What's that noise coming from my hitch?

allards5 · 03-20-2011, 03:28 PM

Just installed today a new 10K Equalizer 4-pt WDH hitch. Pretty easy and straightforward install, with no surprises. Lubed all the friction spots and made sure all the bolts were torqued. But, when taking it out for the test drive, the hitch pops (only once) when making a slow, 90-degree turn (at intersections, into parking lots, etc.). I rechecked all the bolts, pins, etc and all look fine. The manual says that noises during such turns for the first few hauls is normal and to be expected. However, it doesn't say what kind of noise is normal. So, is it ok for my brand new hitch to pop when I make a slow, tight turn or did I maybe screw something up?

sherdep · 03-20-2011, 03:33 PM

Mine made some popping noise when first installed as well when turning and going over a heavy bump
Mine also made a popping noise when I backed up with it
I also greased mine after the 200 miles of the install
I recently changed to a longer drop hitch so we will have to see if I get more popping noise this way or not - going to be taking it out next weekend so will let you know if it pops more or not

allards5 · 03-20-2011, 03:50 PM

Thanks, Sherdep. It's reassuring to know that it seems common after all.

grhodes50 · 03-20-2011, 03:57 PM

It's normal for the Equal-i-zer to make noise. As time goes on it will make a little less noise. You'll love the hitch though. If your set up is good it really works great. I have the same hitch as you for 2 years now and I haven't had any problems. A lot better than the regular wd hitch with a friction bar.

Just wait until you pull into a campground. You'll be the center of attention!

Good luck and happy camping!

**bikendan** · 03-20-2011, 03:59 PM

yep, pretty normal for tight turns. a lot of WDH's do that, no matter the brand.
you can get L-bracket jackets, to quiet them down. here's a link:

Sway Bracket Jacket (pair) [95-01-5150] - $19.95 : Equal-i-zer Hitch Store

sherdep · 03-20-2011, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

yep, pretty normal for tight turns. a lot of WDH's do that, no matter the brand.
you can get L-bracket jackets, to quiet them down. here's a link:

Sway Bracket Jacket (pair) [95-01-5150] - $19.95 : Equal-i-zer Hitch Store

I have those and it still pops - never had them without so not sure of the diffrence in the popping but to me it isnt bad

I got the pads cause I figured I would rather wear out the pads then the L Brackets

If you get the pads - I didnt grease them and I dont think they should be either - just a side note

allards5 · 03-20-2011, 06:20 PM

I installed the bracket jackets, too. Didn't lube them.

Dodge Guy · 03-20-2011, 07:16 PM

Normal. my buddy`s EQ made the same noise when he first had it installed and still does 5 years later! though I wouldn`t lube the friction points at the L brackets as that`s where the sway control comes in. the 2 pivot points at the hitch head and the ball/coupler is the only place that should get lube (grease).

cheese53073 · 03-20-2011, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherdep

I have those and it still pops - never had them without so not sure of the diffrence in the popping but to me it isnt bad

I got the pads cause I figured I would rather wear out the pads then the L Brackets

If you get the pads - I didnt grease them and I dont think they should be either - just a side note

Have you noticed an increase in sway with the pads? The following was copied from Equilizers site:

ATTENTION: Utilizing lubrication on the Equal-i-zer L-Bracket, in the form of the Sway Bracket Jacket or any grease type lubricant, will likely lessen or decrease your sway control by a small degree. Steel on steel is the highest level of friction, steel on lubricated steel second, and steel on plastic third (but also the cleanest). The hitch head can be lubricated, as per the instructions, with no detriment to sway control.

sherdep · 03-20-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheese53073

Have you noticed an increase in sway with the pads? The following was copied from Equilizers site:

ATTENTION: Utilizing lubrication on the Equal-i-zer L-Bracket, in the form of the Sway Bracket Jacket or any grease type lubricant, will likely lessen or decrease your sway control by a small degree. Steel on steel is the highest level of friction, steel on lubricated steel second, and steel on plastic third (but also the cleanest). The hitch head can be lubricated, as per the instructions, with no detriment to sway control.

From Day one I have used the Pads so really have nothing to use as a comparison -
If I do 55 mph top's 62 mph no I dont feel any sway even if a semi passes me - if I go over 65 I can feel the trailer sway and it doesnt feel right cause I can feel the truck bop back and forth too - I have since changed my drop shank to a longer drop but havent taken it out since
the trailer was nose up almost 3/4" with a full water tank - now with the new drop shank it is up 1/4" with an empty water tank (measured front and back of the trailer corner) so am hoping it is taken care of

I do notice some sway but my truck isnt the greatest for a tow vehicle
I am lifted 6" with 35" (305/70-18) all terrain tires.

My father told me I was going to fast and to slow it down cause I wasnt in a race - I never had a problem towing before but of course what I towed before was alot lighter too

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