Tow hitch ball mount anti-rattle contraption?

[grnamin]

Anyone know of an anti-rattle contraption that will fit our Grenadier tow hitch receiver assembly? The wide plate at the front of the receiver assembly blocks conventional devices from fitting and preventing clunking sounds caused by loose-fitting ball mounts, bike racks, skid plates, etc. Thank you!

 

[Cheshire cat]

Hi Grnamin
I think you have probably answered my question. Here in the UK we have a very solid and smooth hitch system with no rattles however, one negative is that unlike the US receiver method, we have little in the way of adaptors. As my vehicle is the UK N1 version, I am legally allowed to use a 2" receiver (Not so on the M1 version). My only concern is, how rattly it might be. From your post I am assuming it would be more 'clunky' than the UK style hitch.

 

[grnamin]

@Cheshire cat , the type of ball mount that's inserted into the receiver tube always rattles. I have a TMR Customs skid plate attached to my receiver tube and I haven't found an anti-rattle device that fits the wide "flange" of the tube. Here's a ball mount with a built-in anti-rattle feature:

Wobble Free Hitch Extension

Gain clearance for hitch mounted accessories, eliminate wobble, and increase departure angle with the Wobble Free Hitch Extension.

wilcooffroad.com

 

[Cheshire cat]

I guess there is no reason I couldn't use both. The traditional UK version for towing, which I could remove when not towing and make use of the various attachments built for the receiver hitch. I am thinking bike racks, platforms, steps, etc. As can be seen, the UK style hitch blocks use of the receiver.

 

[landmannnn]

Hi Grnamin
I think you have probably answered my question. Here in the UK we have a very solid and smooth hitch system with no rattles however, one negative is that unlike the US receiver method, we have little in the way of adaptors. As my vehicle is the UK N1 version, I am legally allowed to use a 2" receiver (Not so on the M1 version). My only concern is, how rattly it might be. From your post I am assuming it would be more 'clunky' than the UK style hitch.

I am pretty sure N1 vehicles have required EU type approval from 2012. So I don't think so

 

[holdmybeer]

1UP USA uses a corner expander ball mechanism that eliminates wobble. I have a couple of their products. Extremely heavy duty.

 

[grnamin]

I guess there is no reason I couldn't use both. The traditional UK version for towing, which I could remove when not towing and make use of the various attachments built for the receiver hitch. I am thinking bike racks, platforms, steps, etc. As can be seen, the UK style hitch blocks use of the receiver.

That gives me an idea. Maybe I can bolt on a fabricated metal lip for an anti-rattle rattle contraption to brace onto.

 

[grnamin]

View attachment 7858048

1UP USA uses a corner expander ball mechanism that eliminates wobble. I have a couple of their products. Extremely heavy duty.

Is that built into their hitch-mounted racks?

 

[Cheshire cat]

I am pretty sure N1 vehicles have required EU type approval from 2012. So I don't think so

I wouldn't argue with you at this point but I seem to remember reading on this forum, the details in which it appeared N1 vehicles were still exempt. I will see if I can find it.

This is the thread I was thinking of:

Towing Again

Is this the 200mm one. Looks close to the ground? Was ideally looking for the 100mm or 150mm but fixing holes on those ones seem to be 90mm centres which won't allow use of Nato holes? On the point by @cmcwilliam - Ineos have confirmed that this plate is acceptable, I have this in writing. On...

www.theineosforum.com

 

[holdmybeer]

Is that built into their hitch-mounted racks?

Yep. It works really well, loaded or unloaded. 1UP seem to be a bunch of machine shop nerds and they use this style exclusively. Their stuff is much more stoutly built and heavy rated than anything I've seen from Thule or Kuat or other mainstream brands.

 

[landmannnn]

I wouldn't argue with you at this point but I seem to remember reading on this forum, the details in which it appeared N1 vehicles were still exempt. I will see if I can find it.

This is the thread I was thinking of:

Towing Again

Is this the 200mm one. Looks close to the ground? Was ideally looking for the 100mm or 150mm but fixing holes on those ones seem to be 90mm centres which won't allow use of Nato holes? On the point by @cmcwilliam - Ineos have confirmed that this plate is acceptable, I have this in writing. On...

www.theineosforum.com

The regulations EC94/20 and subsequent Regulation 55 are more than complicated, but yes all towbars fitted to N1 manufactured after October 2012 need type approval. That includes any attachments such as drop plates
The EU regs don't allow type approval of receiver hitches as the locking mechanism is not deemed failsafe.

 

[Logsplitter]

European type approval 94/20/EC | NTTA

Towbars & European Type Approval 94/20/EC

www.ntta.co.uk

 

[Cheshire cat]

The regulations EC94/20 and subsequent Regulation 55 are more than complicated, but yes all towbars fitted to N1 manufactured after October 2012 need type approval. That includes any attachments such as drop plates
The EU regs don't allow type approval of receiver hitches as the locking mechanism is not deemed failsafe.

So the European type approval reg’s don’t apply? All very confusing.

 

[Tom D]

The 2” receiver has a 10mm nut welded on to the bottom so that a bolt can be screwed in to pinch the 2” bar. This eliminates any rattle. Just have a look underneath.

 

[grnamin]

The 2” receiver has a 10mm nut welded on to the bottom so that a bolt can be screwed in to pinch the 2” bar. This eliminates any rattle. Just have a look underneath.

Well I'll be...

Thank you, @Tom D!

 

[parb]

That looks like it begs to be married to a knurled bolt... Any sources?

 

[grnamin]

That looks like it begs to be married to a knurled bolt... Any sources?

I ordered a titanium M10 bolt for corrosion resistance.

 

[Tom D]

Jesus! I hope it’s not m12!. I am away from my car for a few days so I can’t confirm.. i think it was 10…

 

[DaveB]

@Cheshire cat , the type of ball mount that's inserted into the receiver tube always rattles. I have a TMR Customs skid plate attached to my receiver tube and I haven't found an anti-rattle device that fits the wide "flange" of the tube. Here's a ball mount with a built-in anti-rattle feature:

Wobble Free Hitch Extension

Gain clearance for hitch mounted accessories, eliminate wobble, and increase departure angle with the Wobble Free Hitch Extension.

wilcooffroad.com

I have one on the back of my vehicle and it doesn't rattle or move at all.

 

[PBD]

Well I'll be...
View attachment 7858075
Thank you, @Tom D!

I fitted mine myself and did to notice this feature at all !!!!!