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hitch problem

Old May 12, 2014 | 07:35 PM
  #1  
Topkat's Avatar
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
Default hitch problem

Hi awesome folks.... I recently put a 2'' hitch on my 97 Cherokee. Got a zero drop with 2'' ball. I started towing my small boat for the 1st time, the tongue weight is really light.
Every bump I went over made a terrible racket as the hitch bar wobbles in the receiver. I know they all wobble a bit, but the jarring is transmitted thru my really long trailer tongue and Im scared it will cause damage to my trailer.
I guess all this is to ask the best way to "shim up the gap" to minimize movement. (I crammed a penny in the top and it worked for a bit.....)
thanks folks!
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Old May 13, 2014 | 05:50 AM
  #2  
Kingfisher's Avatar
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From: Central Indiana
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Maybe if you adjust so there is more weight on the front.
I think about 20% of trailer weight should be on the front.
Google to make sure.
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Old May 13, 2014 | 07:34 AM
  #3  
Topkat's Avatar
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
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hi Kingfisher.... I cant do that as I have a 8' long tongue cause I launch on a seaplane ramp,
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Old May 13, 2014 | 08:05 AM
  #4  
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From: Helena, Al.
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
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Honestly, I wouldn't be concerned about it damaging the trailer.. just have to put up with the annoying noise..
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Old May 13, 2014 | 08:24 AM
  #5  
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Default

Pics of your trailer hooked up to your Jeep may help with ideas. We added a spare tire to the tongue which helped on our boat trailer. On our tilt deck utility trailer putting a tool box on the tongue made a big difference. It was a little back heavy which made it sway really bad until we added the tool box. It's a lot more work, but I have a few friends that have moved the axle forward or back on purpose built trailers (always haul the same thing like jet skis) to fix tongue weight. Hope that helps.
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Old May 13, 2014 | 11:42 AM
  #6  
Kingfisher's Avatar
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From: Central Indiana
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Don't know what kind of trailer you have but maybe your axle is easily slid.
If not just put most/all your stuff in the front.
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Old May 13, 2014 | 12:18 PM
  #7  
93gc40's Avatar
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From: Visalia, Kalifornia, ussa
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Put a bolt in the bottom of the reciever to lock the hitch.. Move the load forward on the trailer or the axles farther back.
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Old May 13, 2014 | 12:45 PM
  #8  
Lowrange2's Avatar
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From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
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http://www.hitchrider.com/nowobble.htm
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Old May 13, 2014 | 12:47 PM
  #9  
Lowrange2's Avatar
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From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
Default

I like this one too ----- >
Amazon Amazon
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Old May 13, 2014 | 01:33 PM
  #10  
SteveMongr's Avatar
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From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default Receiver shims

I use cedar shakes as shims. On bottom and side of receiver insert.
I tried a bolt instead of hitch pin, made it quieter but did not stop movement or 'slop'.
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