Best Anti Rattle Hitches of 2021 – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 4, 2022

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Are you annoyed by your trailer shaking and rattling when you tow it?

Purchasing the best anti-rattle hitch can be the solution to all your issues.

Hitch tighteners are tiny devices that will eliminate the movements of the hitch and will allow you to enjoy your trips without disturbing noises.

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best anti-rattle hitch overall
  • Ideal for any type of vehicle with a maximum 2” hitch
  • Completely eliminates noise and wobble, offering a quiet experience
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  • Can handle any heavy load
  • Easy to install, convenient, and quiet operation
  • Thick powder-coated plate resistant to any weather conditions
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  • Best for the money
  • Heavy-duty, stainless steel U-bolt with a coated plate
  • Can be mounted from the bottom if there is low ground clearance
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  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Compatible with all 1.25” and 2” hitches
  • Rubber-coated with smooth, quiet functioning
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  • Easy installation without removing the hitch
  • Designed to best suit bike racks and cargo carriers
  • Efficiently eliminates all the rattle between the receiver and the hitch
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What Are The Benefits of an Anti-Rattle Hitch?

Here are some of the main advantages of using an anti-rattle hitch tightener:

Quiet Trips

Anti-rattle hitch tighteners are specially designed to remove all the rattle, wobble, noise, and movement from the hitch. It can be used with cargo carriers, trailer ball mounts, hitch racks, hitch receivers, bike racks, and much more. Using an anti-rattle hitch tightener will allow you to enjoy a quiet trip without being bothered by the constantly-moving hitch. 

Versatility

Another great benefit of using an anti-rattle hitch is that you don’t need to be worried about compatibility. Most of the models on the market are ideal for any type of hitch, including those on SUVs, trucks, vans, trailers, and RVs. They are also suitable for any class hitch between 1.25” and 2”. 

Easy Installation

The standard anti-rattle hitch comes with a U-bolt and a plate that need to be mounted on your hitch. It is an easy procedure that takes only a few minutes, and the time of this process decreases when you use it again. All you need to do is attach it according to the instructions. Use the provided spring lock washers and flat washers to keep them in place. 

What to Look For When Buying an Anti-Rattle Hitch

Here’s a short guideline on what to look for when you buy an anti-rattle hitch tightener:

Stability

The main purpose of an anti-rattle hitch is to keep the hitch from rattling and rocking. The main problem, however, is that not all the products on the market offer a flawless experience. Thus, it is important to read other buyers’ opinions before deciding which one suits you best. 

Simplicity and Ease of Use

The product you are about to purchase needs to be simple and easy to use. An anti-rattle hitch tightener is not supposed to be full of features and accessories. Instead, you want a simple, sturdy, heavy-duty device that does its job of keeping your trailer from wobbling and rattling. 

Reasonably Priced

Your device should not break the bank, either. Having the most expensive one on the market does not guarantee great performance. You need to ensure that the product has a fair price and that it meets all your needs. 

It should be compatible with your vehicle and stay within the budget. Start by setting your budget and have a look in the next section for an insight into what options you have. 

Review of the Best Anti Rattle Hitches

Now that you know what to look for in the best anti-rattle hitch, take a look at some of our top recommendations.

Best Overall:
Hitch Tightener for 1.25" and 2" Hitches

Hitch Tightener for 1.25' and 2' Hitches LIBERRWAY 304 Stainless Steel Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Stabilizer Rust-Free Heavy Duty Lock Down Easy Installation Quiet

PROS

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Compatible with any hitch up to 2”
  • Plate comes with anti-rust powder coating
  • Heavy-duty U-bolt for noiseless operation
  • Ideal for trucks, vans, SUVs, RVs, and trailers
  • Anti-rust powder coating and easy installation

CONS

  • Poor quality control on a handful of products

What Recent Buyers Report

This product is made of high-quality, heavy-duty materials that give it a long lifespan. It comes with all the necessary hardware to ensure smooth, easy installation. Also, it works great, removing all the wobbling, clanging, and banging. Finally, it takes a very short time to install.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Hitch Tightener for 1.25” and 2” hitches is a heavy-duty, stainless steel model that stabilizes the rattling of the hitch. It is compatible with either class I, II, III or IV hitches that measure a maximum of 2”. It contains a heavy-duty U-bolt and an anti-rust plate.

Who Will Use This Most

This is our top recommendation for all users. It is made of high-quality materials and is perfect for any type of vehicle, whether it's a truck, van, trailer, SUV, or RV. It is easily installed, and it can easily be removed and placed back every time it is necessary to use it.

