How We Made Our Travel Trailer Setup Less Noisy With A Simple Hack!
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Weight Distribution Bars For Travel Trailers: Why YOU Need them
When towing a trailer, it is vital to have the right safety gear. Most likely if you are towing a trailer, you will need an anti-sway device also known as a weight distribution hitch (wdh) to keep from fishtailing and to keep things steady on rough terrain. It will also prevent the dreaded sway during high winds and when traveling alongside tractor trailers. With your wdh, you can drive confidently, knowing that there is an added layer of protection to keep you safe.
but what if it’s annoyingly loud…
Sick and Tired of the Embarrassment
A couple years back, we posted a video about how our E2 weight distribution hitch setup was extraordinarily noisy. All heads would turn the moment we pulled into any parking lot, gas station or campground. When it rained, the scraping decibels amplified and sounded like the most intense nail on chalkboard sound you could imagine. I would literally hide in the passenger seat. It was THAT bad.
While some noise is expected when you consider the friction design of the L-brackets, we were experiencing abnormal screeching that could be heard from miles away (perhaps a bit of exaggeration there). The grinding, popping and screeching noise is typically heard when conducting slow and tight turns.
We were flooded with tips and feedback on our YouTube channel which was super helpful. We decided to act on one of those suggestions: recording our setup with a GoPro to give a clearer picture of what it sounded like in real-time. As we drove around the storage unit with the GoPro attached, we aimed to capture the exact sound our setup was making.
The Noise-Reducing Hack: Sway Bracket Jackets
After filming our initial setup, we introduced the game-changer: Sway Bracket Jackets. We were recommended these, and after some research, we found them on Amazon.
These bracket jackets are tailored for weight distribution systems. Installing them is a breeze - no tools and no greasing necessary. Now, these bracket jackets will not eliminate the noise all together AND remember a little noise is required for the wdh to work correctly. The results for us were moderate at best, yet significant enough that we would purchase them again.
Remember: Never Grease Your L-Bracket Joint!
***Here’s A Bonus Tip***
Each travel day, you should clean and lubricate the contact points of the head and trunnion knuckles. You should also check the nuts and bolts of your wdh each travel day to ensure that everything is tight and secure. It may be necessary to tighten the torque of the L-bracket as recommended by your manufacturer.
The Results? Quiet and Smooth
Driving around post-installation, the change was evident. The noise level had reduced. Our setup, which once embarrassed us with its loud creaks, now felt so much more refined. The hack was well worth the price.
We're now all set for smoother and quieter journeys with our trailer. Looking forward to more adventures and sharing more hacks with you all. Until next time!
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