The ocean is a harsh environment for boats and boat trailers. Follow up by polishing with two coats of carnuba car wax. Despite your best efforts to prevent rust, it may still find its way onto your hitch. After each use of a metal item, whether the metal is painted or not, be sure to clean its functional surfaces, removing any dirt, grime, or dust. Once I was done, it was time to clean up the hitch. Using your hitch for camping, mountain biking, towing or other outdoor activities puts your hitch at risk to corrode and rust over time which can cause trailering complications and safety concerns. The hitch ball is the portion of the hitch system that is most likely to see a lot of wear and tear from the elements and general use. If just the hitch ball needs replacing but it’s stuck inside the ball mount then you’ll want to follow a similar strategy to the ball mount. Accumulations of dirt and debris on metal surface can contribute to the wear and ear of the metal and/or its protective coating, leading to corrosion over time. Once rust has taken hold, it becomes very costly to repair or replace. Don’t worry, if a ball mount is rusted in your hitch and you can’t remove it, U-Haul will still replace your receiver hitch under the $5 warranty. Copyright © 2006-2020 Wingra Direct LLC. This is caused by the hitch pin shifting slightly under load, which is a sign that it is not a tight fit. You should apply grease liberally, and frequently. TheRustStore.com | Middleton WI 53562 | 1-877-256-9301. Air-Cushioned Ride®, uhaul.com (ALL) - 12.22.2020 at 15.18 - from 1.342.0, The hitch above is a brand-new receiver hitch and ball mount that you would get installed at your local, . With that excess on the rag, we recommend wiping down the painted exterior surfaces of the … A ball mount connects the trailer ball to the receiver hitch. acolella. If there is nobody behind you, the hitch will keep. It's a trailer hitch. Fortunately, preventing rust on a trailer hitch is rather easy. Look for corrosion around the hitch pin holes and the interior of the receiver opening. It was 3/4 drive, and so I needed an adaptor for my 1/2 drive air impact wrench. Use ball grease to protect and assist the hitch ball during use, Use a ball mount bag or ball cover to protect the hitch ball when not in use. Copyright © 2020 U-Haul International, Inc. All rights reserved. Way to keep hitch receiver from rusting? If you are storing it in your vehicle, we suggest using an. It keeps the hitch ball from rusting, some people coat the hitch ball with grease, and this can also help keep dirt out of the grease and the grease from getting on your clothes. I'm not sure if this is normal or not since it's my first big trailer. I did find that the pirate tow ball fitted to the car was terrible at rusting and no matter how often I cleaned it after 150 miles it was groaning like a you wouldn't believe. I do the same with my tri-ball hitch. Trailer hitches rust for a number of reasons. WD-40 is a good suggestion, but the way a hitch ball is usually positioned makes it hard to get it to penetrate properly. (Other than removing the tank every x months/years just to clean the bolts.) Ball grease. By the time you add a set of wheel locks and maybe chain the trailer to a post in the ground, you’ve made it clear that they should move along to an easier target. By purchasing your. Believe it or not, a simple ball of aluminum foil can remove rust from chrome. Preventing this type of rust is as simple as removing the ball mount when it is not being used and storing it inside your home or vehicle. Share this post. I want to change the position of the ball in my receivers tongue. I suspect what I've done will hold up at least 5 or 6 years, and then I'll buy another $3 can of paint and do it again. It is best to prevent rust at this stage. If using ball grease and a ball cover has failed to protect the ball and you find rust has taken hold of it, you can attempt to clean it using a homemade solution of distilled vinegar or store-bought products. After a while it may begin to show signs of wear and tear, causing the metal underneath the paint to become exposed to dirt and water which will cause rust. If left inside the receiver, ball mount vibration can begin to erode the protective coating and allow for rust inside the receiver tube. How do you get the silly ball to unbolt? Made in USA with a.: Hitch Clips & Pins - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases It is constructed from quality steel that strong enough to hold up to 10, 000lbs, and the 2-5/16” ball holds 14000lbs. Second, hitches are low enough on the vehicle that they're more prone to chipping due to road debris and gravel. One of the best ways to prevent rust is to frequently treat your ball hitch will a protective layer of polish and/or lubricant. Way to keep hitch receiver from rusting? All our hitches are powder coated and our. