How to Reduce Excessive Trailer Noise Banging/Rattling

Published 12/13/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches - 3-1/2" Span

(1666)

$43.19

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 1-1/4" Hitches - Flush - 2-1/8" Span - Chrome

(3424)

$35.26

Erickson Re-Tractable Ratchet Straps w/ Push Button Releases - 1" x 10' - 400 lbs - Qty 2

(1161)

$22.33

Question:

Hi there, I tow a landscaping trailer for a living and the amount of banging that occurs when towing empty has neighbors complaining and me cringing with every crease in the road. Im seeking information on options for addressing the constant banging - anything I could install or have installed to quiet the commute and use. The noise comes mostly from the tailgate rattling within its pins, but also from the trailer itself banging on the frame. Minor noise comes from the hitch itself. Thank you!

asked by: Kaitlin S

Expert Reply:

It sounds to me like the hinge pin on your trailer's tailgate is worn and is causing excessive movement which will result in a noisy ride. In order to secure the tailgate to the trailer while driving down the road I recommend using a set of ratchet straps like the Erickson Re-Tractable Ratchet Straps part # EM34415.

In order to reduce movement and rattling from the ball mount inside the receiver tube you will want to use an anti-rattle hitch pin such as the Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock part # 63232 for 2" receiver tube openings. The anti-rattle hitch pin also has a key lock for security. As long as you have a hollow ball mount this this option will work well for you. If you have a1-1/4" receiver tube opening, you could try the hitch lock # e98879, it also requires that you have a hollow ball mount. You can check out either of the hitch pins in action in the attached video. You can check out either of the hitch pins in action in the attached video.

If there is excessive movement from the hitch ball inside your trailer coupler then it is either time to rebuild the latching mechanism or replace the trailer coupler. In order to replace the coupler I would need to know the hitch ball size needed, gross trailer weight (GTW), if you have an a-frame or straight tongue trailer, and the frame rail dimensions. In order to recommend a latch rebuild kit I would need to know the brand of your coupler, hitch ball size, and GTW.

expert reply by: Conner L