How to Correct Noise from Exhaust Rattling Against a Trailer Hitch

Occasionally a newly installed hitch will make contact with a vehicle's exhaust system, even if the hitch was installed properly. The exhaust-to-hitch contact can result in a rattling noise. So long as the hitch is the correct model for your vehicle and it is installed properly, there are solutions available to correct the problem while retaining the hitch.

These images illustrate a muffler before and after it was repositioned to stop it from rattling. The first picture shows the muffler too close to a newly installed hitch, which can cause a rattle. The second image shows the muffler in a new position after adjustment.

Muffler with enough clearance to prevent rattle

Reasons for Occasional Contact between the Hitch and Exhaust

Manufacturers have loose tolerances for mounting the hangers that suspend exhaust systems, which means that the final placement of an exhaust system can vary slightly from vehicle to vehicle
The flexibility of a rubber isolator connecting an exhaust hanger to the vehicle frame allows for more movement of the exhaust system relative to other vehicle components. An isolator can also stretch over time.

Solutions for Contact Between Hitch and Exhaust

Depending on your situation, there are a few solutions that can be employed to correct exhaust-hitch contact.

NOTE: You can employ one or all of the following solutions to manipulate the position of your vehicle's exhaust so that it does not come into contact with your hitch.

Repositioned hanger and replaced isolator at front of exhaust

Solution 1: Bend the Hanger

Using a pair of vise-grips, a cheater bar or pliers, create more clearance by manipulating the hangers that are welded to the exhaust and/or to the vehicle frame.

Because the hangers dictate how the exhaust system hangs, bending the hangers at various points can allow you to raise or lower the exhaust. This can move it away from the hitch.

Solution 2: Reposition a Bolt-On Hanger

If an exhaust hanger is bolted to the vehicle frame, it can be unbolted and repositioned to adjust the exhaust so that it is not coming into contact with the hitch.

This can be achieved by unbolting the hanger, flipping it and bolting it back to the frame. This can also be achieved by adding washers or spacers to lower the position of the hanger or to move it to the left or the right.

Solution 3: Replace the Rubber Isolator

Replace the rubber isolator that serves as the link between the hanger welded to the exhaust system and the hanger attached to the vehicle frame. Because the connector is made of rubber, the weight of the exhaust can stretch it out over time, causing the exhaust to hang lower.

Replacing your isolator with a shorter one will raise your exhaust's position. Replacing your isolator with a longer one will lower your exhaust's position.

Replacing the rubber isolator is an easy and relatively inexpensive solution. You can purchase replacements at an auto parts store or a dealership.

Original hanger and isolator on front of exhaust

Repositioned hanger and replaced isolator on front of exhaust

Solution 4: Contact Us at etrailer.com for More Help or Take Your Vehicle to a Muffler Shop

A mechanic at a muffler or exhaust shop will have the tools and knowledge to accomplish any of the above solutions, as well as some other techniques. This is the best option if you are not comfortable manipulating or replacing components of your exhaust system.

William

10/29/2021

Great write up. I have been experiencing this issue with my 2017 Patriot vs the Etrailer hitch. Took me a few weeks to figure out the cause (possibly as the heat cycle stretch on the pipe running the length or the car closing the ^1/4 inch gap. I have wedged an isolator and tried longer adjustable bracket hangers. The noise re-appeared last night. I will have to check on bending the hanger studs, or possibly cutting the tailpiping and installing a spacer to widen the gap.

Les D.

11/1/2021

Good Troubleshooting.

D W.

7/3/2021

I installed a trailer hitch and now the muffler noise on a 2010 Lexus RX 350 is very loud.

Jon G.

7/6/2021

Have you tried using any of the tips that we mentioned in this article?

Don A.

6/13/2021

I installed one of the plug and play t connectors and the car lights are working fine but the 7 pin wiring carries no current 2020 Explorer

Jon G.

6/13/2021

What exact parts did you install? If you installed a t-connector with just a 4-Way and then connected a 7-Way adapter then that would be why you're only getting the trailer lights. You would also need wiring to finish out connecting all of the functions of the 7-Way like what you see with our wiring kit # ETBC7.

Don A.

6/14/2021

@JonG I installed a T harness with wires for a seven pin receptacle. My car lights work as they should. However I don’t have any lights on the trailer. Should I change it to a 4 pin.

Jon G.

6/22/2021

@DonA It sounds like you may have some fuses or relays that need to be installed. Check out your owner's manual and it should tell you where these fuses are located.

First N.

4/18/2021

Had trailer hitch installed and there is a rattling coming from the rear “Driver” side of the exhaust & hitch... With the engine running I listened and verified the rattling as I looked under rear of vehicle at the exhaust in relation to the installed hitch and noticed the exhaust rattling up against the hitch... Please advise...

Jon G.

4/21/2021

Have you tried any of the tips in the help article above yet?

Ryan K.

