Towing - Loose hitch in receiver on 4k tow package.

[Potatomafia]

The last 5 trucks I've owned had either a factory installed hitch or an aftermarket one.

Every single one had slop between the ball mount and receiver. I just buy a cheap anti-rattle device like @ThisWas posted. Works great

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[nandesho]

It's not a good idea to use a weight distribution hitch on a unibody vehicle like the Maverick.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-241876.html

Throughout the tow-capable unibody vehicle world, most manufacturers indicate if weight distribution hitches are recommended or not. However, Ford chose not to advise for or against in the case of the Maverick.

For my primary tow vehicle, 2016 Explorer, the manual states "For towing trailers over 3500 pounds, up to the maximum trailer weight, we recommend you use a weight-distributing hitch to increase front axle load while towing."

Because not expressly forbidden in the Maverick manual, I choose to use 400 lb spring bars with pretty much anything that causes the rear to sag.
I'll be sure to report if my Maverick bisects itself.

 

[scottp01]

I've towed a few times now with the Maverick and I'm getting concerned with the looseness of the hitch in the receiver. I've tried 3 different ball hitches in the receiver but each have a little play witch causes honorable banging noises each time you brake or accelerate. It became very pronounced when i tried pulling my Jay feather 23B 3800lb camper for the first time this weekend. I don't know if I should try and find some metal shims to remove the little play in the receiver or that's just how it is. I still have to try the weight distributing hitch still for the camper but I have to readjust the height of the ball on the hitch from when I had it on my old f350. Just want to see if anyone else has this problem.

On a side-note, all the RV groups on Reddit and Facebook tell me that a camper that side is a lot of trailer for a Maverick.
How well does it actually handle it?

 

[icegradner]

Throughout the tow-capable unibody vehicle world, most manufacturers indicate if weight distribution hitches are recommended or not. However, Ford chose not to advise for or against in the case of the Maverick.

For my primary tow vehicle, 2016 Explorer, the manual states "For towing trailers over 3500 pounds, up to the maximum trailer weight, we recommend you use a weight-distributing hitch to increase front axle load while towing."

Because not expressly forbidden in the Maverick manual, I choose to use 400 lb spring bars with pretty much anything that causes the rear to sag.
I'll be sure to report if my Maverick bisects itself.

You can do whatever you like, I for one would not on such a basic vehicle. The Maverick isn't built to the standards of the Explorer by any means.

 

[Snox801]

I’ve noticed all them are oversized in the past few years. I believe it’s to avoid the stuck and hard in and out of the hitch. They used to fit snug not so much anymore. But I added the anti rattle and it works.

 

[Packer Bill]

On a side-note, all the RV groups on Reddit and Facebook tell me that a camper that side is a lot of trailer for a Maverick.
How well does it actually handle it?

What is the dry weight of that camper? The 2025 model of your camper is rated 3700-4400 ponds, depending on the options. I definitely would be concerned about pulling your camper with the Maverick.

 

[Bobkath]

I use this one and although the site says it doesnt fit, It works perfectly on my Maverick

 

[Bobkath]

oops here is the site
https://www.amazon.com/CURT-22323-A...ds=trailer+anti+rattle&qid=1741029932&sr=8-25

 

[surfstar]

What is the dry weight of that camper? The 2025 model of your camper is rated 3700-4400 ponds, depending on the options. I definitely would be concerned about pulling your camper with the Maverick.

You're gonna need a bigger boat truck.

 

[Seand1109]

Most receivers are going to have some play and that’s an excellent way to get rid of it.

Definitely not a Maverick or Ford specific issue.

Never has a receiver that didn't have slop... Nor a pin that was close tolerance either

 

[allc0re]

Also, make sure the correct hitch pin size is being used. There are both 1/2" and 5/8" pins. Using a 1/2" when 5/8" is needed will cause the banging described. The pin should be tight fit. There might be little rattle, but never a banging.

Which pin size is the factory receiver? 5/8"?

 

[Gray Goose]

Which pin size is the factory receiver? 5/8"?

Yes 5/8”

 

[Buck the Truck]

I noticed that the unibody telegraphs noise way more than a full framed vehicle. Drove me nuts the first time towing. I put some black tape around the hitch and turned up the radio.

Yes, exactly. All hitches have play, you just don't hear anything with a body on frame truck. The receiver on a unibody vehicle is metal on metal connected to effectively the entire vehicle, so noise and clanking will be heard. And is normal.

 

[Maverick123]

If that trailer is close to 4000 lbs it should have around 400 lbs tongue weight, and in my experience trailers with that much tongue weight don't usually clunk and bang around

For light trailers, the hitch tightener suggested in post #2 is perfect

 

[jpj]

I had a little rattle when braking while towing a small sailboat so I added an Anti Rattle Stabilizer.

I've used this type of anti rattle; it removed all hitch movement.

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