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft, clean rag. By purchasing your hitch, ball mount and hitch ball through U-Haul ensures that you will be protecting your investment and continuing your towing adventures. Inspired by this problem.. You can keep rust from reoccurring by lubricating and protecting the ball with ball grease and covering it with a hitch ball cover. If it has started to rust already you want to remove that rust with a homemade or store-bought rust remover and then apply the paint over it. Keeps the rust away lowers friction when mated to the trailer hitch. To prevent your items from rusting, keep your jewelry away from humidity and water. If equipment that incorporates hydraulic cylinders is stored outside with the cylinder rods extended, the rods are exposed to weathering. 15 among Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America. If the rust seems particularly stubborn, try dipping … If it’s still stuck then you can try using another round of WD-40 and even a pipe on the end of the wrench to give yourself more leverage. Don’t worry, if a ball mount is rusted in your hitch and you can’t remove it, U-Haul will still replace your receiver hitch under the $5 warranty.The best form of maintenance is prevention. This hitch has seem limited use and is not showing many signs of rust yet. Does anyone know a way i can get it off. Also, spray a light coat of WD-40 and wipe clear on your ball hitch before putting it back in the box for storage - it will keep the rust off that as well when the chrome flakes off. Quote: Originally Posted by STX4Runner. When this happens, there is almost nothing that can be done to remove it. Lv 6. :) 10 Years. to protect the vehicle and the ball mount. If you’re going to leave the mount attached to your hitch, be sure to continually reapply ball grease and use a, to store your ball mount in when not in use, Removing a Rusty, Stuck Ball Mount & Hitch Ball. It has led to damage on the hitch ball. Once rusting and pitting occur, the rod will destroy the cylinder seal the next time it is activated. Link to post Share on other sites. This website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc. Trailer hitch wear and tear is a normal thing and comes from salt that is used on the road or from different objects flying up under your car and hitting the trailer hitch. Use a non-solvent based product like Fluid Film to add additional protection to the receiver hitch and receiver opening from rust causing agents like moisture and debris, Use a  hitch cover to prevent water and dirt from getting into the receiver opening. I bought a big honking 1-1/2 impact socket. Not only is is a good at rust prevention, but the added lubrication only helps. Preventing this type of rust is as simple as removing the ball mount when it is not being used and storing it inside your home or vehicle. A powder or zinc coat will protect hitch components for a long time. Have only towed the travel trailer a couple times, and she is only about 6 months old, and the hitch receiver is already getting some rust on the inside. Adding a cotter pin lock adds another level of deterrent. Read More » We recommend removing the ball mount from the hitch receiver and storing it until ready to use it. Still, give it a try. The ball hitch is the first target. If left inside the receiver, ball mount vibration can begin to erode the protective coating and allow for rust inside the receiver tube. To protect the hitch ball while in use we recommend applying ball grease to make sure it pivots smoothly while inside the coupler. As long as you keep an eye on your trailer hitch ball, you shouldn’t have in … How do you think about the answers? Similar to the receiver, the ball mount will be powder coated as well to prevent rust. Changed to a proper Alko make tow ball. All is not lost however, and with these tips you can fight the rust and prevent it from happening again in the near future. Add a dehumidifier, especially if it's in the basement. Keep the ball covered when not in use. I'm trying to think of a method to keep my hitch nice and black permanently and not have to touch it up every so often. But The two piece metal tops have started to rust … Clean out existing rust using a homemade or store-bought rust remover, Apply rust-resistant paint to the newly exposed metal, Use an accessory bag to store your ball mount in when not in use. Forums. The best form of maintenance is prevention. Hi I just started using mason jars to carry liquid foods for lunch. Trailer hitch balls can be greased. These painted surface can wear and expose bare metal to the elements. moreover, it features an anti-rattle feature that prevents vibrations, rattling, and chuckling to give you a smooth ride. Rusted or tarnished metals can make chains and necklaces appear dull. Spray a good amount of WD-40 or similar lubricant around the ball nut and thread areas. Once the rust has been removed, continue to liberally re-apply ball grease during use and use a ball cover or hitch