2003 Sport Edition Light Duty Tow Hitch Receiver

[DC Dude]

I just bought the Thule Apex 4 and it's got a new locking mechanism that requires a curved rod to seat into the hole on the hitch.

The problem is that the light duty hitch has two brackets that block access of the curved rod into the hole on the hitch.

Has anyone had this problem and have you bought a hitch receiver extender to insert into the hitch? I am looking for a short receiver extender.

 

[gaterose]

Sorry I can't help with your question but had one for you...

Does it fold down enough to open the hatch?

I ask because I got a Küat Sherpa and it doesn't fold quite far enough to let the hatch open, even with some extra grinding I did to extend the range.

I bought a hitch adapter (because it fits 1.25 or 2" hitches) which extends it about 1/2" or so and it works now but it rattles a lot more without the kuat anti-rattle mechanism.

So as for your hitch extender question, yes I have one but I don't recommend it if you can avoid it.

 

[DC Dude]

Sorry I can't help with your question but had one for you...

Does it fold down enough to open the hatch?

I ask because I got a Küat Sherpa and it doesn't fold quite far enough to let the hatch open, even with some extra grinding I did to extend the range.

I bought a hitch adapter (because it fits 1.25 or 2" hitches) which extends it about 1/2" or so and it works now but it rattles a lot more without the kuat anti-rattle mechanism.

So as for your hitch extender question, yes I have one but I don't recommend it if you can avoid it.

I have heard, and it does make sense, that there is rattling if you add a receiver extender.

My other option is to grind off that flat bracket, or at least a portion of it, to allow the rod to clear.

I tried to install it just now, and with the tilt, the rear hatch should open easily. There's plenty of clearance.

Where did you buy your receiver extender?

 

[gaterose]

I tried to install it just now, and with the tilt, the rear hatch should open easily. There's plenty of clearance.

Where did you buy your receiver extender?

Good to hear, I was very disappointed that mine was like that but I picked it up dirt cheap off craigslist while on a road trip to get the bikes off of the roof. It works without the bikes, but with the bikes my pedals just barely stop it. Even short clip on pedals. Coincidentally, the Kuat NV does allow the hatch to open (pivots just a bit more) and I missed a deal for the same price on that one in another city by 30 minutes.

I got my adapter from Amazon but if you have a decent u-haul place around they should have one. I saw them for about the same price (but without the wait for shipping) there after I'd already purchased mine. Some auto stores have them too but I couldn't find any that were what I needed in store.

 

[DC Dude]

Good to hear, I was very disappointed that mine was like that but I picked it up dirt cheap off craigslist while on a road trip to get the bikes off of the roof. It works without the bikes, but with the bikes my pedals just barely stop it. Even short clip on pedals. Coincidentally, the Kuat NV does allow the hatch to open (pivots just a bit more) and I missed a deal for the same price on that one in another city by 30 minutes.

I got my adapter from Amazon but if you have a decent u-haul place around they should have one. I saw them for about the same price (but without the wait for shipping) there after I'd already purchased mine. Some auto stores have them too but I couldn't find any that were what I needed in store.

Have you ever tried an anti-rattle hitch pin? I wonder if they work.

 

[gaterose]

Have you ever tried an anti-rattle hitch pin? I wonder if they work.

No I've looked at several but they all have a lot of bad reviews (some good too but more bad) that say they're crap.

The nice thing about the kuat one was that it pushes outward from the inside using a knob (with an allen wrench insert for extra torque) so it kinda "makes the hitch larger" to fit the inside of the receiver. But it doesn't work with my extender. I assume the Thule hitch vibration thing is similar in how it works?

 

[DC Dude]

No I've looked at several but they all have a lot of bad reviews (some good too but more bad) that say they're crap.

The nice thing about the kuat one was that it pushes outward from the inside using a knob (with an allen wrench insert for extra torque) so it kinda "makes the hitch larger" to fit the inside of the receiver. But it doesn't work with my extender. I assume the Thule hitch vibration thing is similar in how it works?

Yes, the Thule has the same feature which pulls back a bar that slides at an angle that causes it to increase in size. I just tried to fit it into my 2" hitch receiver and it was really snug even before I turned the knob. It seems as though the extender will be the weakest link in terms of rattle, so I may have to resort to cutting off the flange if there is too much slop in the extension.