1/21/2021

I just installed a Curt hitch on a brand new Hyundai Palisade and noticed a rather loud hum/vibration sound on the right side of the car when I hit around 40 mph. I checked the muffler and exhaust and it all seems to be well away from the hitch. However the hitch does make contact with a sheet of metal that is bolted above the muffler assembly, presumably a heat shield. Not the heat shield attached to the muffler, but one attached directly to the body of the car above it. Because of the bolt connection, there would be no way to move this shield out of the way. I'm thinking about wedging a piece of rubber in the small gap between the shield and the underside of the car to eliminate any vibration. Any thoughts on this or other ideas?

Jon G.

1/21/2021

A small piece of rubber might do the trick actually. I believe it's a heat shield because we show something that matches your description in our install of that hitch on a 2020 Palisade (see attached). Aside from that the only other thing I can think of is to maybe bend part of that heat shield out of the way some more but that would probably mean that you need to lower your exhaust again I'm guessing.

Helpful Links

tv-install-curt-trailer-hitch-2020-hyundai-palisade-c13427.aspx

Ryan K.

1/21/2021

I’ll give it a try. Thanks.

Explore Expert Info

on Trailer Hitch

Videos

for Trailer Hitch

Help Articles

for Trailer Hitch

Expert Answers

for Trailer Hitch

Install: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2022 Mazda CX-5

Installing the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Mazda CX-5

Mount: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2023 Mazda CX-5

Installation: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2020 Mazda CX-5

How to Set Up Your Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2023 Mazda CX-30

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Installation - 2023 Mazda CX-30

Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring

Mount: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2016 Subaru Outback Wagon

Best 2021 Mazda CX-5 Trailer Hitch Options

How to Set Up Your Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2020 Mazda CX-30

Installation: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2020 Mazda CX-30

Setting up the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2024 Toyota RAV4

My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit

Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

How to Clean Weld Nuts for the Installation of a Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

Best Bike Racks for Electric Bikes

Trailer Hitch Installation Tips

How to Choose a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack

Best Bike Racks for Mountain Bikes (2023)

Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness

Pintle-Hitches

Best Bike Racks for Families with Kids (2023)

Difference Between Curt and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receivers for 2020 Chevy Colorado

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

view full answer...

What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

How Is Hitch Pin Attached with EcoHitch for 2018 Subaru WRX

Great question Tarik, so to install a hitch pin when using the EcoHitch part #306-X7257 you will need to reach under the bumper like you can see at the 1:30 mark of the attached video. It shouldn't limit the bike racks you can use though.

view full answer...

Hi Dean, The Curt Custom Base Plate Kit #C28FR is the only baseplate we have listed as confirmed fit for models with Lower Active Air Shutters. This baseplate is compatible with both Curt and Blue Ox tow bars. If you haven't picked out the rest…

view full answer...

How Much Trimming Is Needed for EcoHitch on 2013 Honda Fit

The EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver part #306-X7286 is an excellent option for a 2013 Honda Fit, it's the only one with a 2" receiver tube opening in fact. In regards to trimming, this will be very minor. I have attached a photo that…

view full answer...

Mazda CX-5 Signature Hitch Installation and Trim Removal

To install the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver item #e98902 on your 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature you will need to remove a two foot long L shaped panel that is beneath your vehicle. I have linked a diagram I made as well as an installation video. This…

view full answer...

To add a hitch to your 2021 Mazda CX-5, I recommend the etrailer item #e98902. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Mazda with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity and a 600…

view full answer...

Is Stabilization Strap 18050 Required For Curt Hitch on 2020 Chevy Bolt EV

For some hitches it is required by Curt to use the Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap #18050 in order to maintain the warranty of the hitch, though for many they have backed off of that recently. Thankfully, the Curt hitch that fits your 2020 Chevy…

view full answer...

Package Contents of Hardware for Curt Trailer Hitch on a 2016 Mazda CX-5

Great news, there will be 4 snake wires, also known as bolt leaders, included in the hardware kit for trailer hitch #C13315 which is confirmed to fit your 2016 Mazda CX-5. I do want to let you know that if you plan on using this hitch for any…

view full answer...

What is the Best Hitch for a 2024 Mazda CX-5?

The best hitch for a 2024 Mazda CX-5 is the etrailer item #e98902. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Mazda with included hardware. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Mazda with included hardware. The etrailer hitch item #e98902 is a…

view full answer...

What Parts Are Needed To Tow A Trailer With A 2010 Toyota Matrix

If you plan on towing a trailer then wiring and a ball mount would be necessary as well. For the wiring you'll need the Tekonsha T-One Wire Harness #118460. For the ball mount you'll need to know the ball size for the coupler (1-7/8, 2",…

view full answer...

Trailer Hitch for 2023 Lexus RX 350h That Allows Hands Free Tailgate to Function

We have a hitch for your 2023 Lexus RX 350h with the Curt part #C29VV but the Draw Tite you mentioned does not work. The Curt would still allow the rear kick sensor to open the rear tailgate but you would have to kick to either side of the hitch.

view full answer...