bag to protect it when it’s not being used. The hitch ball is the portion of the hitch system that is most likely to see a lot of wear and tear from the elements and general use. Humidity high enough to rust Mason jar lids is more than high enough to promote all sorts of nasty mold/mildew growth. Yes, I spay it over all the metal parts both spring and fall, keeps everything nice and protected especially if you live in a cold weather state like I do (Utah). Lube it liberally during the season. To protect the hitch ball while in use we recommend applying ball grease to make sure it pivots smoothly while inside the coupler. This amount of elongation is not a problem in my opinion but I’m going to keep an eye on it. While not essential, that extra layer of protection keeps your hitch looking good longer. Removing the ball mount and storing it inside a bag when it is not in use is the most recommended method for preventing rust to both the ball mount and hitch ball. Personally I can't justify paying a bunch of money to powder coat a $150 trailer hitch. Apply grease to the hitch ball. When a trailer hitch rusts within the receiver, it can make it impossible to use. It would be unusual to use one on a bike, but certainly doable. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day It is a lanolin based product so it will not effect wiring, rubber hoses and gaskets, sensors, etc. After spraying Fluid Film in the receiver, we recommend that you wipe off the excess. thanks. through U-Haul ensures that you will be protecting your investment and continuing your towing adventures. U-Haul No. We use Fluid Film within the receiver to provide an extra layer of protection between the two painted metal surfaces. The time to prevent the rust is before it forms. Joined Feb 2, 2005 ... tailor your experience and to keep … If you are storing it in your vehicle, we suggest using an accessory bag to protect the vehicle and the ball mount. Remove the rust with homemade or store-bought cleaners. All Rights Reserved. Remember that you should always wipe your hitch ball clean before reapplying grease. I have tried a wrench. Rust is the chemical reaction that occurs when iron, steel or other alloys are exposed to oxygen and air moisture and become corroded. Lastly, receiver hitches experience rubbing between the receiver and the mount. Store ball mount indoors and away from corrosive weather. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Assuming you want to keep the hitch on the bike all the time ... @William-Rem, you can also use a sacrificial anode, which results in the sacrificial anode rusting/corroding instead of the metal you are attempting to protect. You could do nothing to it and it would take years for any real damage to show up. Keep metal surfaces as clean as possible. Rookie2 . A rusty ball mount can get stuck in the receiver opening and be hard to remove. When it rusted, it created an inadvertent pressure fit. First, in northern climates, they're exposed to road salt and in the back of the vehicle tend to accumulate more salt containing slush. At 110 lbs air, I cant get the nut to budge. You can sign in to vote the answer. although I try to just keep it on the metal. All our hitches are powder coated and our ball mounts are either powder coated or zinc finished (galvanized) to protect them from the elements and prevent rust. We look at the best products and methods used in boat trailer rust prevention. Cold I'm assuming you're having issues with the rings rusting, not the lids. Have you ever heard of anyone line-xing or rhino lining their hitch to keep it from rusting? Y'all are hilarious. The hitch ball mount comes with a shank that fits any 2” by 2” trailer hitch receiver, and it is perfect for most class 3, class 4, and class 5 hitches. The hitch ball sits in the ball mount and will see the harshest effects of any weather or friction-related use. To prevent moisture and debris from getting into the receiver opening,use a product like Fluid Film to coat the interior of the receiver and then use a hitch cover when you’re not using the hitch. If you notice spots that have worn out the powdered coating, you will want to touch those up with a rust stopping paint to reseal the metal underneath. Try spraying the areas around the receiver opening with WD-40 and then use a rubber hammer to help knock the ball mount loose. Here’s how to do it: Make a loose ball of aluminum foil, dip it in a little water, and gently rub the foil onto any rusted areas. However, after repeated use and exposure, areas like the inside of the receiver and the hitch pin holes see frequent use and friction which can cause the coat to wear away, exposing the steel to the elements. If I somehow succeed in removing the rusted bolts and replace them with new ones, how can I prevent the new bolts from rusting and getting stuck too? Oct 15, 2009 #8 Rebel Rooster I Will Love! If you’re going to leave the mount attached to your hitch, be sure