How to Prevent Rust on Your Trailer Hitch

How to Prevent Rust on Your Trailer Hitch

SCOTT MCCUSKEY @ July 31, 2025

Simple Tips That Keep You Towing with Confidence

Whether you're hauling heavy gear every weekend or just hitching up for the occasional road trip, one thing is certain—your trailer hitch takes a beating from the elements. Water, road salt, mud, and general wear-and-tear can all lead to one stubborn issue: rust.

Over time, rust can weaken your hitch, make it harder to use, and frankly, just make it look old. The good news? Preventing rust is easier than you might think. With a few simple habits and tools, you can extend the life of your hitch and keep it working (and looking) like new.

Here’s how.

1. Wash Off Dirt, Salt & Grime Regularly

Let’s start with the basics. One of the biggest causes of rust is buildup—especially from things like road salt and mud. If you're towing during the winter months or after a rainy trip through backroads, your hitch is likely coated in things that encourage rust.

Take a few minutes every couple of weeks to spray down your hitch with water and mild soap. Make sure to get into the nooks around the ball mount and receiver. Once clean, dry it off completely with a cloth. Don’t let water sit—that’s a rust magnet.

2. Use Grease or Rust-Resistant Spray

Your trailer hitch—especially the ball—needs some form of lubrication. Not only does it keep your connection smooth while towing, but it also helps keep moisture out.

A dab of hitch ball grease or a coat of rust-preventative spray (like WD-40 or Fluid Film) can make a huge difference. Focus on metal-on-metal contact points and any exposed areas where the coating might have worn thin.

If you’re using one of our adjustable hitches like The Major, you can also apply a light coating inside the adjustable channel to keep parts sliding smoothly.

3. Check for Chips & Dings in the Coating

At Patriot Hitches, we use durable powder-coated finishes for a reason—they help protect against rust and keep your hitch looking sharp. But no coating is invincible. Rocks, tools, and even normal use can lead to chips or scratches.

Make it a habit to check your hitch for damage. If you notice any chips, give the spot a quick clean and touch it up with black rust-resistant spray paint. A tiny fix now could save you from dealing with deep rust later on.

4. Don’t Leave Your Hitch on All the Time

This one’s easy to overlook. We get it—it’s convenient to leave your hitch on your truck all the time. But when it’s not in use, your hitch is just sitting there collecting moisture and grime.

If you won’t be towing for a while, remove the hitch and store it in a dry, covered spot. Bonus: your shins will thank you the next time you’re walking behind your truck.

We even have a full blog on this topic—How to Store Your Trailer Hitch When Not in Use.

5. Cover the Receiver Tube

Your receiver tube is another part that’s easy to forget. It’s a prime spot for water, dirt, and even small critters if left open. Use a receiver plug or hitch cover to seal it up when your hitch isn’t installed.

They’re inexpensive, easy to use, and prevent rust from forming inside the receiver, where you can’t always see it.

Why This Matters

Keeping your hitch clean and rust-free isn’t just about looks. Rust can lead to weak spots, stuck parts, and unsafe towing conditions. And while every Patriot Hitch comes with a lifetime construction warranty, that doesn’t cover wear and rust caused by poor maintenance.

Taking a few small steps now can save you from costly repairs—or worse, a failed connection—down the road.

Bonus Tip: Start with a Better Hitch

One of the easiest ways to avoid rust problems in the first place? Invest in a high-quality, powder-coated hitch that’s built to handle rough conditions. All Patriot Hitches are designed with durability in mind, from adjustable heights to anti-rattle features.

If you’re ready for a serious upgrade, check out our best-seller:

The Patriot 8-in-1 Hitch — strong, versatile, and made for any haul.

Rust doesn’t show up overnight—but it builds quickly. With regular cleaning, a few protective tools, and smart storage habits, you can keep your trailer hitch towing strong for years to come.

Because at the end of the day, your hitch should be working hard—not falling apart.