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Getting over the fear of towing?
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30 Posts
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June 29, 2014 - 6:58 pm
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Hubby and I are very new to this whole idea of camping; we sleep in the van and haul a 6x10 trailer with our gear in it (way too big for what we need, but it was a bargain we stumbled on). I've only pulled it twice now: to the mechanic for its inspection, and home again. Both times I was terrified. The hitch made such a horrible clanging noise, and it jerked and shuddered my fan. The hitch, bar, pin and ball are all the correct size (I had it double-checked). Does this noise/jerking go away once there is something loaded in the trailer? I'm at a loss as to what I should check, move, or adjust. Any pointers welcomed; at this point I'm nervous just driving this thing down my own street, much less haul it for miles to a campsite.
--Welmoed

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June 29, 2014 - 10:07 pm
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The jerking of the van back may be weak suspension in the rear of the truck. I solved that problem in my SUV by adding air suspension to supplement. Is the ball greased well? Have you considered sway control?

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June 30, 2014 - 4:33 pm
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I'm assuming a box trailer is what you tow? Yes, once you add some weight to the trailer it will quiet it down a little. Usually what the banging is the ball mount in the hitch rattling around, you get used to it after a while. You also may need new shocks for the rear, most recommend replacing at 50,000 miles, that will help with the rear suspension.

Best Regards,
Norm

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July 1, 2014 - 4:39 pm
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Thanks for the replies. The van has 150K miles on it and the original shocks, so I guess it's time to replace them, huh?  ::)

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