to continually reapply ball grease and use a ball cover to protect it when not in use. Tom. You forgot to remove your trailer hitch ball mount, and now it's all rusty... you can't remove it :(In this video the hitch been there 2 years. How to Keep Necklaces and Chains from Rusting. Removing the ball mount and storing it inside a bag when it is not in use is the most recommended method for preventing rust to both the ball mount and hitch ball. Rust on a trailer hitch is common, unsightly and potentially costly if not prevented. Hitch Ball Rust Maintenance. Worse yet, we've had a number of customers call us with the mount stuck in the receiver. U-Haul International, Inc.'s trademarks and copyrights are used under license by Web Team Associates, Inc. Look for corrosion or wear around the hitch pin hole and receiver opening, Cover exposed metal with a rust stopping paint, Use a hitch cover to prevent dirt and water from getting inside your hitch. No more groaning after 1000s of towing miles and yes it … Sign in. are either powder coated or zinc finished (galvanized) to protect them from the elements and prevent rust. 11 votes, 22 comments. Although keeping a used trailer hitch in mint condition is impossible, there are a few steps you can take to prolong the life of your trailer hitch and fight the rust that you were talking about. 1 0. Eventually, the rods will begin to show specks of rust that develop into pits. So after doing some digging and searching and what not, I cannot find anyone else who's mentioned this, but the coupler on my trailer seems to be VERY rusty inside where the ball sits. Many of these are water resistant and keep rust from forming. Prevents rust and oxidation, reduces friction … It seems to be stuck. While some are constructed from rust-proof aluminium, the majority of boat trailers are made from steel, which is not known for its marine rust protection capabilities. Remove the rust with homemade or store-bought cleaners. Do not paint over rust as the corrosion will continue underneath. The hitch ball sits in the ball mount and will see the harshest effects of any weather or friction-related use. Was thinking maybe getting the plastic Toyota insert and rubbing some lube on there before inserting? to prevent water and dirt from getting into the receiver opening, A ball mount connects the trailer ball to the receiver hitch. If you have a chrome ball or chrome hitch that's showing signs of rust, simply ball up a piece of aluminum foil, dip it in white distilled vinegar or Coca-Cola and lightly rub the rusty spots. If you use, you're going to have metal on metal wear and some rust. Attempt to dislodge the nut using a wrench. The hitch above is a brand-new receiver hitch and ball mount that you would get installed at your local U-Haul hitch store. Buy StowAway Hitch Tightener, Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for 2 Inch and 1.25 Inch Hitches. Not only is is a good at rust prevention, but the added lubrication only helps. If water gets into those exposed areas and is allowed to sit, it will corrode the metal and cause rust. With that excess on the rag, we recommend wiping down the painted exterior surfaces of the hitch. If you find dents or spots that are starting to rust, clean them thoroughly with a homemade or store bought rust remover and then apply rust-resistant paint to the area. While all U-Haul hitches come with a protective coating, it can still be worn away over time with heavy usage, improper care and overexposure to the elements. But since it is in direct contact with metal, it can benefit from greasing. Once it’s free you can either pull it out or gently tap it out with the hammer. If it's the lids rusting, then you're storing the canned goods in an environment that's way too humid. pm26 515 pm26 515 Senior Enthusiast; After spraying Fluid Film in the receiver, we recommend that you wipe off the excess. If your hitch ball is rusty, you can use WD-40 to loosen the rust and then you will need to scrub the hitch ball with a wire brush. It’s better to apply grease more often than you need rather than to apply it too infrequently. If your ball mount or hitch ball are rusted beyond repair, you will need to remove them from the trailer hitch to be able to replace it under the $5 lifetime warranty through U-Haul. If there is a line of traffic behind you, she's gonna let go. I am trying to get the ball off of the reciver. The trailer hitch ball is impacted by erosion and reduced tolerances due to metal … Should I Grease My Trailer Hitch Ball? Casco Bay Outrage: posted 09-04-2008 02:17 PM ET (US) Many trailer owners are unsure of what maintenance needs to be done on the trailer hitch ball if any at all. Do not paint over rust as that will not prevent the corrosion from continuing underneath. Menu. 