Recommended Ways To Stop Rattling After Installing Hitch on 2020 Ford Explorer

Published 03/13/2020

Question:

I have installed this hitch last week, everything was smooth throughout the installation. It definitely more labor intense than other hitches. However the hitch fits very tight. Now a have a rattle/ scuffing noise when driving. My question can the heat Shiel can be permanently removed from the vehicle?

asked by: Ivan

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the instructions for the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 76320 and I do not feel comfortable saying to just remove the heat shield because it is a large panel of heat shield compared to some other installs. I do recommend to try to figure out where the rattling is coming from first. It is a better idea to trim the heat shield in the spot where it is coming into contact with the hitch to prevent them from rattling against one another. Another common reason for rattling is the exhaust is contacting the hitch, if that is what is happening there are ways to prevent that as well. I have attached a helpful article on fixing exhaust rattle.

expert reply by: Heather A