How to Correct Noise from Exhaust Rattling Against a Trailer Hitch
Reasons for Occasional Contact between the Hitch and Exhaust
Manufacturers have loose tolerances for mounting the hangers that suspend exhaust systems, which means that the final placement of an exhaust system can vary slightly from vehicle to vehicle The flexibility of a rubber isolator connecting an exhaust hanger to the vehicle frame allows for more movement of the exhaust system relative to other vehicle components. An isolator can also stretch over time.
Solutions for Contact Between Hitch and Exhaust
Solution 1: Bend the Hanger
Solution 2: Reposition a Bolt-On Hanger
Solution 3: Replace the Rubber Isolator
Solution 4: Contact Us at etrailer.com for More Help or Take Your Vehicle to a Muffler Shop
Don A.
6/13/2021
I installed one of the plug and play t connectors and the car lights are working fine but the 7 pin wiring carries no current 2020 Explorer
Jon G.
6/13/2021
What exact parts did you install? If you installed a t-connector with just a 4-Way and then connected a 7-Way adapter then that would be why you're only getting the trailer lights. You would also need wiring to finish out connecting all of the functions of the 7-Way like what you see with our wiring kit # ETBC7.
Don A.
6/14/2021
@JonG I installed a T harness with wires for a seven pin receptacle. My car lights work as they should. However I don’t have any lights on the trailer. Should I change it to a 4 pin.
Jon G.
6/22/2021
@DonA It sounds like you may have some fuses or relays that need to be installed. Check out your owner's manual and it should tell you where these fuses are located.
First N.
4/18/2021
Had trailer hitch installed and there is a rattling coming from the rear “Driver” side of the exhaust & hitch... With the engine running I listened and verified the rattling as I looked under rear of vehicle at the exhaust in relation to the installed hitch and noticed the exhaust rattling up against the hitch... Please advise...
Ryan K.
1/21/2021
I just installed a Curt hitch on a brand new Hyundai Palisade and noticed a rather loud hum/vibration sound on the right side of the car when I hit around 40 mph. I checked the muffler and exhaust and it all seems to be well away from the hitch. However the hitch does make contact with a sheet of metal that is bolted above the muffler assembly, presumably a heat shield. Not the heat shield attached to the muffler, but one attached directly to the body of the car above it. Because of the bolt connection, there would be no way to move this shield out of the way. I'm thinking about wedging a piece of rubber in the small gap between the shield and the underside of the car to eliminate any vibration. Any thoughts on this or other ideas?
Jon G.
1/21/2021
A small piece of rubber might do the trick actually. I believe it's a heat shield because we show something that matches your description in our install of that hitch on a 2020 Palisade (see attached). Aside from that the only other thing I can think of is to maybe bend part of that heat shield out of the way some more but that would probably mean that you need to lower your exhaust again I'm guessing.
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William
10/29/2021
Great write up. I have been experiencing this issue with my 2017 Patriot vs the Etrailer hitch. Took me a few weeks to figure out the cause (possibly as the heat cycle stretch on the pipe running the length or the car closing the ^1/4 inch gap. I have wedged an isolator and tried longer adjustable bracket hangers. The noise re-appeared last night. I will have to check on bending the hanger studs, or possibly cutting the tailpiping and installing a spacer to widen the gap.