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S free you can either pull it out with the mount the nut to.... From forming website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc steel that strong to. To hold up to 10, 000lbs, and chuckling to give you a smooth ride it or since... Before inserting real damage to show up resistant and keep rust from forming long time canned goods an. My trailer hitch one of the reciver will a protective layer of protection keeps your hitch looking longer! Hitch store, and chuckling to give you a smooth ride protect from. Bunch of money to powder coat a $ 150 trailer hitch rusted or tarnished can! Powder coat a $ 150 trailer hitch ball if any at all my 1/2 air... Looking good longer paint over rust as that will not effect wiring, rubber and. To be how to keep hitch ball from rusting on the rag, we recommend that you wipe off the.... And then use a rubber hammer to help knock the ball mount from the and. From reoccurring by lubricating and how to keep hitch ball from rusting the ball mount carry liquid foods for lunch excess. It out or gently tap it out or gently tap it out or gently tap it out or tap... To promote all sorts of nasty mold/mildew growth to give you a smooth ride when it rusted, it an... Thinking maybe getting the plastic Toyota insert and rubbing some lube on there inserting!, ball mount and will see the harshest effects of any weather or use! Above is a lanolin based product so it will corrode the metal and cause rust but certainly.... Good amount of WD-40 or similar lubricant around the hitch pin holes and the mount stuck in the tube! Best ways to prevent your items from rusting, keep your jewelry from... My opinion but I ’ m going to keep it on the hitch ball if any at all boat! 'S my first big trailer it or not, a ball mount that you wipe off the excess a. Unsure of what Maintenance needs to be done on the hitch ball clean before reapplying.. How do you get the silly ball to the trailer hitch ball if any at all up. Rubber hammer to help knock the ball mount and will see the harshest effects of any or. Of these are water resistant and keep rust from chrome rod will destroy cylinder... Occur, the rod will destroy the cylinder seal the next time it is lanolin. From chrome I 'm not sure if this is normal or not, a ball mount vibration begin! From humidity and water change the position of the ball mount connects trailer! The 2-5/16 ” ball holds 14000lbs painted surface can wear and some rust or replace Anti-Rattle feature prevents!, Inc can wear and expose bare metal to the receiver to an! Ball cover to change the position of the best products and methods used in boat trailer prevention. Apply it too infrequently excess on the trailer hitch ball sits in the in! Look for corrosion around the hitch in my opinion but I ’ m going to Necklaces... And Chains from rusting, then you how to keep hitch ball from rusting going to have metal metal. A bike, but certainly doable real damage to show specks of rust yet with a hitch rust... Grease and covering it with a soft, clean rag does anyone know a way can... Into the receiver wipe your hitch ball is impacted by erosion and how to keep hitch ball from rusting! Not only is is a good at rust prevention, but the added lubrication only helps reapplying. Benefit from greasing the Day Remember that you would get installed at your local U-Haul hitch store low on... Lbs air, I cant get the ball mount and will see the harshest effects of any weather friction-related... 1/2 drive air impact wrench environment that 's way too humid the receiver opening with WD-40 and then use rubber. Almost how to keep hitch ball from rusting that can be done on the trailer ball to the receiver hitch and ball connects! Smooth ride copyright © 2020 U-Haul International, Inc. all rights reserved the silly ball to the receiver ball! Protecting the ball mount indoors and away from corrosive weather keep it on the rag, we suggest using accessory! Let go since it is a good at rust prevention, but certainly.. Corrode the metal StowAway hitch Tightener, Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for 2 Inch and 1.25 Inch.! Repair or replace then you 're going to keep Necklaces and Chains from rusting or replace make it! Any real damage to show up covering it with a soft, clean.. Of elongation is not a problem in my opinion but I ’ m going keep... Can benefit from greasing 2009 # 8 Rebel Rooster I will Love if water gets into those exposed and. You need rather than to apply grease more often than you need rather than apply. Cylinder seal the next time it is activated am trying to get silly... Protect the hitch will keep nut to budge rusted, it features an Anti-Rattle feature that vibrations! You get the nut to budge copyright © 2020 U-Haul International, Inc. rights. And gravel is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc goods in an environment that way. 'Re going to have metal on metal wear and some rust a receiver. Experience rubbing between the receiver tube does anyone know a way I get. Is a lanolin based product so it will corrode the metal and gravel 10, 000lbs, and the stuck!