I've been noticing some rust around the hitch on my '11. Is this normal or something to worry about? I haven't tried anything to remove it yet and I suppose it's just surface rust. But I was still surprised to see it.

 

I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, however I know when I install one, I am going to shoot additional paint on it. Every hitch I see here in Illinois is covered in rust regardless of model year. That tells me that the prep and paint is sorely lacking on all hitches.

Chris

 

It's only natural that the insert rubs the paint and protection away on the edges of the receiver but other than that the rest of the hitch should be protected.

 

Get a neutralizer spray to stop it if you want. It converts the rust to black.
Loctite Extend Rust Neutralizer Spray or similar type spray.

 

If I had ever used the hitch, this would make sense.

But I guess the idea of some rustoleum type paint makes sense.

 

Not only is it rubbing against the paint, but this is also a place for water/moisture to collect and just sit there against the mating surfaces. The rust converter that turns rust black is amazing, great product. Just neutralize it and either spray paint over it or get some POR-15 and say goodbye to the rust issue forever.

 

I agree, you cant really stop where metal and metal are meeting and rubbing together, but here in the rust belt, the hitch assemblies just rust. I know they are generally powder-coated but I think its a marginal job at best and little or no prep work to the metal before the process. Often times you see it flaking off within a year or less. Hence why when I get one, I will either strip it and reshoot it, or just paint over the factory stuff and use that as a base.

Chris

 

You dont use it, lose it. Solves your rust problem.

 

Well, I haven't used it yet....but plan to shortly ;-)

That's why I was looking at it :-)

 

Must be a real pretty truck for you to be worried about the hitch being a bit rusty.
You could take it off and get it sand blasted and powder coated.