If the clanking, rattling, hammering, or jarring action from a loose shank in your trailer hitch receiver is driving you crazy, then you will benefit from a hitch tightener. These are also commonly called hitch stabilizers, hitch anti-rattle clamps, and hitch silencers. It’s all the same, connect one of these devices on your hitch, and the rattling and banging are gone like magic.
These will outlast jury-rigged attempts using electrical tape or cardboard shims. Hitch tighteners are very affordable and can be one of the best accessories for towing that you ever invested in. Hitch stabilizers usually cost between $15 to $30, depending on the brand and design. For the price and what it offers, once you give it a try, you will kick yourself for not trying one sooner.
We review the better hitch tightener brands, including MaxxHaul, CZC AUTO, Rhino USA, LIBERRWAY, Mission Automotive, Dependable Direct, Let’s Go Aero, and Strailboard.
Please take a look at our top pick and get the best hitch tightener for your buck.
Contents
- 1 Top 9 Best Hitch Tighteners Reviewed
- 1.1 1. Rhino USA Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Clamp – Heavy Duty Steel Stabilizer for 1.25 and 2 inch Hitches – Protective Anti-Rust Coating Included on All Rhino Products.
- 1.2 2. LIBERRWAY Hitch Tightener for 1.25″ and 2″ Hitches 304 Stainless Steel Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Stabilizer Rust-Free Heavy Duty Lock Down Easy Installation Quiet
- 1.3 3. CZC AUTO Hitch Tightener Heavy Duty Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for 1.25″ and 2″ Hitches Reduce Movement from Hitch Tray Cargo Carrier Bike Rack Trailer Ball Mount Rust Free (1 Pack Carbon Steel)
- 1.4 4. CZC AUTO Hitch Tightener Heavy Duty Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for1.25 2 Inch Hitch Rubber Coated Lock Down Hitch Stabilizer Set with a Wrench for Hitch Tray Cargo Carrier Bike Rack Trailer Ball Mount
- 1.5 5. MAXXHAUL 50023 Tightener Anti Rattle Stabilizer for 1.25″ to 2″ Hitches
- 1.6 6. 3 Pack – 2 Inch Hitch Receiver Silencer Pad for Adjustable Ball Mounts – Reduce Rattle Eliminate Noise and Provide Cushion Between receivers and Tow hitches – Fits Any 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver
- 1.7 7. 1 Pack – Trailer Hitch Tightener – Anti-Rattle and Anti-Corrosion Rubber Coated – 1.25″ and 2″ Hitch Receiver
- 1.8 8. Let’s Go Aero (SHP2040-XL) Keyless Press-on Locking Silent Hitch Pin for 2.5in Hitches
- 1.9 9. Mission Automotive Hitch Tightener for 1.25″ and 2″ Hitches – Heavy-Duty Easy-Install No-Rust – Made in The USA
- 2 FAQ’s
Top 9 Best Hitch Tighteners Reviewed
1. Rhino USA Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Clamp – Heavy Duty Steel Stabilizer for 1.25 and 2 inch Hitches – Protective Anti-Rust Coating Included on All Rhino Products.
2. LIBERRWAY Hitch Tightener for 1.25″ and 2″ Hitches 304 Stainless Steel Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Stabilizer Rust-Free Heavy Duty Lock Down Easy Installation Quiet
3. CZC AUTO Hitch Tightener Heavy Duty Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for 1.25″ and 2″ Hitches Reduce Movement from Hitch Tray Cargo Carrier Bike Rack Trailer Ball Mount Rust Free (1 Pack Carbon Steel)
4. CZC AUTO Hitch Tightener Heavy Duty Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for1.25 2 Inch Hitch Rubber Coated Lock Down Hitch Stabilizer Set with a Wrench for Hitch Tray Cargo Carrier Bike Rack Trailer Ball Mount
5. MAXXHAUL 50023 Tightener Anti Rattle Stabilizer for 1.25″ to 2″ Hitches
6. 3 Pack – 2 Inch Hitch Receiver Silencer Pad for Adjustable Ball Mounts – Reduce Rattle Eliminate Noise and Provide Cushion Between receivers and Tow hitches – Fits Any 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver
7. 1 Pack – Trailer Hitch Tightener – Anti-Rattle and Anti-Corrosion Rubber Coated – 1.25″ and 2″ Hitch Receiver
8. Let’s Go Aero (SHP2040-XL) Keyless Press-on Locking Silent Hitch Pin for 2.5in Hitches
9. Mission Automotive Hitch Tightener for 1.25″ and 2″ Hitches – Heavy-Duty Easy-Install No-Rust – Made in The USA
FAQ’s
Why does my trailer hitch make noise?
Noise is completely normal from the trailer hitch when towing, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s often caused by play or small space gaps between the ball mount shank and the trailer hitch receiver hole. With the trailer disconnected, give the trailer ball a good shaking side-to-side and up-and-down. If it is loose and making noise, get a good hitch stabilizer clamp to eliminate that noise.
How do you tighten a loose hitch?
The best way to tighten a loose hitch is with a hitch tightener clamp. These devices are made specifically for tightening any accessory in a trailer hitch receiver. These include tow ball mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers, and more.
What is a hitch tightener?
A hitch tightener is a clamp that tightens around trailer hitch receivers to eliminate the play that causes rattling, wobbling, rocking, and other hitch movements. Hitch tighteners work on trailer ball mounts, cargo carriers, bike racks, or other hitch accessories.
How do you use a hitch silencer?
To use a hitch silencer, typically, you place a U-bolt over the hitch receiver, slide the holes in the tightener plate through the ends of the U-bolt, then tighten it into place with included hardware such as nuts and washers. Every model can be different. Always consult and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Don’t be intimidated. It is quick and easy.
Are bike racks supposed to wobble?
Bike racks are not built to wobble, but for hitch-mounted bike racks, it is normal. Your bike rack is likely made from various component pieces connected for folding, hinges for swinging away from the hatch on some models, or simply disassembling it for storage. Each connection unintentionally contributes to play or wobble. For hitch mount bike racks, most movement tends to be in the hitch itself. Therefore, a hitch tightener should help eliminate nearly all wobble.
