mguay wrote:
After you tow with it a few times, get back under it and make sure all the bolts are good and tight...then paint it all. This is what I do with a new truck and have never had a rusting problem. Then I check the bolts each spring. The paint not only protects, but it also will let you know if a bolt loosened and the washer slipped. You will see the outline of the washer in the paint.
I remove the hitch in the winter...but it lives in the truck all summer.
I have a tonneau cover.
I use a lube plate, grease on the jaws (the grease only needs to be on the recessed part of the pin) and penetrating oil on the jaw pins (the vertical pins on the top of the head)in the spring.
I use a tripod, which eliminates the problem of walking into the kingpin.
This is pretty much spot on advice! We also have a tripod, and the plus for keeping away from that pin is well worth it.
The other heady issue is the front compartment door, and the real nasty one is if you have an upper slide is that EDGE!
Simple solution below Swim noodles split and cut.