Is An Anti-Rattle Hitch Pin Included With A Trailer Hitch

Updated 11/02/2015 | Published 11/01/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(524)

$207.06

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(679)

$16.44

Thule Snug Tite Hitch Lock and Anti-Rattle Device

(602)

$59.80

Question:

We drive a 2016 Mazda CX5 and are looking to put a hitch on the vehicle. Ive read all your posts and have considered the 2inch Curt and the Draw Tite. I noticed the comment about the stabilizer strap with the Curt. When talking to Curt customer service they mentioned that an anti-rattle pin could be used instead as both serve the same purpose. My question is - for either of these hitches, does the anti rattle pin come with it or do we have to buy that separately? We are simply attaching the Thule Doubletrack bike rack to the vehicle. Thanks for your help. Your website has been very informative to someone who knows little about these topics. I appreciate the videos and advice.

asked by: Kaleena

Expert Reply:

It seems that the person you spoke with is confused. A stabilization strap and an anti-rattle bolt do not serve the same purpose. A stabilization strap helps support the non-trailer load on the hitch, while an anti-rattle bolt helps to eliminate the rattle or wobble of the shank in the trailer hitch.

Per Curt's warranty, the # 18050 stabilization straps need to be used with all non-trailer loads. I spoke with my contact in Curt's technical department who confirmed that the stabilization strap needs to be used to comply with the warranty. This is reflected in the installation instructions for the Curt Trailer Hitch # C13315 that I have linked, as well as the photo from the instructions I attached for you.

The Draw-Tite # 76138 that you referenced does not require the use of any stabilization strap or other accessory to comply with the trailer hitch's warranty.

An anti-rattle pin will not come with a trailer hitch. The threads on an anti-rattle pin need to match up with the accessory being used, such as a bike rack. The anti-rattle pin threads into the bike rack shank, not the trailer hitch pin hole. Typically, anti-rattle bolts are manufacturer specific, and they can only be used with that company's accessories.

The Thule Doubletrack bike rack comes with an anti-rattle pin, the Thule Snug Tite # THSTL2. If you need a replacement anti-rattle pin for your Doubletrack, this is the part number you will want to use.