Hitch issues
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,822
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Hitch issues
I was wondering if anyone else has had the same issues I have with my hitch. It is rusty to the point the draw bar will not come out after being in for a few weeks. Every spring I pound it out, grind it down and repaint it. Once this is done it goes in and out perfectly. Then a month or so later, it won't budge. This last spring i even tried the same process using the POR15 system. Wasted a whole weekend, after another month, won't budge! I am thinking of just getting a whole new hitch assembly. Has anyone replaced their hitch, if so, what kind, aftermarket or is it still available from Ford? Thanks in advance!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: Alton
From what I have read it is ONLY available from ford. I wish I could just buy a class IV for a F350 and see if it would work with a little tweaking but I am afraid that it couldn't be done right and I would be stuck with an expensive paperweight.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
It is still available from Ford. No one makes a aftermarket replacement hitch. The only choices are to go to a boneyard and hope you can get a non rusty one from a late model (post 2002) or bite the bullet like I did and buy a new one from the dealer. At least the new one comes with all new bolts and nut plates.
While you are at it, you will want to order a new trailer socket assembly. They rust faster than the hitch. The one from Ford is a total assembly with bracket, sockets, and all new wiring. Plug and play.
While you are at it, you will want to order a new trailer socket assembly. They rust faster than the hitch. The one from Ford is a total assembly with bracket, sockets, and all new wiring. Plug and play.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 99
From: North Dakota
If you are leaving the insert in, have you tried a light coat of anti seize or grease to keep it from rusting??
But, like I said in the thread about loose rattling inserts, I always take mine out after I use it.
I don't know why you would want to drive around with it in there all the time anyways. I've seen pickups get rear ended with inserts in, and end up with no body damage, but a bent frame instead.
But, like I said in the thread about loose rattling inserts, I always take mine out after I use it.
I don't know why you would want to drive around with it in there all the time anyways. I've seen pickups get rear ended with inserts in, and end up with no body damage, but a bent frame instead.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge, United Kingdom
I take mine out if not towing so I can use the rear parking sensors (mine is a bit loose maybe due to the WD hitch?) but my Dad leaves his in all year round and expects me to remove it if needed
I cleaned the rust off, re-painted and the covered it with copper grease with an anti sieze - and it's been fine since, I think the copper grease kind of sticks to it and doesn't seem to wash away with water
I cleaned the rust off, re-painted and the covered it with copper grease with an anti sieze - and it's been fine since, I think the copper grease kind of sticks to it and doesn't seem to wash away with water
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 9
From: Minnesota
I use "Fluid Film" on all my stuff, I live in Mn as well and it works pretty good. You can get it at most John Deere dealers for about 10.00 bucks a can.
Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor
Jmo
Fluid Film® | Corrosion Preventative, Lubricant and Rust Inhibitor
Jmo
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
I don't believe that's completely correct, as I have a '00 Excursion (which I assume had one of the earlier lower-rated hitches), and the original owner used to tow a boat with it, and (I assume) had an uprated hitch installed that clearly states 15,000 lbs & 1,700 lbs tongue weight on it. If I remember I'll take a look & see who the hitch manufacturer is & if there is a model number on the hitch.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
Other option:
Take it out once a week and give it a quick wipe of grease.
or...
Move to Arizona -> no rust.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Quick second on the AZ! However I have a 99 Explorer that came from Wisconsin and have the same issues with that receiver. I have to beat the draw bar in with a mallet and beat it back out when I am done. I don't use the tow on it very often as the X is the family tow vehicle and the Jeep is the little yard engine (have a hitch on the front and back) for moving trailers around in the yard.