The Importance of Hitch Care

Don’t let rust or corrosion ruin your towing experiences.

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Words by Steve Fennell Photos by Perry Mack

Trailer hitches on tow vehicles are the unsung heroes of RVing. They are used throughout the season and serve as the most integral component while hauling a trailer or fifth wheel.

Contrary to many claims by some manufacturers, the hitch and all of its components are not bulletproof and subject to rust and corrosion. They take the brunt of harsh weather and wet conditions, not to mention a ton of stress when towing heavy loads hundreds - if not thousands - of kilometres.

The good thing is they perform almost effortlessly when they are properly maintained and remain rust-free. But they can leave you - and your trailer - stopped cold at the side of the highway when they are not.

Being exposed to harsh Canadian weather all year (if you leave it on your tow vehicle as many do), the hitch, ball mount, and other parts are susceptible to rust and corrosion, a culprit that can eat away even the toughest towing systems.

A chemical reaction when steel or other used alloys are constantly exposed to oxygen and wet conditions, rust can (and will) corrode your hitch system over time to the point of being unsafe and unreliable, and may even cause several problems when towing.

How You Can Prevent Rust on Your Hitch Receiver

Preventative care to resist rust on your receiver isn’t exactly rocket science. All it takes is a little effort, a few solutions and some coatings to keep it in top towing shape. A non-solvent protectant like Fluid Film is just one of the effective ways to protect the receiver hitch and its opening from rust-producing agents such as water, wet mud and other debris. Hitch covers, too, are another way to shield the inside of the receiver. Many are also customized to match your tow vehicle.

Better yet, powder- or zinc coatings are effective as well. Keep in mind that the friction caused by consistent use of the receiver and pinholes will wear down the coating over time.

Don’t Neglect the Ball Mount

Ball mounts, which connect the trailer ball to the receiver hitch, are susceptible to rust as well if it’s left inside the receiver. The constant vibration to the ball mount while towing can erode its protective coating and allow rust to form inside the receiver tube. An easy way to prevent this is by removing the ball mount and storing it in your vehicle (or another dry area) when not in use. Designated accessory bags are even available.

Always Protect the Hitch Ball

The hitch ball fits on the ball mount and is one of the most exposed hitch components. To resist rust and damage, apply some ball grease to ensure it functions smoothly inside the coupler. Removing it when it’s not in use can also extend its life and reliability. In the event you leave the mount attached to the hitch, always reapply the ball grease or use a ball cover.

Preventative Rust Maintenance

The popular phrase ‘rust never sleeps’ is truly a testament that it can still form and damage your hitch components despite your efforts. However, you can maximize your efforts by doing the following:

  • Inspect the pinholes, receiver opening, and ball mount for wear or rust.
  • If there are signs of surface damage, apply rust-preventative paint to seal the metal.
  • In the event the area has already started to rust, use a rust-remover solution (widely available at any automotive or hardware store) and then apply the paint.
  • Avoid just painting over it as rust will only continue to form.
  • If ball grease wasn’t as effective on a hitch ball try applying a homemade solution of distilled vinegar or a rust remover.

How to Remove Rusted Hitch Components

If the rust on the ball mount or hitch ball is not treated or left on too long, they may be too damaged to repair and need to be removed from the hitch and replaced. Since a rust-ridden ball mount can be difficult to remove from the receiver, letting some WD-40 soak overnight and using a little force from a rubber mallet often does the trick.

In the event the hitch ball needs replacing and it too is hard to remove, resort once again to your trusty WD-40, spray it on the ball nut and threads, and then turn it with a wrench to get it free. The longer the wrench the better as some added leverage may be needed.

Although rust and corrosion are in many cases never 100 percent preventable on most hitches, simple, routine maintenance and following these best practices are effective ways to extend the life of your hitch and its components, ensuring safe towing for many seasons.