RockTamers Always Loosening

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I’ve had my RockTamers for 12 years now, and not once do I remember them staying tight on my hitch.  I snug them down tight, snug the lock nuts down, and by our first stop, the blasted things are loose.  I’m thinking of making some shims to fit between the receiver and cast RockTamer collet, but thought I’d ask if anyone has a better solution.   Thoughts?

[topgun2]

I've done both shims and an "anti-rattle" hitch that Mossemi put me on to which is much better than the first two I tried.

Even with that - on a trip of roughly 6,000 miles I will still have to tighten things up at least once or twice during the trip.

If Mossemi doesn't beat me to it, I'll get you the name of that anti-rattle hitch.

Bill

[Patriot]

@Wandering Sagebrush It appears you own a Super Duty. I chose Lively Machine -  https://www.livelymachine.com/custom crafted “ROCK STOPPERs” for our F350 Super Duty.
 

Here is why:

*Appearance

*Excellent Fit and finish

*Ease of install and removal

*Zero concerns with hardware loosening

*Custom direct fit into my existing OEM receiver sides.

*All aluminum and S/S hardware.

*Black powder coated aluminum tubing 

*Anti sail weighted flaps. 

*Most importantly excellent coverage and protection for the front of “XPLOR”.

Just another option.

Safe Rock Stopping Travels! 

 

 

Edited March 27 by Patriot

[aaronorange]

I have been using cedar or plastic for door framing shims on my receiver hitch to stop the rattle for years. I just installed Rock Tamers and will try them if things loosen up.

[MAX Burner]

Just part of the "pre-departure" checklist - we always tighten the Rock Tamer bolts before departing the area...  Just say'n

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Art, I do the same… but they always loosen.

[topgun2]

17 hours ago, topgun2 said:

If Mossemi doesn't beat me to it, I'll get you the name of that anti-rattle hitch.

The name of the anti-rattle device is:  Hitch-Vice

The name of the company that makes it is: Hitchrider.com

After a couple of years of use, the bolts showed that they were bending.  So, I replaced them with grade 8 bolts and also added a couple of nyloc nuts to help keep things tight.

Bill

[Patriot]

2 hours ago, Wandering Sagebrush said:

Art, I do the same… but they always loosen.

Locktite?

[Geronimo John]

5 hours ago, Wandering Sagebrush said:

Art, I do the same… but they always loosen.

Can you use Nylocks or double nutting?

[HDRider]

 

I like my Rock Stars from

https://www.agricover.com/mud-flaps/

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

2 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

Can you use Nylocks or double nutting?

That’s worth a try, it might be the simplest solution.

[MAX Burner]

So there's two tightening bolts on either lower side of the mounting assy (the arrow's pointing to the STBD side bolt).  The bolts are "double nutted" (w/washer and lock-washer) to the assy. which keeps it tight on the shank.  The "looseness" we experience is the hitch shank/receiver connection when not towing.  Once there's tongue weight on the system everything is "ROCK" (pun intended) solid - provided those 2 tightening bolts are torqued down.

We've got a "Hitch Vice" in the shop with bent bolts from the AS days - once I get my hands on it, I'll take @topgun2's advice and fix it with a couple grade 8's...

Edited March 28 by MAX Burner
tried to add some clarity - probably failed...

[Geronimo John]

I don't know what the hitch vice is made from, but if the Grade 8's don't work, possibly you could drill it out to a larger bolt size and re-tap it? 

GJ

[MAX Burner]

@Geronimo John - John: here's the link to the item in question, FYI:

https://www.hitchrider.com/nowobble.htm

Don't think there's enough room in the housing of the vice to enlarge the bolts...  Don't have it physically in front of me ATM.

[mossemi]

I bought my first Hitchrider for a Toyota Highlander and a utility trailer and I was very pleased with the product.  When we decided to buy an OTT, we sold the Highlander and bought a used Toyota Landcruiser.  To my dismay, the Hitchrider would not fit the LC.  A call to Hitchrider and with some requested measurements, they produced one that fit the LC.  Great product and company.  I am using the original model with my new truck.

Mossey

[Rivernerd]

On 3/27/2024 at 12:12 PM, Wandering Sagebrush said:

Thought I’d ask if anyone has a better solution.  

Wicking Loctite (Green).  You can put a drop on the bolt threads and it will wick into the threaded connection. 

https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-29031-Green-Wicking-Threadlockers/dp/B004FCH82C