Less than 6 months and 7500 miles and hitch is already rusting

Mine was similar although not as bad as yours. The rust is smaller in the picture as more loose paint came off with a Dremel wire-wheel. I then touched it up with a can of spray paint. This pic was taken on the day I picked up my 2023 with 8 miles on it in May but only addressed it a couple of months ago.

 

I would say normal. Here’s a date-to-date comparison of the chip on my hitch. The rust showing so quickly is a bummer for sure. I got my hitch kissed at a red light when the guy behind me decided he would go before I went once the light turned green. Low impact and no damage to my bumper, paint, hitch connection, or parking sensors. Just chipped the hitch (unfortunately for the offending driver, my hitch did a number on his bumper). I did have it replaced (and all my sensors tested) at the Toyota collision center near me. This required removal of the bumper and diagnostics. About $650 including a new OEM hitch. Took forever for his insurance company to process the claim, and despite the damage occurring in August, it wasn’t fixed until December. Did I have to have the hitch replaced? No. But I wanted to make sure all the sensors were okay and that there was no damage underneath so I went ahead and had the work done.

 

Same issue with Tacoma hitch. I also keep a can of black paint handy to touch up.

 

Mine was rusting after like 2 months but I tow with mine too.

 

It's time to trade it in with that much rust on it!

 

Ha I was JUST coming to post that... I bought one immediately and popped it in. I HATE rusty hitches on the back of nice trucks. I sprayed it generously with Fluid Film before popping the hitch cover on too. It was $13, cheapest mod yet...lol

I bought mine here:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0143UKE7Q?ie=UTF8

 

Fwiw, the Toyota hitch receiver cover will get displaced during a car wash. I lost one on an 08, another on a 19, and a buddy lost his this way on a 23. I now use a Curt brand cover that includes a collar that slips over external “tube” of the receiver hitch. Both the Toyota and Curt versions are US made.

 

I sprayed mine with fluid film when I got new in June 21. I actually used spray on a wax applicator pad and did that way. I put it on every time I wash the truck because it rinses off. I also put it on the trailer light receptacle.

also put some on the rivets of your fuel door with a q tip.

I got teased a few years back on this topic but it’s stupid for what we pay for these vehicles. This is why mine stays in garage for winter and will not see salt.

 

You are not crazy... I barely drive mine now that it is "salt season" here in Michigan. I am going to look at the fuel door rivets now. Thanks for that!

 

One other tip I found with my old Explorer when this happened is I had a body shop remove the hitch and had them spray a black rust proofing material on there.

so this was not shiny black but to me it looked good and for many many years never got this chipping bullshit. It was worth a side job to remove the hitch and do it right to me

 

Ive seen a few people here pop the rear bumper off and coat the entire hitch and parts of the rear frame with POR-15. I would love to do it too, but am nervous about taking the rear bumper off and breaking a clip, etc etc.

 

yeah I will wait till I have to and just put ff on a lot.

Here are some other pics the chain and spare tire I did and also in rear wheel below insulation. The rivet is on my buddys mgm 4R.

also no pic but put ff on the nut screws in front wheel wells. Those rust quick in one winter. Just use rag or q tip

also the bolt sticking through in rear well I dabbed with ff

 

I am so anal I use a piece of rag when attaching the safety chain hooks under the hooks to not scratch. I am thinking of dipping the safety s hooks into some type of rubber coating.

 

Was just going to suggest this. Mine came with one of these when I bought it used.

 

Maybe just slip some appropriately sized rubber tubing over the hooks? And then you can also slip bicycle inner tube over the chains if you're worried about those too.

 

Good idea Trail Runnah! Thanks I will have to look into that when I get the boat in spring.

 

I confess i did not read through the whole thread, but is this about the frame having rust, or the hitch? If you chip the paint off of steel it will rust. If it’s the hitch? It may not of had very good prep. before paint. But anywho, if that is hard to live with i would sell, and go back to one of the vehicles you mentioned.

 

Damn OP @bassist, that's depressing for such a new Runner!
Happy to read all this feedback, understand the reality of this thing.
My '16 was an abomination b4 POR15 3-steps.
Do what I did, it's virtually hammer strong, resists chips, after it cures.

 

@Lc200 tests your patience, it does haha
and believe the label when it tells you it's permanent, do not paint in flip flops and shorts

 

The thing I hate the most is, when I am unable to open the can of POR15 for successive use after all that paint dries up around the rim with the cap still on.

 

Put some cling wrap over the can before you tap the lid on back on.

 

Interesting video in regards to POR15.

https://youtu.be/TABWPHutk-A?si=trGWCgLKqdj7M-Ov

 

Dude, right!? I understood after it is why the paint can specifically tells you to transfer only what you need to a different container, then clean and seal can.

Brilliant man, stealing this hack. I blame my father for not teaching me this

 

I have noticed, this guy has a penchant to trash POR15.
POR15 is all about prep. Has held up well for over a year for me.

 

My problem is, I am not neat in my execution when it comes to dipping the brush in POR15. I get paint around the rim which eventually dries.
I do tape the can to protect it from air so it does not dry up.

 

Yes there are a few people who really dislike POR15 on here and on FB. Nothing is perfect tho

 

There’s somehow a chip on o

I’m just going to file a warranty claim.

Frankly, I don’t see why I should eat the economic cost of selling a vehicle because of something that is defective.

 

I've heard bad things about POR from other people, which is why I used Rust Bullet back in 2019 on mine. Going on it's 4th winter it's holding up great.

 

Silver Slug may have a point, because the hitch is nothing. You're in for so much worse.

Have you applied Woolwax or anything prior to the winter season?

Here's what my New England 2013 looked like in 2019 before lots of time & elbow grease.