Edgy2

I thought the cure I arrived at for the annoying thumping/rattle caused by the poor fit between the drawbar and the hitch receiver may be helpful to others. I considered shimming the drawbar, and I did initially to arrive at what needed to be done to the drawbar to build the area for a snug fit. I mig welded a bead across the top and bottom of the drawbar, at the rear on the bottom, and on the top about flush with the front of the drawbar area when it is installed in the receiver with the pin inserted. I then added 2 welds to one side of the drawbar, at the rear and again near the front where the drawbar made contact with the receiver when installed and pinned. I then milled the welded beads down, about .010 at a time until I arrived at a very snug fit inside the receiver on my Edge. The result took a bit of time, and I realize not everyone has access to a welder and verticle milling machine, but the same could be accompished with the welds and a grinder or file. It now fits very snug, and I am sure the thumping and rattling are a thing of the past. I can post a couple of pictures later if that would be helpful. My biggest concern with the thumping due to the poor fit was stress on the hitch receiver when towing. That banging around is not good for bolts or welds!

I would also recommend purchasing and installing a quality aftermarket hitch. It would be less expensive, and offer an easier install. After what I just went thru building up the material and milling my drawbar for a snug fit with the poorly constructed factory receiver hitch, I wouldn't hesistate to install an aftermarket receiver hitch. (I find it odd that the factory receiver on several of my F-150's have been very good for both quality and drawbar fit without the annoying "loose thumping", but the receiver on my Edge is so "crappy"?) A great place for all things towing related is e-trailer. The website is www.etrailer.com and they have about anything you would ever need for towing. I have been a satisfied customer on several occasions, and they are great to deal with. (I have no affiliation, other than satisfaction.) Here's a link you may find helpful - e trailer

I towed my trailer for the first time today with my '07 SEL AWD, and the constant "thumping" was enough to drive me nuts! I have the factory Class II hitch setup on my Edge, and I am using a Reese draw bar that is brand new. The draw bar fit is rather loose in the factory receiver, and it makes LOTS of noise when the trailer causes it to want to move a bit. (Hitting bumps in the road, etc.) I can apply a few well placed welds and beef up the diameter of the draw bar in the places needed for a tighter fit in the receiver, but I was curious if anyone else has noticed a loose fit between the factory hitch receiver and the draw bar they are using. (I have had many vehicles with receiver hitch's, but this is the first time I noticed this much play between the receiver and draw bar?) Thanks for any feedback to satisfy my curiosity!