Receiver Loose

Great! I'm glad you found a solution for your problem.

Originally posted by Larabee We just purchased our 179 and noticed on the way home that there seemed to be a shift in weight on the rear and then a loud banging noise from time to time. We called the dealership, and they said it was normal.

I thought I would make a couple of more comments about this. Did you notice this noise going down the road straight? Was it when you hit a bump? Was it going around gentle curves or sharp curves? Was it when you were turning a corner left or right?

If it was straight and/or bumps, then I would suggest play in the hitch shank and the receiver. This will be banging or clunking noises, but they are not that loud. This type of noise can be minimized with a hitch tightener.

If it is on curves, and especially when making a sharp turn, then it is most likely the bars sliding along the brackets. That is metal on metal. It will really make a loud banging or clunking noise as well as groaning noises as the bar slides. The groaning is when it is sliding. The banging is when it has enough friction to hold it long enough to let pressure build and then releases and slides. This type of noise can be reduced by using Sway Bracket Jackets or by greasing the sway brackets. This will reduce sway control a little, but not so much that it negates sway control.

Please let us know when you figure out the cause of your noises.

+1

I used a different style of hitch tightener. Before getting it, we experienced the same clunking noises. You didn't say what hitch you got. We have the Equal-i-zer 4-way stabilization hitch. The bars for that also make groaning and clunking noises. Sway Bracket Jackets from Equal-i-zer quiet those noises. Also, grease the bar pivots per the instructions unless you have the Andersen hitch which shouldn't be greased.

I think NO.  There are subtle noises from receiver in hitch, but hitch pin and receiver holes should match.  Ball should be tight, TV receiver fully locked on ball.  There is not a lot of room for movement.  Don't call - have someone look at it.  There is a number of things could be wrong.  Really a safety issue.

Not really enough info - pics would be great -- but it doesn't sound right to me either.  Find someone other than the dealer to inspect it.  If there are any loose nuts or bolts, don't tow without tightening them.  It could be that you're just new to towing and nothing's wrong, but this is the kind of thing you need to pay attention to.  If it doesn't feel right, get it checked out.  Way too much at stake to do otherwise.

TT