Less rattling and vibrating when towing the trailer
With the increasing popularity of American vehicles in Europe, from Jeep Wranglers to large RAM trucks, the demand for suitable towbars is also growing. These differ from the models commonly used in Europe as they work with a removable slide-in system. These slide-in units, available in 1 1/4 inch, 2 inch and 2.5 inch sizes, are simply pushed into the square tube of the towbar, the so-called hitch receiver, and secured with a cotter pin or screw.
However, a common problem with this design is rattling. As the inserts are often somewhat smaller than the hitch receiver, vibrations and noises occur, both when driving with a trailer and without a load. These noises are unpleasant for many owners, which is why solutions are sought to reduce them.
Possible solutions against US towbar rattling:
In the USA or Asia, there are many manufacturers and names that offer a solution for towball rattling inside the receiver. In Europe, there are only a few. Here are some tips and an overview of the solutions.
Possible solutions against rattling:
- Towbar with integrated noise reducer: some European manufacturers offer towbars that already have an integrated mechanism to reduce movement of towball inside hitch tube. A wedge, which is tightened with a screw, minimises the space between the insert and the hitch receiver.
- Retrofitting hitch clamps: Widely used in the USA, hitch clamps offer an easy way to eliminate towbar rattling. These clamps, also known as Reducer Clamp, Anti-Rattle Clamp or Hitch Tightener, work by tightening a clamping mechanism that holds the plug-in unit firmly in the receiver.
How the hitch clamps work
Hitch clamps enclose the slide-in towball unit and are fixed in place by tightening a screw. Some models also work with a lynchpin and a locking mechanism that is inserted into the slide-in unit. When tightened, the ball is pressed firmly against the wall of the hitch receiver, eliminating vibrations and the associated noise.
Anti-Rattle Receiver Locks – Availability in Europe
The best-known brands in the field of anti-rattle solutions for US towbars are CURT, LIPPERT and HitchClamp. However, their products are difficult to obtain in Europe. Hitch clamps and anti-rattle locks can be purchased in the UK via platforms such as eBay or Amazon.
The Polish manufacturer LEMET has also recently started offering products that have been specially developed for 2-inch plug-in units. These are now available from various suppliers in UK. One example is the AHK-onlineshop.eu, which stocks a large selection of slide-in units, towballs, shackles and other accessories for US vehicles.
The availability of such solutions in Europe makes it much easier to use American towbars. They help to reduce annoying rattling noises and increase comfort when towing trailers or transporting bicycles and other loads.
Hitch Clamp for US Towbars adapters: buy it now!
American towbars, as used on vehicles from Jeep to RAM, often cause rattling noises because the towball inserts are smaller than the hitch receivers. Solutions to these noises are limited in Europe. One option is to use integrated noise reducers or retrofit hitch clamps to hold the plug-in unit in place. While US brands such as CURT and LIPPERT are difficult to obtain, the Polish manufacturer LEMET offers suitable products for 2-inch hitch receivers, which are also available in UK. They reduce rattling and increase comfort when riding.