We haul my horse trailer (2 5/16" ball) and a boat (2" ball) so I always take the ball off of the Reese hitch. This past year it has been getting harder and harder to get the ball and square end into the Reese hitch. There seems to be a lot of rust inside and I can't seem to figure out a way to get way back inside the Reese hitch and clean it out. Any ideas?
Thanks! I really appreciate all the help I've found on this forum!
Maureen
Posted 2008-12-19 1:26 PM (#96291 - in reply to #96288) Subject: RE: Trailer Hitch Rust
Regular
Posts: 64 Location: Oklahoma City
WD-40 sprayed into the receiver tube will loosen up a lot of the surface rust inside and then you should be able to clean out with the other suggestions made.
Posted 2008-12-19 4:33 PM (#96298 - in reply to #96288) Subject: RE: Trailer Hitch Rust
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
If you chuck a bottle brush into a drill, spray some Kroil into the receiver, and spend some time with the apparatus, you will be able to clean out most of the rust. Rat tail and bastard files will access the corners and flats. Brake fluid is also an excellent rust breaker, just keep it away from painted surfaces. The square hitches can be sanded smooth with some 80/100 grit wet/dry sandpaper and oil.
Once the rust is gone enough for proper usage, the areas can be coated with a surfactant. LPS-3, various wood working tool lubricants, synthetic motor oils, synthetic grease will all help to prevent future rust. Most of the light spray type of penetrating oils are temporary fixes and not long lasting. However they are easy to use, and if you routinely switch your hitches, if they were applied during every exchange, they would probably suffice.
I have several lighter trailers, and have one of my hitches set up with a Convert-a- ball. A stud remains on the hitch, while the three sizes of hitch balls are easily removed and switched around as needed. No tools are necessary, and any change takes a few seconds.
Trailer Hitch Rust
