Refurbishing a 5th wheel reese hitch

Where is the paint failing?
- Even with the plastic disk, the main plate where the hitch sits still get worn thru and then can rust if it doesn't get regular use but it's quick and easy to hit it with some spray paint occasionally.
- Powerder coating professionally, it going to require a full tear down and higher cost to the point that buying a new hitch (not neccessarily B&W) is likely more cost effective. If you don't tear down, anywhere there is motion, will be a failure point.

On the main frame, you could consider bed liner but I wouldn't trust it on the main plate. If it's too thick, it could cause issues getting hitched.

I like the B&W idea.

I just repaint my old '97 16k Reese manual slider with Gloss black Rust-Oleum . No primer as its not rusted nor needs sanding or blasting.
The hitch hangs in the tractor barn from a come-a-long with a patio cooker for a cover when not in use.
The hitch has been in two trucks and has 175k-185k miles on it....durned if it looks better than new.

i primed and used duplicolor on mine

WE-C-USA wrote:
Clean/sand it up some, rust & chips. Spray bare spots with the rusty metal primer.
After it's good a dry, spray it with Rust-Oleum Truck Bedliner. I've used it on my boat trailer and it's holding up real good.

Thanks We-C-USA,
We are going to try the primer, then the bedliner trick.
I dont want to try and sell it on ebay or buy a new B & W hitch as others have suggested.
If it doesnt sell, you are stuck with a used hitch, or you have to lower the price severely to make the sale, you loose out both ways.
I appreciate all opinions.
It sounds like your idea will work out the best, and cost the least.
Reese has sent me a set of new decals for the hitch when it gets repainted.
I will try to send pictures when its done.

I might hit it lightly with sand paper before painting it with Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer paint. That will not require yearly repaint.

But if it is a really old hitch, I would buy a new one.

WE-C-USA wrote:
Clean/sand it up some, rust & chips. Spray bare spots with the rusty metal primer.
After it's good a dry, spray it with Rust-Oleum Truck Bedliner. I've used it on my boat trailer and it's holding up real good.

Interesting idea

Clean/sand it up some, rust & chips. Spray bare spots with the rusty metal primer.
After it's good a dry, spray it with Rust-Oleum Truck Bedliner. I've used it on my boat trailer and it's holding up real good.

Powdercoat- will last a long time-expensive
Rattlecan- will chip and peel easily needs repainted every year- inexpensive
It's up to you, me, I would powdercoat and spend the extra bucks.

Mickey G wrote:
I have a 16k Reese 5th wheel hitch that needs refurbishing.
Would it be better to repowdercoat everything, or rattle can the hitch with Rust-Oleum primer and paint?
I just want it not only to work good and look good too rather than having a rusted hitch in the bed?
What would you do?
Repaint or repowdercoat?

Put in on Craigslist and buy a new B&W. :B

Lyle