I ordered a new Reese WD hitch on-line and a shank separately (from two vendors). The shank showed up pretty beat up with some surface rust mainly (I think) because it was shipped raw (no box). The WD hitch was a MESS, the spring bars and clamps for tongue have major paint loss and rust. Is this typical of Reese? I've seen plenty of older rusty WD hitches but looking like this brand new?? I know function counts more than form but when I spend several hundred on a hitch I would expect it to look better than this!Maybe I expect too much?:h

looks to me like they have been laying around at the vendors for some time now. but rust does happen. I have painted mine every year to keep the rust down

Looks like the metal wasn't prepped properly before paint.Surface rust like shown isn't a problem just means you need to get rid of the rust and prime then paint.I agree shouldn't be like that. As companies try to stay alive in this economy quality often suffers.I worked in the grocery industry and I always knew when a store was going to close...they would layoff the janitors. Stores would get very dirty just before the announcement the store was being closed.

I'd send it back and order from somewhere else.

That to me looks like a Chinese knock off! I got a new one last year and the quality is a hundred times better than what I see there! Mine came directly from Reese (warranty replacement). Does it have Reese's name embossed in it? Not stamped! Also hat hole I'm assuming is for the hitch ball to go through doesn't look to promising either. I'm calling it a knock off!

There is something very wrong with what I'm seeing.Who did you buy that from?It's either not a "real" Reese or it's a used, referb, something like that, certainly not brand new.I have ordered 3 different hitches on line over the years, (just got a Blue Ox Sway Pro last week)...all were shinny brand new and perfect.

Reese rust typical? | Good Sam Community

old_guy
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
looks to me like they have been laying around at the vendors for some time now. but rust does happen. I have painted mine every year to keep the rust down
the_bear_II
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
Looks like the metal wasn't prepped properly before paint.

Surface rust like shown isn't a problem just means you need to get rid of the rust and prime then paint.

I agree shouldn't be like that. As companies try to stay alive in this economy quality often suffers.

I worked in the grocery industry and I always knew when a store was going to close...they would layoff the janitors. Stores would get very dirty just before the announcement the store was being closed.
is_it_friday_ye
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
I'd send it back and order from somewhere else.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Feb 29, 2016
That to me looks like a Chinese knock off! I got a new one last year and the quality is a hundred times better than what I see there! Mine came directly from Reese (warranty replacement). Does it have Reese's name embossed in it? Not stamped! Also hat hole I'm assuming is for the hitch ball to go through doesn't look to promising either.

I'm calling it a knock off!
downtheroad
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
There is something very wrong with what I'm seeing.
Who did you buy that from?
It's either not a "real" Reese or it's a used, referb, something like that, certainly not brand new.

I have ordered 3 different hitches on line over the years, (just got a Blue Ox Sway Pro last week)...all were shinny brand new and perfect.
bguy
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
Looks 4-5 years old to me. It's been rusting under the paint. Take a lot of work to prevent recurrence of the rust.
rrev
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
I'd clean it up and paint it with POR15. It's extremely tough and durable. I don't remember the instructions but they come in the kit. This small kit should be enough to do it. And it does lay down nicely using the foam brush or you can spray it.Por15
BarneyS
Explorer III
Feb 29, 2016
dodge guy wrote:
Snip... Also hat hole I'm assuming is for the hitch ball to go through doesn't look to promising either.

I'm calling it a knock off!

That hole is for the bolt that helps hold the snap-up brackets in place on the trailer A frame. Those pictures are of the snap ups.

I can easily see how the part shown could have chipped paint as those brackets are usually not boxed and the protruding parts can get banged around and chipped. That said, I would get the rust off and paint them. I don't necessarily feel that they are a knock off part.
Barney
gmw_photos
Explorer
Mar 01, 2016
a wire brush and a five dollar can of rustoleum from lowe's will have baby lookin' good ;)
jerem0621
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2016
My Cheap ProSeries WD hitch was very well packaged. The box it came in had form fitting foam inserts for the hitch. Really much better than I expected for a $250.00 hitch.

IMHO... Reese should do a better job packaging and protecting their "Premium" brand name... My Pro Series looked factory fresh and beautiful. No chips, cracks, rust, or problems.

I would send it back myself.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Forum Discussion

Reese rust typical?

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Rust!!!

Typical price for Class A tire mounting and balance

Typical electrical usage

Typical hitch height?

Reese Sidewinder