Is it my OCD

[CarrollB]

I drive a 2016 Ram 1500. When I bought the truck used, I don’t think it had ever been used to tow as none of the paint inside the receiver was scratched and there was no rust inside the receiver.

I tow a single axle boat trailer with a combined weight around 2800 pounds. I feel “slop” in the hitch. By this I mean I feel a slight bump when coming to a stop and a slight jerk when accelerating from a stop. It’s not much, but I feel it. My trailer does not have brakes. Today I measured my 5/8” hitch pin and it measured .619”. I measured the hole in the hitch the pin goes through, and it measures .647”. I measured the hitch pin hole in my receiver, and it measured .665”. I have tightened the trailer coupler so that it fits snug on the ball. So the “slop” I feel is in the connection between the receiver, hitch pin, and hitch with the total difference being about 3/64". Should I be concerned about this or is it just my engineering OCD working overtime? I see no way of fixing this, if it is a problem, without running a weld bead around the oversized parts and then drilling or filing it to size. I wouldn't look forward to doing this as it would be a pain in the butt.

 

[OC455]

All of them re like that. Manufacturing tolerances from OEM to aftermarket there's differences.

 

[Octane]

It's okay,normal slack. The ocd tho? I dont know I dont know I dont know. Sorry,couldnt resist

 

[Green_Manalishi]

Sounds like you're describing my ex-wife...

 

[csuder99]

There are many "hitch tightener" gizmos that eliminate the movement of the hitch in the receiver to get rid of the noise. Won't fix the slight difference in diameter though .

 

[chri5k]

I use this one. It totally quieted down the hitch noise cause by the slop.

Amazon.com

 

[CarrollB]

Thanks chri5k I'll look into getting one.

 

[crash68]

@CarrollB I run a dampened receiver bar, don't notice any bumping or slop from the trailers. The boat trailer has surge brakes other are electric.
This is the one I have: https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Mount/Convert-A-Ball/AMSC4.html

 

[CarrollB]

crash68 I didn't know they made something like that. Will check into getting one.

 

[GsRAM]

Without the benefit of being able to hear the noise/ see the components, I think it's your engineering OCD. I get it,,I'm the same way. As said, They are all like that to some degree, mine included. I just ignore it understanding it's part of towing with a bumper pull hitch. Just my .02.

 

[WY-Dave]

Yup

 

[2003F350]

I have deadened myself to the noises of pulling with a bumper-pull trailer. They make noise, unless you add a slop take-up device it's going to be there. In all honesty, the slop/noise makes you a better driver if you leave it alone, because you'll want to take off easier and stop easier to try to reduce it, meaning you're not hot-******* it with a trailer attached (you shouldn't anyway).

 

[CarrollB]

I have ordered a Convert-A-Ball Ball Mount from etrailer. This hitch allows for some movement and it cushioned by urethane bumpers inside the hitch. It's supposed to minimize the "bump" I feel when braking and pulling away from a stop. After installing this, I'll write any further noticeable noise of "slop" to my engineering OCD and just ignore it. I appreciate all the helpful suggestions.

 

[15 Handicap]

Maybe the trailer has surge brakes and that is what you are feeling.