Hitch rust, covered?

[ToyotaDan]

Guys

My 2003 4runner hitch has a bad case of rust on it. Is this something the 5 year rust coverage should cover? Anyone had anything similar covered? Its more than just surface rust. About 1/4 inch of rust on one side.

Thanks!

 

[TheBlueWave]

Nope, only the sheetmetal on the body is covered, I think. Anyone know any better?
A new hitch isn't that expensive, at least.

 

[sant6236]

Here is your remedy:

Paint it black with a one dollar can of spray paint from Walmar.

I perform this act every year, for winter destroys our hitches.

Make sure to protect your bumper and other surroundings with tape and you will be fine.

It will make it look brand new.

 

[Mirlen]

[B[My 2003 4runner hitch has a bad case of rust on it. Is this something the 5 year rust coverage should cover? Anyone had anything similar covered? Its more than just surface rust. About 1/4 inch of rust on one side.[/B]

Rust coverage covers the BODY from rust that PENETRATES all the way through, not surface rust, so even it it was considered the 'body' you'd have to have an INSANE amount of rust to even have it considered. Rust on hitches and receivers is quite common.

 

[rook]

try using rust-oleum epoxy based spray paint, it will hold off the rust better

 

[scott3710]

Paint Over Rust (POR)

I never used this, but was told it was excellent. Some other members may have more input on this product.

http://www.por15.com/

If you didn't want to go this route, you could always replace it with a new one.

 

[04 sc V8]

Re: Paint Over Rust (POR)

I never used this, but was told it was excellent. Some other members may have more input on this product.

http://www.por15.com/

If you didn't want to go this route, you could always replace it with a new one.

I have personally used this (POR15) on several applications with very poor results. I have very good luck with rustoleum rusty metal primer and topcoat with rustoleum hardhat industrial black. If you really want it to last then remove the hitch, sand blast it and have it powdercoated.

 

[<<<<]

Stuff works great for me. Just dont forget that some places under neat get blasted with salt, sand and gravel during winter, so no matter what product you use, you'll need to reaply every spring if you want rust-free frame and hitch.

 

[rook]

Re: Paint Over Rust (POR)

I never used this, but was told it was excellent. Some other members may have more input on this product.

http://www.por15.com/

If you didn't want to go this route, you could always replace it with a new one.

por15 is not for surfaces exposed to direct sunlight and it is a little expensive for a hitch repaint

 

[George]

wire brush the surface first.

 

[charlier180]

Re: Re: Paint Over Rust (POR)

por15 is not for surfaces exposed to direct sunlight and it is a little expensive for a hitch repaint

Yes, POR15 should not be exposed to direct sunlight. That is why it is strongly recommended that you topcoat it.

POR15 is more expensive than some other products but there is a savings to be had (in time & money) not having to do a job like this every couple of years.
I used POR15 on another vehicle I own EIGHT years ago and have not had to touch it since.
I also personally know almost a dozen other auto enthusiasts that have had similar success with this product.

As I said in another thread recently, when using POR15 it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that one follows the instructions EXACTLY.
Failure to follow the instructions is the leading cause for people to be disappointed with the performance of POR15.

 

[gRunner3]

A little bit of a stretch of the topic, but what about hitch balls. Mine is only a few months old (cheapo one bought from Auto Zone) but it is already rusty. Do they make hitch balls that don't rust or are more resistant to rusting?