Hitch Receiver Rust

Hi All -

So I have a good amount of rust on my hitch receiver. The truck is less than a year old...but I do use the hitch often with multiple PWC trailers and what not. I never had this issue on my Jeep...is this painted paper thin? Is this something I can use my warranty on? Or am I wire-wheeling it, priming, and painting? I always properly rinse the truck down after use to prevent this kind of thing, as I'm often in salty environments (bay/shore).

I wouldn't be as concerned if the paint wasn't visibly flaking. Thanks in advance for your responses!

 

This should be good

 

Looks like a cheap paint job to begin with since it's flaking. Wonder what the frame looks like?

 

What do you expect from metal on metal contact with large forces involved...

 

Frame and the rest of the truck are spotless. I'm always hosing off/power washing the underside every chance I get.

 

200lbs of tongue weight aren't large forces. Again factory hitch on my Jeep never flaked like this. I understand some surface rust but flaking? Come on. Especially after less than a year of use.

 

Hit it with some black rustolium paint, metal on metal will rub off.

 

Jeep has always done a really great job painting their hitches

 

Lol OCD much? That’s nothing. There’s barely any paint left on my hitch at this point but it’s a trailer hitch so who cares?

Sounds like it’s time to sell the tacoma and get another Jeep on account of their superior hitch paint!

 

Ah geez dude

 

What's wrong with not wanting bare metal exposed on my truck? Why am I being crucified for wanting to take care of it?

I asked a question. Warranty or wire wheel? Thanks.

 

Wire wheel

 

Warranty and report back with what the dealer says.

 

Maybe try insurance claim too?

 

This. It's a 10-minute fix once a year or so to an expected wear surface.

Also, don't be super aggressive with a wire wheel or anything when you prep, and shield and tape off the area so we don't get a thread about removing overspray from the tailgate in the detailing subforum.

 

Let me give you some background as to why I ask -

1) This paint is clearly cheap...and I was wondering if Toyota would actually make good on it.
2) I am constantly in and out of a salt water environment. I ride PWCs constantly so I'm in and out of the bay. Salt water and bare metal don't get along in the long run. I want this truck and all attached accessories to last a while. I'm not made of money. I take care of issues EARLY so they're not problems down the line.

I still don't understand why the trolls are out. It was an honest question. I'm not a stranger to working on a rig. I simply wanted to know if anyone took a chance on Toyota touching it up.

 

Remove hitch, bead blast to bare metal, prime, paint, paint again, clear coat, wet sand, clay bar, then ceramic coat.

 

completely normal.
both my vehicle hitch receivers look the same way. if you think about it, you have 300-400lbs bouncing around there while towing. the paint / powdercoat is going to chip and rub off.

also the hitch is susceptible to road debris, and salt depending on where you live, its just hanging down there waiting to get hit. I bet the paint is chipped on the back side as well.

I don't think you have anything to worry about besides looks.

 

Truck is ruined. Call corporate and request a buy back. It’ll never be the same. Once the rust gets into that hitch your whole frame is toast.

Edit: the real answer is get some POR15 and a wire wheel. Take care of it.

 

I figured as much. No stranger to taping things off. I did a belt-line of bedliner on my Jeep to prevent the bottoms of the doors and rocker panels from rusting out. Of course they did anyway...from the inside out.