 

[gaterose]

Good luck! You've got me thinking about it and wanting to try to change mine more to make it work... Just one more degree...

edit- and of course post pics :bluejump:

 

[DC Dude]

Good luck! You've got me thinking about it and wanting to try to change mine more to make it work... Just one more degree...

edit- and of course post pics :bluejump:

This anti rattle has high ratings.

Anti-Rattle Device and Lock for 2" Trailer Hitches Tow Ready Locks,Hitch Accessories 63232

 

[gaterose]

This anti rattle has high ratings.

Anti-Rattle Device and Lock for 2" Trailer Hitches Tow Ready Locks,Hitch Accessories 63232

Have you checked other sites for reviews? I actually have the same basic one on my amazon wish list but I feel like I never bought it because I found reviews on forums or somewhere that was not selling them that were bad.

Here's the one from my wish list - Amazon.com: Valley 76820 Silent Hitch Pin: Automotive

edit- I believe the problem was having to tighten it with a wrench (which is in the amazon reviews) but other sites said the pins like that were getting weak and breaking after so many times being tightened with a wrench I believe.

double edit- and the not stopping up and down rattle was the other thing that I'm seeing in the reviews that rings a bell. My bikes seem to rattle almost entirely up and down, at least that's how it looks in the rear view.

 

[DC Dude]

Have you checked other sites for reviews? I actually have the same basic one on my amazon wish list but I feel like I never bought it because I found reviews on forums or somewhere that was not selling them that were bad.

Here's the one from my wish list - Amazon.com: Valley 76820 Silent Hitch Pin: Automotive

edit- I believe the problem was having to tighten it with a wrench (which is in the amazon reviews) but other sites said the pins like that were getting weak and breaking after so many times being tightened with a wrench I believe.

double edit- and the not stopping up and down rattle was the other thing that I'm seeing in the reviews that rings a bell. My bikes seem to rattle almost entirely up and down, at least that's how it looks in the rear view.

Your link has almost all favorable reviews.

This one from amazon looks identical, and has more reviews.

Amazon.com: Tow Ready 63232 Silver Locking Silent Hitch Pin for 2" Receivers: Automotive

Cheaper and free shipping if your order is >$25.

 

[gaterose]

Yeah I looked at that one too (it was the "other items you might be interested in"). and I have prime so free two day shipping on most anything

But as I said the thing that is keeping me from doing it is the bad reviews about it not stopping up and down movement from the trailer website. All of these are the same design and none look like they solve the up and down thing. Definitely let me know if you get one and how it works out!

 

[jow]

With my hitch in 07’s receiver restricts my garage and workbench (any T4R above 09 is totally out). My previous 1993 Ford Explorer of 15 yrs and etc before gave all the inches I needed with the tow ball mounted on the bumper). My solution to try and leave the hitch in was drill a new hole in the hitch with it as deep as it would fit. The 2” gained w/n enough for comfort at the workbench. I was able to add a 2nd lock on the hitch (attached). I also feel it helps turning my boat around in my small backyard.

I feel adding a new hole and moving out 1” could solve some problems w/o a strength issue. jow

 

[DC Dude]

Have you checked other sites for reviews? I actually have the same basic one on my amazon wish list but I feel like I never bought it because I found reviews on forums or somewhere that was not selling them that were bad.

Here's the one from my wish list - Amazon.com: Valley 76820 Silent Hitch Pin: Automotive

edit- I believe the problem was having to tighten it with a wrench (which is in the amazon reviews) but other sites said the pins like that were getting weak and breaking after so many times being tightened with a wrench I believe.

double edit- and the not stopping up and down rattle was the other thing that I'm seeing in the reviews that rings a bell. My bikes seem to rattle almost entirely up and down, at least that's how it looks in the rear view.

Picked the anti-rattle hitch lock at Uhaul today for ~$19.

http://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Hitch-towing-security/Anti-Rattle-Ball-Mount-Lock?id=4805

 

[gaterose]

Sweet let me know how it works and if you get the up & down rattle

 

[DC Dude]

Sweet let me know how it works and if you get the up & down rattle

Get this:

Amazon.com: StowAway Hitch Tightener: Automotive