“Banging” noise coming from hybrid trailer while towing

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by freetime58

The ball size would be 2 5/16", not 2". Also, lifting upon the tongue is not good advise either, my TT has a 600lb tongue weight, even if loaded improperly and possibly lightening the tongue weight somewhat........I still couldn't lift 300 or 400 lbs.......LOL!

I recall someone posting a few years back, that the 17Z's use a 2" ball. But I could be wrong. Never the less, the average person should not be able to wiggle the tongue on this TT. I doubt the whole family sitting on the rear bumper would have much noticeable affect.

[freetime58]

Originally Posted by Heidihw

Well you guys were right about never needing to use a hammer to get the latch to go over the coupler! Just stopped at an RV service and had a guy ride with us to listen to it. The latch that goes over the coupler is bent (sold to us that way by that dingbat RV place) which is why it requires a hammer to put on. The RV guy thinks that this allows the camper to move up and down just slightly when traveling at higher speeds (when the wind hits it) giving us that banging noise. We will try replacing the latch to see if that works. (My husband is a little skeptical that this will do it, we’ll see.) Thanks for your expertise everyone!

I would agree with that diagnosis, like I said earlier in this thread, a hammer should never be used and IMO your noise issue could be connected to hammer use. Not sure if just the latch on 2 5/16" couplers are replaceable......I know on 2" they are, not sure on the larger 2 5/16 though. Might need to have a whole new A frame coupler replaced, old one removed and a new one welded on.

Was the unit new or used when you purchased it?

[freetime58]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I recall someone posting a few years back, that the 17Z's use a 2" ball. But I could be wrong. Never the less, the average person should not be able to wiggle the tongue on this TT. I doubt the whole family sitting on the rear bumper would have much noticeable affect.

You might be right.....hope so because then the OP can easily replace the latch, as opposed to 2 5/16 which I believe you would have to have a whole new coupler welded on.

Also, if it happens to be a 2", make sure the shank size of the ball matches the hole size on the insert. I have seen, many times, a 3/4" shank 2" ball in an insert with a 1" hole........not good!

[Happy wife / happy life]

I have been following this post most of the morning and picked up some good information. It got me to thinking about my trailer hitch. I always grease my hitch ball before a trip, but how long had it been for the latch and lever. Never! Just went out and lubed all the moving parts and what do you know it works a heck of a lot better! I will add this to the " once in a while things to do list". Just thought I would pass this along.

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Happy wife / happy life

I have been following this post most of the morning and picked up some good information. It got me to thinking about my trailer hitch. I always grease my hitch ball before a trip, but how long had it been for the latch and lever. Never! Just went out and lubed all the moving parts and what do you know it works a heck of a lot better! I will add this to the " once in a while things to do list". Just thought I would pass this along.

I never specifically lube the moving parts that you see on the outside, as the bearing grease works it way in to them.

[freetime58]

Originally Posted by Happy wife / happy life

I have been following this post most of the morning and picked up some good information. It got me to thinking about my trailer hitch. I always grease my hitch ball before a trip, but how long had it been for the latch and lever. Never! Just went out and lubed all the moving parts and what do you know it works a heck of a lot better! I will add this to the " once in a while things to do list". Just thought I would pass this along.

I keep my latch well maintained with a good quality dry lubricant, you don't want to attract dirt.

Also, I know that many will say they grease the ball..........not sure that's recommended and in 40 years of RV'ing, towing tent trailers, towing travel trailers, towing boats, towing snow machines, towing cargo trailers......I have NEVER greased a ball.......messy practice and have never felt the need.

[Millertyme76]

About a month ago I traded in my 2016 X17Z. It used a 2" ball. My new TT uses a 2 5/16" if I recall correctly.

[Rob B]

Found this thread as I was having a similar banging sound at high speed and finally figured out I had a loose licence plate and the turbulence would cause it to flap. If it helps and you haven't solved it.