I have an 05 Eddie Bauer Expedition, 10 months old, 10,000 miles.

(1) The trailer hitch inside measurement is 2 3/16" x 2 3/16 instead of 2x2. Anything I put in the hitch is sloppy loose, including Fords own rubber hitch cover. I have checked 5 other expeditions and they are all closer to the 2x2. Local dealer says they will do nothing, this is normal.

(2) Trailer hitch is rusting. I live in California where we have little water and no salt. Dealer says since the hitch is an iron part, it will rust, there is nothing to worry about and they will not do anything about it. I have never seen a trailer hitch rust at the joints in only 10 months.

What do you think?

 

the hitch on my 02 excursion is rusting but a ski rack is in there in the winter. fits well.
the hitch on the escape, that gets no use looks like crap and is only 1 year old.
both will get a shot of rust reformer and paint in the spring.