Posts: 646
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This not a weight distributing hitch. Never thought about the stabilizer bar being the cause!
__________________
Alan, Kathy & Cooper the camping cat
2014 Cedar Creek, 36CKTS
2013 GMC 2500 Denali
Duramax/Allison
Full timers since 5/30/2013
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02-11-2013, 10:56 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,776
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you should be using a WDH if you're pulling that trailer with the MDX. 
i'll bet your owner's manual will require using one, for a trailer that size and weight.
what you're calling a factory hitch is actually a hitch RECEIVER.
it's what you put a hitch into.
and what you're calling a "stabilizer bar", sounds like a anti-sway bar, which does no weight distributing.
did the dealer tell you that you didn't need a WDH?
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.) 
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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02-12-2013, 08:07 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In our CC.
Posts: 646
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Ok, I got the terminology wrong. I always considered the receiver a hitch, never gave it any thought. I know the anti-sway bar does no weight distributing. In answer to your question, I wasn't told by the FR dealer I needed anything but the receiver/hitch. Now you've got me wondering! I will get my manual out and investigate - and get back with you. I honestly have no idea how a WDH even attaches to the tow vehicle nor the towee! I hope that term isn't too technical!  I really am grateful for the response!
__________________
Alan, Kathy & Cooper the camping cat
2014 Cedar Creek, 36CKTS
2013 GMC 2500 Denali
Duramax/Allison
Full timers since 5/30/2013
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02-12-2013, 08:32 AM
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#7
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Site Team - Lou
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,269
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Need a photo of you hooked up (like this) to help here.
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
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02-12-2013, 09:21 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In our CC.
Posts: 646
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Ok, I'm up, got my eyes opened now and got the owners manual out re the hitch. The vehicle manual clearly states: "A WDH is not recommended for this vehicle." I don't grease the connecting points of the anti-sway bar, never gave those points much thought. I use a wire brush on the slide to keep it clean and tighten it for expwy driving. The sounds I hear occur when driving straight, not in turns. So, what I still wonder is whether or not the clamp on the tongue should be/can be adjusted?
__________________
Alan, Kathy & Cooper the camping cat
2014 Cedar Creek, 36CKTS
2013 GMC 2500 Denali
Duramax/Allison
Full timers since 5/30/2013
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02-12-2013, 10:30 AM
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#9
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Phat Phrog Stunt Team
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tipp City, OH
Posts: 7,154
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Are you using the correct size ball? Also, grab your draw bar and see if you can move it up and down at all. Even the slightest bit of play will sound harsh inside your vehicle. If so, you can drive a small wedge between receiver and draw bar or they make a clamp that will quiet things down also.
__________________
2016 Georgetown 364TS
2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon toad
Nights Camped 2019 - 17
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02-12-2013, 10:48 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In our CC.
Posts: 646
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Ah ha! Yes, there is some play between the receiver and the bar! Never gave that a thought! Regardless of what your wife says, you really are a help! Thanks. I'll go find a wedge thingy.
__________________
Alan, Kathy & Cooper the camping cat
2014 Cedar Creek, 36CKTS
2013 GMC 2500 Denali
Duramax/Allison
Full timers since 5/30/2013
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02-12-2013, 10:49 AM
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#11
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,891
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arjerram
I don't grease the connecting points of the anti-sway bar, never gave those points much thought. I use a wire brush on the slide to keep it clean and tighten it for expwy driving.
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This is correct for anti-sway bars. You don't grease them and should keep 'em clean.
As for the sound when going straight... I'm out of ideas. Good luck!
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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02-12-2013, 12:21 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Waynesville
Posts: 14,428
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad
This is correct for anti-sway bars. You don't grease them and should keep 'em clean.
As for the sound when going straight... I'm out of ideas. Good luck! |
You are 1/2 correct,the ball sockets on each end should be lubed!  Youroo!!
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02-12-2013, 12:26 PM
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#13
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,891
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Quote:
Originally Posted by youroo
You are 1/2 correct,the ball sockets on each end should be lubed! Youroo!! |
Good point and I agree!
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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02-13-2013, 11:45 AM
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#14
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daydreaming about camping
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: KC area
Posts: 1,404
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arjerram
Ah ha! Yes, there is some play between the receiver and the bar! Never gave that a thought! Regardless of what your wife says, you really are a help! Thanks. I'll go find a wedge thingy.
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Just out of curiosity, what is the tow rating for your MDX?
I think you are most likely on the right track that the hitch is moving inside the receiver. However, you should pay particular attention to your receiver and make sure there is no damage.
Finally, as Herk suggested, a picture is worth a thousand words.
__________________
2013 Coachmen Freedom Express 320BHDS pulled by a 2005 F250 King Ranch CC
A rainy day camping is better than a sunny day at work.
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02-13-2013, 10:16 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In our CC.
Posts: 646
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The MDX
According to the manual, the towing capy is 5K. However, a mechanic told me it was good for 7K. I think our TT comes at the low 4K. No, we haven't weighed it loaded. But next trip out, I'll stop at a local granite quarry and ask if they'd be so kind.
__________________
Alan, Kathy & Cooper the camping cat
2014 Cedar Creek, 36CKTS
2013 GMC 2500 Denali
Duramax/Allison
Full timers since 5/30/2013
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02-13-2013, 11:23 PM
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#16
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,776
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arjerram
According to the manual, the towing capy is 5K. However, a mechanic told me it was good for 7K.
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__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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02-13-2013, 11:33 PM
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#17
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Site Team - Lou
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,269
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arjerram
According to the manual, the towing capy is 5K. However, a mechanic told me it was good for 7K.
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I am guessing his shop is looking for work, or he could use the overtime pay.
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
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02-14-2013, 07:49 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: In our CC.
Posts: 646
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Towing capy
The mech who told me about the 5K vs 7K is an independent mech. His business is mostly minor repairs, tires etc.
__________________
Alan, Kathy & Cooper the camping cat
2014 Cedar Creek, 36CKTS
2013 GMC 2500 Denali
Duramax/Allison
Full timers since 5/30/2013
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02-14-2013, 09:16 AM
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#19
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Site Team - Lou
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 23,269
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arjerram
The mech who told me about the 5K vs 7K is an independent mech. His business is mostly minor repairs, tires etc.
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Not to disparage your mechanic, but what proof did he offer that it is OK to ignore a manufacturer's limit? 
__________________
Lou & Freya the wonder dog
2008 GMC Sierra 3000HD Allison Duramax
2019 Flagstaff 8529FL
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02-14-2013, 09:43 AM
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#20
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daydreaming about camping
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: KC area
Posts: 1,404
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arjerram
According to the manual, the towing capy is 5K. However, a mechanic told me it was good for 7K. I think our TT comes at the low 4K. No, we haven't weighed it loaded. But next trip out, I'll stop at a local granite quarry and ask if they'd be so kind.
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Unless one of Acura's engineers in Tokyo appears on your doorstep and tells you that, I would treat it like a political commercial, 1% truth, 99% used car salesman BS. I am slightly less diplomatic than Herk... 
Getting back to your MDX - you really need to find a CAT scale at a truck stop. Watch this video for the how to weigh:
It will give you the weight on your front (steer) axle, rear (drive) axle and also the trailer axles. Best $10 you will ever spend, I promise. Then take it back across and un-hook the trailer on the trailer pad, to get your unhooked and true trailer weights. This will also allow you to figure your tongue weight. All that for $1 more!
Come back with those numbers and the guys here can tell you a number of things.
__________________
2013 Coachmen Freedom Express 320BHDS pulled by a 2005 F250 King Ranch CC
A rainy day camping is better than a sunny day at work.
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