Bottom Line

This model is made with a heavy-duty steel plate that has an exquisite paint job that will never rust. In addition to this, the price matches the quality of the product. The company offers a lifetime warranty, so it is impossible to go wrong with this Hitch Tightener.

Runner-up:
Tulga Fifth Wheel Co. Anti Rattle Hitch Tightener Stabilizer

Anti Rattle Hitch Tightener Stabilizer No Sway for 2' and 1.25' Steel Heavy Duty Rust Free

PROS

  • Backed with a lifetime warranty
  • Straightforward, easy installation
  • Successfully prevents rattling, rocking, and wobbling
  • Suitable for RVs, vans, trucks, sedans, and any other type of vehicle
  • Powder-coated plate can handle heavy loads and any weather conditions

CONS

  • Poor quality control on a handful of products

What Recent Buyers Report

This Tulga hitch tightener is a simple, easy-to-use, and affordable device. It is ideal for any vehicle, and it has flawless operation once you install it. Also, the company offers great customer service, so you may contact them anytime to replace your item if it is faulty.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Tulga Hitch Tightener for 1.25” and 2” trailer hitches is a high-quality, versatile, anti-rattle hitch. Its high-quality, sturdy build reduces trailer or accessory movement when on the road. It is backed with a limited lifetime warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who Will Use This Most

Our runner-up recommendation is ideal for anyone who wants a flawless anti-rattle hitch to keep their assets tight and secure. You can use it with any vehicle, including RVs, trailers, sedans, SUVs, and others. It is easy to install in only three steps.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Tulga anti-rattle hitch is a great alternative if you want to secure your hitch and remove all the wobbling, rattling, and rocking. It is compatible with all vehicles and all hitch classes between 1.25” and 2”. Also, the thick powder coating extends its life indefinitely.

Best for the Money:
StowAway Hitch Tightener

StowAway Hitch Tightener, Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for 2 Inch and 1.25 Inch Hitches. Made in USA.

PROS

  • Easy, quick, and convenient installation
  • Can be used even if there is low ground clearance
  • Highly affordable, premium-quality hitch tightener
  • Compatible with 2” and 1.25” hitches of all classes and brands
  • One of the best anti-rattle hitches within an affordable price range
  • High-quality; can be mounted on SUVs, vans, trucks, trailers, sedans

CONS

  • Threads seize to the nut after long mileage (cannot be removed)

What Recent Buyers Report

The StowAway hitch tightener is an affordable product that is highly compatible with all vehicles. It stops the rocking and has the ability to stabilize even the heaviest bike racks without compromising on quality. However, it cannot be removed after longer use.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This model is great for stopping all the rattling, rocking, wobbling, and hitch movement for bike racks, cargo carriers, hitch racks, and others. It is strong and durable, and it comes with all the hardware you need for easy installation. Plus, it is extremely affordable.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are on a budget but don’t want to compromise on quality, this anti-rattle hitch is what you need. It is compatible with all hitch brands and vehicles and has a quick installation time. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, that provides great value for your money.

Bottom Line

All in all, StowAway Cargo Carriers’ hitch tightener offers the best value for your money. It is resistant and durable, and it eliminates all the rocking, wobbling, and hitch movement. Whether you decide to use it with a hitch rack, a bike rack, or a cargo carrier, it will get the job done.

4. HiTow Trailer Hitch Tightener

HiTow Trailer Hitch Tightener Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for 2' & 1.25' Hitch, Rubber-Coated No Rattle Noise, Corrosion Resistant

PROS

  • Easy, convenient installation
  • Can be mounted from the bottom
  • Rubber coated for a noiseless operation
  • Compatible with any vehicle with 1.25” and 2” hitch
  • Heavy-duty U-bolt and coated plate, suitable for any weather

CONS

  • Gets loose after long mileage

What Recent Buyers Report

This anti-rattle hitch works well for shorter trips. It is made of stainless steel with a rubber coating that eliminates the wobbling and rattling. However, the hardware could be improved, since it gets loose during long trips. The rubber sleeve seems durable.

Why it Stands Out to Us

HiTow’s anti-rattle hitch is a rubber-coated, heavy-duty accessory that stops all the rattling, rocking, and hitch movements. It comes with a sturdy U-bolt and a thick powder-coated plate. It can be easily assembled and can withstand all types of environments and weather.

Who Will Use This Most

If you need to eliminate the rattle of the heavy hitch, this product offers great value for your money. It is a quick, efficient, and easy method to remove all the slack in the hitch assembly. It is best suited for shorter trips. Simply ensure that it remains tightened.

