Towing a utility trailer

[Penguinfan]

Long story short, the wife and kids have taken up kayaking and it was very difficult for them to get three kayaks on the roof of her car so I decided to get her a trailer hitch and a utility trailer for her SUV. The hitch was a little difficult to install but my neighbor who is very handy with things like that helped me out and I'm sure it's installed correctly and safely.

My question is, should it be loud when towing it? Like, real loud from the tongue clanging around the receiver when the things bounces, and it does seem to bounce more than I would have thought (tires don't leave the road or anything like that).

Maybe I just don't notice it when I see others pulling trailers because I'm not in the car with them, but it's a much louder metal on metal noise than I ever thought it would be.

Is something wrong or is this normal?

 

[SixFive]

Yes, they are loud as hell especially when loaded lightly or empty. If you were hauling a load of mulch or dirt or something heavy, it probably would be smooth. Maybe your trailer is too big for the job u had in mind.

 

[UGA12]

Sounds like you need a bigger male end for the female end:brows:

Might want to check air pressure on tires as well an make sure they are not over inflated.

 

[Sportsaholic]

Sounds like you need a bigger male end for the female end:brows:

Might want to check air pressure on tires as well an make sure they are not over inflated.

Sounds like it's already making a loud noise.......:shrug:

 

[SixFive]

Sounds like it's already making a loud noise.......:shrug:

:facepalm:




















:mj07:

 

[Penguinfan]

Yes, they are loud as hell especially when loaded lightly or empty. If you were hauling a load of mulch or dirt or something heavy, it probably would be smooth. Maybe your trailer is too big for the job u had in mind.

Thanks, I pretty much bought the smallest one they had because she has zero experience towing anything and I didn't want to overwhelm her. It's a 5x8 and pretty light.

Thanks for letting me know this is common. I was concerned I was beating up the frame of her car or something.

 

[REFLOG]

If you put an aftermarket hitch on, be sure not to haul much weight, vehicles with factory hitches have beefed up suspension and cooling

 

[SixFive]

If you put an aftermarket hitch on, be sure not to haul much weight, vehicles with factory hitches have beefed up suspension and cooling

And I always drove in "3" or "tow mode". Never use overdrive when pulling the trailer.

Others on here know more than me, so maybe they will respond later.

 

[Penguinfan]

If you put an aftermarket hitch on, be sure not to haul much weight, vehicles with factory hitches have beefed up suspension and cooling

It's a small trailer and just three kayaks, should be ok?

 

[fatdaddycool]

First thing is to check the drop and ball size. The drop on your hitch should be set so the trailer is level not slanted up or down in any way. If it's not correct the trailer will bounce more.
Make sure your ball and receiver are both the same size. Generally a 2" ball. I doubt it has a stabilizer arm but if so, make sure it's also at correct line.
Three kayaks won't be a problem. They're light, but the lighter the load the louder. Smaller trailers are harder to back up so she needs to practice backing using just her side mirrors.

I wouldn't be too concerned about a transmission cooler or suspension unless you're towing more than 3500 lbs


Sent from my SM-G928P using Tapatalk

 

[bleedingpurple]

First thing is to check the drop and ball size. The drop on your hitch should be set so the trailer is level not slanted up or down in any way. If it's not correct the trailer will bounce more.
Make sure your ball and receiver are both the same size. Generally a 2" ball. I doubt it has a stabilizer arm but if so, make sure it's also at correct line.
Three kayaks won't be a problem. They're light, but the lighter the load the louder. Smaller trailers are harder to back up so she needs to practice backing using just her side mirrors.

I wouldn't be too concerned about a transmission cooler or suspension unless you're towing more than 3500 lbs


Sent from my SM-G928P using Tapatalk

Was going to say this, your ball size maybe smaller than the receiver?

 

[The Joker]

Was going to say this, your ball size maybe smaller than the receiver?

:SIB

 

[Penguinfan]

Was going to say this, your ball size maybe smaller than the receiver?

I've been told it's average size.

 

[bleedingpurple]

I've been told it's average size.

Had a feeling jokes were coming