Hitch movement

[matt23]

Hi, sorry if this is a stupid question but relatively new to this.

We've just got back home with the van having had warranty work done, some on the electric cable on the hitch. There was a bit more knocking than usual when towing home, mostly when turning although not always. The only thing I can see that's any different is there is a bit of play rocking left and right in the hitch, just a few degrees each way. Should there be any play on the hitch at all? I can't remember there being any before it went in for the work and previously there wasn't any knocking noises when towing, but I hadn't paid too much attention because there was no problem.

Thanks for any help.

 

[JTQ]

If understanding the question correctly, the hitch , being coupled to a ball can pivot around the ball in every direction, within the limits the various stops allow. So with the pad setting handle up its top can rock to the left or right, quite a few degrees.

Any contamination on the four pads within the hitch, can cause the hitch to "groan" as the unit goes round turns. A good cleaning with "brake cleaner" can help stop this: I doubt the noise itself makes any real difference to the way the hitch performs.

 

[matt23]

Thanks for the reply, my description wasn't great but couldn't get my short video to upload.

The best way I can describe it is if you put your hand on the stabiliser and turn it in either direction the hitch rotates a few degrees each way. The hitch is as it would be if coupled to a ball as it has the hitch lock in place at at the moment.

It wasn't really a groan that we could hear but a definite knock. From your description it sounds like there should be some movement so I'll see how it is next time we take it out.

Thanks again.

 

[JTQ]

Does Fig 2 HERE help?
[Acknowledging the excellent contributions of a past contributor to our caravanning forums]

Whilst it may not be exactly the hitch you have, the range are very similar, with little more than cosmetic differences in the heavier duty series.

This is not really "play", its the designed in articulation, here to accommodate the relative roll differences between the tow car and van reflecting undulations in the road.

 

[Gafferbill]

......from your description and if you were able to hear a definite knock when turning, then I would be checking the towbar mounting bolts for tightness.
They have been known to loosen where the towbar frame is attached to the towcar.

 

[Lutz]

Being able to rotate the hitch on the towball shouldn't cause a knocking noise. A knocking noise can really only be the result of slack in fore and aft movement either in the hitch or the towbar assembly and its attachment.

 

[Sam Vimes]

Not sure if this is relevant but a while back I thought I had a knocking noise coming from the hitch. Mostly at slow speed when turning and breaking.

It was actually the tow ball that needed cleaning. A rub over with emery cloth and a squirt with break cleaner got rid of the noise.

 

[matt23]

Thanks for all the replies and attachments. From the sound of it the hitch is probably OK so I'll check the other areas you all mention.

Thanks again for your posts.

 

[Dustydog]

Thanks for the reply, my description wasn't great but couldn't get my short video to upload.

The best way I can describe it is if you put your hand on the stabiliser and turn it in either direction the hitch rotates a few degrees each way. The hitch is as it would be if coupled to a ball as it has the hitch lock in place at at the moment.

It wasn't really a groan that we could hear but a definite knock. From your description it sounds like there should be some movement so I'll see how it is next time we take it out.

Thanks again.

What sounds do you get with the Al-ko hitch stabiliser disengaged?

 

[Hutch]

With all the replies, Being an Engineer, you really need some one to actually see, feel, listen to the fault on this tow ball.

 

[audiorob]

Also worth checking that the friction pads are in place, not over worn, and that the indicator shows the green stem to the button when hitched. Also give the pads and hitch head a clean with brake cleaner. I do not think there should be excessive movement once hitched or any knocking noises in use that you have described.

 

[JTQ]

Also give the pads and hitch head a clean with brake fluid.

I really hope you mean "Brake cleaner" not brake fluid!

 

[audiorob]

Thanks JTQ brake cleaner as in the edited post!

 

[ProfJohnL]

A properly adjusted and connected ball coupling system should not have any discernible looseness capable of causing a knocking sound. They may creek but they should not knock.

From your description, you tell us the noise has only started since the caravan has had some warranty work carried out - implying it could be the result of the work that was carried out. I feel this is a matter you should ask the service agent to check.

 

[Buckman]

Generally when our caravan is on site or in storage, we have the ALKO hitchlock fitted with the ball in place and obviously the tow hitch cover. This prevents dust entering the hitch.

Unfortunately when at a dealer none of these items are fitted and dust can settle inside the hitch and noises only noticed after you set off from the dealer by which time it is too late to stop. I suspect this is what has happened.