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.

expert reply by: Conner L