Rust on hitch receiver and electrical cable assembly

[Catchlight]

I suspect the original owner of my 2012 Tundra towed a boat and launched it often at the salt water ramps in our area because there's a growing amount of rust on the components on the back of the truck.

My tentative plan is to scrape off the flaking rust with a wire brush--front and back and inside and out--then apply Rustoleum. When everything is dry, I'll add a couple of thin coats of black rust paint on the assemblies.

Is this the best strategy, or am I missing a better one? Thanks for any suggestions!

[elongest]

After cleaning with a wire brush I would treat with Ospho or other metal treatment prior to painting.
Eddie

[Iowa Dave]

There are a number of “rust reformer”’ products that are good and a the best way to ensure a stick by your top coat.
Dave

[cpaharley2008]

What condition is the 7 pin receptacle in? Are the connections corroded also?

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

There are a number of “rust reformer”’ products that are good and a the best way to ensure a stick by your top coat.
Dave

I highly recommend Corroseal. Commercial water-based rust converter that goes on white and dries as a black primer. Incredible stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Corroseal-Wat.../dp/B00RYRJGXO

[Catchlight]

Thanks for the great tips, everyone! Good suggestion, Jim, I'll check those terminals for corrosion.

[gbaglo]

My Hidden Hitch looks pretty much the same and I don't have a boat.
Had some sort of plastic coating on it when new. Keeps peeling off. I wire brush the rust and cover with Rustoleum and then I do it again, and again...

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

I highly recommend Corroseal. Commercial water-based rust converter that goes on white and dries as a black primer. Incredible stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Corroseal-Wat.../dp/B00RYRJGXO

Thanks! We have rusty bits on the trailer and hitch that we need to take care of this winter while the trailer isn't getting used. One quart bottle on order!

[AKCamper]

Originally Posted by elongest

After cleaning with a wire brush I would treat with Ospho or other metal treatment prior to painting.
Eddie

I give another vote ospho. It turns the iron oxide to iron phosphate. Nasty stuff to work with though (phosphoric acid) wear rubber gloves. Really does work. Then a good coat of Rustolium.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by AKCamper

I give another vote ospho. It turns the iron oxide to iron phosphate. Nasty stuff to work with though (phosphoric acid) wear rubber gloves.

That might be a good reason to consider Corroseal or others.
There are many different formulations out there. Corroseal is a "Water-Based formula cleans up with just soap and water, Non-Flammable and Non-Corrosive".

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

I highly recommend Corroseal. Commercial water-based rust converter that goes on white and dries as a black primer. Incredible stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Corroseal-Wat.../dp/B00RYRJGXO

Thanks Dave . I like to keep up with rust . Like that this product is water based also for easy cleanup . Pat

[Rossue]

Anyone use this instead of Corroseal? Half the price.

https://www.harborfreight.com/1-gall...ver-96431.html

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Anyone use this instead of Corroseal? Half the price.

https://www.harborfreight.com/1-gall...ver-96431.html

Rossue: Haven't used it, but Evapo-Rust is only a rust remover designed to remove the rust and get you down to bare metal. To work well the parts really need to be soaked in it which is not practical for a trailer frame or other large area. Corroseal is brushed, rolled or sprayed on and converts the rust and dries as a primed surface ready for a top coat. You don't have to distinguish where it is applied as it will simply prime non-rusted areas as well.

[padlin]

Keep in mind you are supposed to top coat these.

[escape artist]

Hi: All... I use a "Rust eraser" from Lee Valley Tools.Lee Valley Tools Search rust erasers. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie