Hitch Receiver Protection

[jollyroger]

Okay admittedly, probably the goofiest question of the year so far

I've never had a new hitch on a new truck before, always used. And they usually had scoring and a little bit of surface rust. Is there any such thing as something that protects the interior of a hitch receiver? I kinda thought of PPF around the corners but I don't think there is enough space for the actual hitch. There seem to be products like this https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Anti-Rattle/Malone/MPG908.html that are meant to immobilize movement, so maybe the fact that it doesn't rattle keeps the power coat from rubbing off?

Or am I over thinking this and hitch receivers are made to be beat up a little?

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[SANZC02]

Okay admittedly, probably the goofiest question of the year so far

I've never had a new hitch on a new truck before, always used. And they usually had scoring and a little bit of surface rust. Is there any such thing as something that protects the interior of a hitch receiver? I kinda thought of PPF around the corners but I don't think there is enough space for the actual hitch. There seem to be products like this https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Anti-Rattle/Malone/MPG908.html that are meant to immobilize movement, so maybe the fact that it doesn't rattle keeps the power coat from rubbing off?

Or am I over thinking this and hitch receivers are made to be beat up a little?

You are over thinking it. The surface rust and scratches will not hurt it and you will not see it when not being used if the cover is on it.

 

[sac602]

if the scratches and rust bother you, put the cover back on! otherwise there are rubber inserts that look a bit nicer than a dirty hole.

2 Inch Trailer Hitch Cover Black Rubber Tow Receiver Tube Plug Cap Fits for Any 2" x 2" Square Receiver Tube Fits for Class 3 4 5 to-yota F-ord GMC Chevy Je-ep Le-xus Mer-cedes by Sikawai https://a.co/d/2cshyCd

 

[moosetags]

The very first thing that we did when we took delivery of our R1T is remove the hitch receiver cover and put it away for good. We installed a steel step in the receiver to be able to step up on the back of the truck to reach into the bed. This will also help protect the back of the truck from a minor tap to the rear. If you are really concerned about rust, there is a product called Sta-Bil Rust Stopper that We have been using for years to help prevent rust.

Brian

 

[the_mace]

I leave a hitch in, but if you're concerned silicon spray is another option too.

 

[Airbuswillie]

You’re WAY overthinking it man. It’s a truck and a trailer hitch. Either don’t leave it in all the time if you’re not going to use it or just use it and clean it every once in a while. After a lot of use and time and the elements I have seen them get rusted stuck in there but some penetrant and banging around or use can break it free. Worry about other stuff but not how the trailer hitch looks.

 

[moosetags]

Do you have a link to that step? Looks good.

Yes, I got it on Amazon. Here is the link.

Universal Hitch Step | 18" Wide... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZNW6L7Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[zgStevieD]

This is what I got. I like it... tow point, skid plate, rear protection, and a (small) step!
Amazon.com: Supreme Suspensions - Universal Heavy-Duty Multi-Function Hitch Skid Plate with D-Ring Shackle Mount | Universal Fit: Compatible with Any Standard 2" Hitch Receiver : Automotive

 

[Eeyore]

Is there any such thing as something that protects the interior of a hitch receiver?

Nice layer of grease would keep it from rusting. Honestly, I'm just guessing. I've not used a hitch receiver before. My Nissan had a bumper mounted ball for towing and I haven't got anything to pull with my R1T, yet.

 

[JohnB R1T]

Both of those hitch steps/skid plates are great...but you really need a locking hitch pin to keep them from "growing legs" (I have "lost" straight-up receiver/ball inserts in the past). The standard locking dog bone won't fit, since the sidewalls of the Rivian receiver are thicker than "normal", so be sure you get the right one.

 

[mikysee]

This is what I got. I like it... tow point, skid plate, rear protection, and a (small) step!
Amazon.com: Supreme Suspensions - Universal Heavy-Duty Multi-Function Hitch Skid Plate with D-Ring Shackle Mount | Universal Fit: Compatible with Any Standard 2" Hitch Receiver : Automotive

Can you please post some pics of this installed?

 

[zgStevieD]

Can you please post some pics of this installed?

Don’t have any close up but here ya go…

And yes, locking pin (slightly long as mentioned). Oh and... works as an ice scoop too!

 

[foxerson]

Both of those hitch steps/skid plates are great...but you really need a locking hitch pin to keep them from "growing legs" (I have "lost" straight-up receiver/ball inserts in the past). The standard locking dog bone won't fit, since the sidewalls of the Rivian receiver are thicker than "normal", so be sure you get the right one.

Good point. Any suggestions for a locking pin that is long enough?

I’m eyeing the Rhino RB20 hitch step.
https://a.co/d/c7XKT8z

 

[SANZC02]

Good point. Any suggestions for a locking pin that is long enough?

I’m eyeing the Rhino RB20 hitch step.
https://a.co/d/c7XKT8z

If you get a 5/8 diameter locking hitch pin for a 2.5 inch receiver you should be fine.

 

[foxerson]

If you get a 5/8 diameter locking hitch pin for a 2.5 inch receiver you should be fine.

Thanks for the 2,5” suggestion. Looks like this will work:
https://a.co/d/3ltcCmb

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