Bottom Line

Overall, if you want a rubber-coated, anti-rattle hitch, HiTow’s model is what you need. It is inexpensive, removes hitch rattle, and helps you add an extra layer of security to your hitch bar. This is due to the rubber sleeve. It is easy to install and use and has a sturdy feel to it.

5. Hitch Clamp – Cross Clamp 2” Anti-Rattle Hitch Tightener

Hitch Clamp – Cross Clamp 2” Heavy Duty – Made in The USA - Anti-Rattle Hitch Coupling clamp/Hitch Tightener

PROS

  • Simplistic design, easy to use
  • Ideal for bike racks and cargo carriers
  • High-quality construction, built in the USA
  • Do not need to remove the hitch to install it
  • Works great for eliminating the wobbling of the hitch

CONS

  • High price range
  • Quite close to the bracket

What Recent Buyers Report

This is a heavy-duty unit that can be easily installed both ways, so you don’t have to lie on the ground. It is hefty and strong-looking. It bolts at an angle to the shank, which means that the clamping action is more positive with less movement.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Hitch Clamp can be attached around the receiver without having to remove the hitch. It provides easy access to all the bolts, so the installation is smooth. The U-bolt is made of heavy ½" diameter steel, which is ideal for eliminating the wobbling and rattling between receiver and hitch.

Who Will Use This Most

This model is made of very heavy-duty materials, so it might be best for boats and trailers. However, you may still use it for other units if you are looking for some extra assurance. The price definitely matches the quality and durability of this anti-rattle hitch, so it’s worth a look!

Bottom Line

Overall, if you want no slip and no rattle, check out this item straight away. It works flawlessly, it is easy to install and eliminates all the shakes, sounds, and noises coming from the hitch. Once you give it a try, it will all fall into place smoothly!

What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?

Before deciding what you need to purchase, it is also important to get some more background information on anti-rattle hitches.

Types and Uses of Anti-Rattle Hitches

Hitch tighteners can have a threaded pin, which makes them a favorite among RV owners. They are easy to install and compact. There are a few tighteners that provide theft protection, as they come with keys and locks

A more common type is the device with a sleeve, which is known for its ease of installation due to the U-shaped design. Trailer owners prefer these, as they can be installed in a few minutes. 

Long-Term Investment

Deciding what anti-rattle device to buy is an important process because one should expect many years of service. Most hitch tighteners are made of heavy-duty, sturdy materials (stainless steel) that have a protective coating against rust. This helps ensure long-term usage. 

Measurements and Sizing

Most hitches come with standard measurements and sizing. Despite this, it is still recommended to thoroughly read the product description and the directions before you purchase your device. This is to ensure that you will not end up with an anti-rattle hitch that is not suitable for your needs. 

How to Use Anti Rattle Hitches

Here are three short guidelines on how to install different types of hitches:

Sleeves or U-Shaped

  1. Slide the hitch shank through the anti-rattle tightener sleeve. 
  2. Slide it into the trailer hitch’s receiver.
  3. Tighten the screw against the hitch receiver. 

Threaded Pins

  1. If the hitch device does not have a welded nut inside the shank, move the threaded block inside the shank.
  2. Slide the shank inside the hitch.
  3. Insert the threaded pin and tighten. 

Wedges

  1. Insert the shank into the receiver.
  2. Slide the hitch pin into place. 
  3. Loop the wedge over the hitch’s pin. 
  4. Place an L-shaped bracket into the empty space between the hitch shank and the receiver.
  5. Tighten the nut until the wedge fits tightly.

Overall, using an anti-rattle hitch device is not difficult. They all come with easy-to-understand instructions, and they are quite easy to install and use. Our U-shaped models are not only affordable and convenient, but they are also durable. All you need to do is choose one of them and enjoy the peace and quiet when traveling for years to come. 

Conclusion

Overall, a high-quality anti-rattle device will make your trips more enjoyable and comfortable. They eliminate the annoying rattling or rocking movements of the hitch, keeping it securely in place. They work smoothly, and they are affordable and easy to install and use. Use the information we provided you with to make the right choice!

I used to work in construction and landscaping, so I've seen my fair share of ratchet straps, winches, and similar rigging gear. I started Winch Central because I've seen some nasty accidents due to crappy rigging or poor practice. I wanted to be able to recommend good equipment that's SAFE and also provide resources for how its used. I handle the research side of things here as well as product selection for gear reviews.