How to repaint fifth-wheel hitch plate?

[RoyF]

Some paint has come off of my hitch plate, leaving a few square inches of exposed metal. My dealer didn't know what kind of paint would hold up. Has anyone tried to repaint their hitch plate, what kind of paint did you use, and did it hold up (or not)?

[larry_barnhart]

We have a 2001 model hitch and a 2001 alpenlite. Hitch, trailer entry steps and pin box get refreshed as needed. Rust is ugly. Easy to keep the items looking great.

chevman

[shadows4]

gparrow wrote:
So for those that got replacement stickers for your Reese hitches who did you contact at Cequent to get the them. I've tried a couple contact email addresses and can't get anyone to respond.

Just email customer service. That's what I did.

[gparrow]

So for those that got replacement stickers for your Reese hitches who did you contact at Cequent to get the them. I've tried a couple contact email addresses and can't get anyone to respond.

[shadows4]

mountainsam wrote:
Hide it under a tonneau cover

X2 That's what I do!!!!

[mountainsam]

Hide it under a tonneau cover

[bpounds]

Allworth wrote:
...Breathe in, Breathe out, Go camping.

And remember, it only rusts if you stop using it.

[Allworth]

The face plate on my Reese has some rusty spots.

I asked myself how high I should place this on my to-do list.

Myself answered "Way down there at the Bottom."

Breathe in, Breathe out, Go camping.

[bpounds]

Just throw some paint on it to slow rust. Any spray can. Any color. Won't make a bit of difference.

[Brockinfla]

It's a hitch. I keep it mechanically maintained then I don't care what it looks like or care what other people think. I have more important things to worry about like scratching my butt or if I should trust a fart after taco Tuesday.

[Irelands_child]

Goostoff wrote:
I have a B&W. Haven't had to worry about the paint coming off yet.

True - and after 7 years use fairly heavy use, only the wheel itself is showing a slight amount of wear from road dirt being ground in by the trailer pin box/Teflon plate.

As far as repainting - 180-320 grit sandpaper to remove rust and feather the edges, a solvent to remove any grease then a HD paint like Krylon (best) or Rustoleum BBQ. Any of Rustoleum's other 'regular' paint isn't worth the price

[NorthwestBound]

I need to tear mine apart and clean the jaw areas out. Is this possible before painting?

[Goostoff]

I have a B&W. Havent had to worry about the paint coming off yet.

[fitznj]

Iv'e been using Rustoleum HI-TEMP (BBQ) paint from HD; It seems to have a high percentage of solid and is tough. I've used this on the A-frame of my TTp It has help up well;

Last year I covered it with Rustoleum Anti-chip/textured paint; This seems to be really tough and has grit in the paint; So far - so good;

All come in aerosol; Obviously preparation is key to good adhesion

[shadows4]

I bought the cheapest gloss black paint I could find. Cleaned up the hitch, lightly sanded it then painted it. I then contacted Cequent and requested new decals for the hitch. I did all this last month.
I also painted the edge of the jaws white. Much easier to see if they are latched.
Also if you use a nylon disk on the pin you shouldn't get but minimal paint coming off on the hitch plate.


This is the results.