Trailer Hitch Issues
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
In my experience, the one time when slop (a shank migrating around in the receiver tube) isn't a problem is when a weight distribution system is used. The spring bars usually exert enough leverage on the shank that it's shoved tight against the inside top of the receiver tube to the point where it will not budge in the slightest.
The tension provided by the WD hitch presses the ball mount firmly against the top of the receiver tube and there is no slop movement.
The "groaning" from the Equalizer bars is also gone now that I wipe down the bars at the beginning of a trip and apply a little ball lube.
The hitch tightener U-bolt/plate setup does work well with our other 3 trailers that are not used with a WD hitch.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 8
From: chambersburg, PA
If you have a welder, the hitch pin is an easy fix. Buy what is call a weld washer, drill it to 5/8 and then weld it in on both sides with the the pin and hitch in place(or you will have to bore it thru with a drill and it may be off center). It will eliminate all pin slop.
lots of places sell these, artec ind, ruffstuff specialties, DIY4x, etc.
lots of places sell these, artec ind, ruffstuff specialties, DIY4x, etc.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
Wouldn't the hole being drilled in the receiver be 3/4" or so?
Is this the type of weld washer?
This weld washer would add 1/4" on each side.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 206
From: South Eastern Michigan
Put air bags on the rear. Hook up, people inside, full tank, use airbags to level truck, lower hitch to level trailer, done. Worked for me. Put all the control back in the steering wheel. Trailer did as told.
I tow a 24' enclosed with 4000 lb cars inside....no issues.
I tow a 24' enclosed with 4000 lb cars inside....no issues.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 182
In my experience, the one time when slop (a shank migrating around in the receiver tube) isn't a problem is when a weight distribution system is used. The spring bars usually exert enough leverage on the shank that it's shoved tight against the inside top of the receiver tube to the point where it will not budge in the slightest.
)
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 182
Put air bags on the rear. Hook up, people inside, full tank, use airbags to level truck, lower hitch to level trailer, done. Worked for me. Put all the control back in the steering wheel. Trailer did as told.
I tow a 24' enclosed with 4000 lb cars inside....no issues.
I tow a 24' enclosed with 4000 lb cars inside....no issues.
Last edited by EXSwap; Jul 25, 2017 at 08:13 AM. Reason: Misspelled a word
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 182
If you have a welder, the hitch pin is an easy fix. Buy what is call a weld washer, drill it to 5/8 and then weld it in on both sides with the the pin and hitch in place(or you will have to bore it thru with a drill and it may be off center). It will eliminate all pin slop.
lots of places sell these, artec ind, ruffstuff specialties, DIY4x, etc.
lots of places sell these, artec ind, ruffstuff specialties, DIY4x, etc.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 206
From: South Eastern Michigan
I've actually thought about air bags...almost purchased a set. I need new springs all the way around as I've got some sage going, want more weight carrying capacity, and need more up front for the swap I'm about to get into. Do you run any sort of anti-sway with your trailer?
Anyway, yes, I use a WD hitch all the time but no anti sway via hitch. Had one years ago and it broke, never replaced. Once you get your rig leveled you should have full control from the drivers seat. With new springs and a rear sway bar, you should be good to go. Oh yeah, E tires as well.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 182
Funny story, I had my truck 'resprung' and after that there was no need for the air bags. Bought my stuff from ATI.
Anyway, yes, I use a WD hitch all the time but no anti sway via hitch. Had one years ago and it broke, never replaced. Once you get your rig leveled you should have full control from the drivers seat. With new springs and a rear sway bar, you should be good to go. Oh yeah, E tires as well.
Anyway, yes, I use a WD hitch all the time but no anti sway via hitch. Had one years ago and it broke, never replaced. Once you get your rig leveled you should have full control from the drivers seat. With new springs and a rear sway bar, you should be good to go. Oh yeah, E tires as well.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 206
From: South Eastern Michigan
I'll have to see how the existing rear sway bar I have performs with the new springs once I get them on. I may want to go with the Helwig setup, but we'll see. For sure on the 10 ply tires. I'm not sure I'd even consider driving an X very far without them, let alone hauling stuff around.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
A small increase in diameter of an anti-roll bar is a large increase in tension.
I'd upgrade the springs, install a set of Helwig bars and then see if you need anything more.
Upgrade your trans cooler if you haven't already - don't believe the temp gauge, it just indicates "OK", it's not a real gauge.
I don't think "10 ply" tires are actually made anymore.
Our Load range E tires are 3 plies polyester, 2 plies steel and 1 ply nylon.
I noticed in one of your pics you are using an angled hitch pin.
I use the one with a combo lock (I hate keys) and it was causing issues with the pin hole and binding up.
Grinding a bit off the angled end will allow the pin to swivel without binding.
Adding a piece of 5/8" hose works well as a spacer to keep the angled part from rounding the receiver hole.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 8
From: chambersburg, PA
This is what I was talking about
Simple Weld Washers (Pair)
I used this IIRC
DIY 4x :: Suspension :: Heavy Washer
Simple Weld Washers (Pair)
I used this IIRC
DIY 4x :: Suspension :: Heavy Washer
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
This is what I was talking about
Simple Weld Washers (Pair) ...
Simple Weld Washers (Pair) ...
I like the ones with a shank on them that goes into a hole drilled into the receiver tube.
The shank weld washers are chrome moly and provide 1/2" of pin support on each side.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 316
Likes: 8
From: chambersburg, PA
Do these get welded to the outside of the receiver tube or do you drill a hole large enough for it to fit into?
I like the ones with a shank on them that goes into a hole drilled into the receiver tube.
The shank weld washers are chrome moly and provide 1/2" of pin support on each side.
I like the ones with a shank on them that goes into a hole drilled into the receiver tube.
The shank weld washers are chrome moly and provide 1/2" of pin support on each side.
You can get them in 4130 which should be more resistant to wallowing out. 4130 Chromoly Weld Washers (Pair) - Chassis Unlimited
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,812
Likes: 88
From: Thousand Oaks, CA
A bent pin will only wallow out the hole if the bent part gets in the hole which will not happen as shown earlier by sliding a piece of 5/8" hose over the pin.