2005 trailer hitch rusting, normal?

[scott78945]

Well, my black 4Runner looks great when clean except the trailer hitch on my V8 that is rusting at the seams on each side of the port hole for the trailer itself. Is this normal? Granted I am in Centra NY and we are the salt capital when it comes to snow but it makes my truck look like sh*t! Can I take the trailer hitch off or is it soldered to the frame? I don't anticipate to use it anytime soon so I see no reason to keep it if I can take it off. Any thoughts? Is this a normal occurrence? Should I be looking for a replacement.

 

[MI4Runner]

I have a black 2006 with a hitch that is showing some rust. I live in Michigan and presume that the harsh winters play a major role in the rust. My last vehicle (a Jeep Cherokee) had a hitch that rusted as well.

I have read other threads that have had the same problem. I believe they solved the problem by cleaning up the rust and repainting it. I am going that route as I do not want to remove my hitch.

 

[rdrunner]

I think it's normal

Ever truck I've had had a hitch receiver that rusted. I just sanded mine and washed it. After it dried I sprayed the rusted areas with Rustolem (not gloss). Make sure to cover the back part of your bumper so you don't get any overspray and don't do it outside on a windy day.

Looks like new. I'll probably have to do it again in a couple years as I live in Maine and we have tones of salt all winter long.

 

[MAC4Runner]

It's normal. Just sand off the rust spot and hit it with some paint.

 

[scott78945]

Ok, thanks all. I'll sand it and paint it. Easy enough.

 

[DeNz]

Do anybody did some rust proofing after winter season? I'm planning to send my runner for rustproofing as i already have some rust under...and how much does it cost ?

Thanks a lot....

 

[Uneek]

Do anybody did some rust proofing after winter season? I'm planning to send my runner for rustproofing as i already have some rust under...and how much does it cost ?

Thanks a lot....

If it's an undercoating, I personally would stay away from it. It could do more harm than good, because if the drain holes are plugged up, salt and moisture will be trapped making the perfect environment for rust. I would recommend washing the underside of the truck instead. I use a pressure washer with an underbody spray wand.

 

[nated05]

Mine is rusting pretty bad as well. I sanded and primed/painted it about a year ago, but now it looks just as bad. I guess this will be an every spring tradition. Im pretty sure you can remove your hitch if you want (it is just bolted on) , it may look weird though with the notch in your bumber and no hitch.