How to Prevent Exhaust Components from Contacting the Trailer Hitch
Published 03/09/2018
Question:
I purchased the replacement CURT trailer hitch hardware from eTrailer for this hitch and installed the 11074 on my 2009 4DR Rabbit. However - after install, I now experience a lot more noise at low RPMs. Theres vibration being transmitted back to the cabin. This morning I took a quick look and it looks like the rear of the receiver tube is actually touching the muffler. This is a completely stock VW. No aftermarket exhaust, etc. Should the hitch be coming in contact like this? It was installed following the etrailer instructions and using the manufacturer hardware.
asked by: Greg
Helpful Expert Reply:
It is not uncommon for the exhaust components on a vehicle to come in contact with an aftermarket trailer hitch. The reason for this is that the placement of the exhaust components from the manufacturer are relative and not exact which means they will all be the same general location but may be slightly tilted or hanging an 1" or so in one direction or another from vehicle to vehicle.
An easy way to fix this would be to just bend the hangers slightly with a bit of heat and a pry bar. I have attached our help article that will walk you through this entire process. Pro Tip: Spay some lubricant like WD-40 or PB Blaster on the rubber isolators to make it easier to remove the hanger knobs.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Correct Noise from Exhaust Rattling Against a Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Video: Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
- Shop: Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories
- Q&A: Why is a Stabilizing Strap Recommended on Curt Hitches and what is Meant by Non-Trailer Load
- Q&A: Why Does Curt Require a Stabilizer Strap But Other Hitch Companies Dont
- Q&A: Will Curt Hitch 11074 Fit a 2007 Volkswagen GTI with Ground Effects
- Q&A: Installation Help With Re-Installing Exhaust With Curt # C13386 Hitch on a 2013 Ford Explorer
- Video: Setting up the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on your 2018 Ford Explorer
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Hitch C13416 and EcoHitch Hitch 306-X7396 for a 2019 Toyota RAV4
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Video: The Low-Down on the Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on Trailer Hitch
