Has anyone re painted their 5er hitch?

SmittysRV · 11-20-2014, 08:55 AM

I am in the process of cleaning up / re painting my 5er hitch. I have the Air Safe Hitch and it is getting pretty chipped up and needs a face lift. Damn this thing is heavy!!! I have started to sand it down and will be looking to prime and paint soon. Any suggestions on primer and paint that work good with rust and will last in this application? I will post a few pictures of the Hitch as I go. Thank you!!

This was when I removed it from the truck

I broke it down into three sections for sanding

Desert185 · 11-20-2014, 09:31 AM

I've had reasonably good luck with ACE Hardware brand of rattle can paint. Rustoleum is another good brand. If you have a compressor and spray outfit there are better options.

Edit: just get rid of the rough rust and spray the remainder with rust killer and paint.

**JRTJH** · 11-20-2014, 09:53 AM

I agree, on mild steel, wire brush the rust scales, clean it up, treat with a rust inhibitor, let it dry, prime and paint with a good quality rust inhibitor paint like Rustoleum. There's no need to go overboard making it look like new, it's just going to get chipped, scuffed, scraped and banged up again. The objective, at least for me, would be to keep it functional and prevent corrosion from making things weak/unserviceable.

SmittysRV · 11-20-2014, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert185

I've had reasonably good luck with ACE Hardware brand of rattle can paint. Rustoleum is another good brand. If you have a compressor and spray outfit there are better options.

Edit: just get rid of the rough rust and spray the remainder with rust killer and paint.

Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

I agree, on mild steel, wire brush the rust scales, clean it up, treat with a rust inhibitor, let it dry, prime and paint with a good quality rust inhibitor paint like Rustoleum. There's no need to go overboard making it look like new, it's just going to get chipped, scuffed, scraped and banged up again. The objective, at least for me, would be to keep it functional and prevent corrosion from making things weak/unserviceable.

Yes!! Exactly what I want to do. Im not trying to make it look new, just wanna make it last as long as possible. Now that I have recently made a cover for it while in the truck I think this time around it will stay in better shape.

SmittysRV · 11-20-2014, 10:28 AM

So far I have it one section sanded down to about where I think its ready to be cleaned and prepped for paint.....

hankaye · 11-20-2014, 12:08 PM

SmittysRV, Howdy;

Nice cover you got yourself, how well will it allow any trapped moisture to
evaporate?
As for treating the metal, personally, I'd sand/wire-wheel what I could and
use some Navel Jelly for all the exposed metal. It contains an inhibitor, is
quick to use and cleans up with water. Then use Rust-o-ileum (sp?), primer
and topcoat. Maybe a step or two more but it should last a long time.
Just how I'd go about it...

hankaye

bsmith0404 · 11-20-2014, 05:53 PM

Personally, I've never liked rustoleum, I prefer to use Krylon and have always had good luck with the durability and it dries soooo much faster.

Poppy's 5th Wheel · 11-21-2014, 07:57 AM

Man I want to do this. Mine is looking worn but I've always been a little afraid I'd get it in pieces and forget how to put it back together again

All kidding aside I am concerned about what the proper toque values are on the various bolts.

You've given me motivation ... I'm going to tackle it.

Desert185 · 11-21-2014, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppy's 5th Wheel

Man I want to do this. Mine is looking worn but I've always been a little afraid I'd get it in pieces and forget how to put it back together again

All kidding aside I am concerned about what the proper toque values are on the various bolts.

You've given me motivation ... I'm going to tackle it.

Step one: Ensure you have hernia insurance.

SmittysRV · 11-21-2014, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert185

Step one: Ensure you have hernia insurance.

YES!!! If anyone else has this Air Safe Hitch, WOW its heavy...... I called them and I will get assembly instructions, just incase

I like the wire wheel recommendation for the tight areas, my air sander cant get those tight areas. Thanks everyone!!!

Desert185 · 11-21-2014, 09:18 AM

You're going to show after pics I hope. This is a good thing you're doing to maintain your equipment. I like it.

SmittysRV · 11-21-2014, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hankaye

SmittysRV, Howdy;

Nice cover you got yourself, how well will it allow any trapped moisture to
evaporate?
As for treating the metal, personally, I'd sand/wire-wheel what I could and
use some Navel Jelly for all the exposed metal. It contains an inhibitor, is
quick to use and cleans up with water. Then use Rust-o-ileum (sp?), primer
and topcoat. Maybe a step or two more but it should last a long time.
Just how I'd go about it...

hankaye

There is an opening near the top for the pull handle that I think assists with moisture evaporation. However, I'm one mile as a crow flies to the Ocean and without the cover the wetness, moisture and rust takes over. I keep the truck covered as well when not in use.

SmittysRV · 11-21-2014, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert185

You're going to show after pics I hope. This is a good thing you're doing to maintain your equipment. I like it.

Yes! unfortunately I will be gone for the weekend at training so no work will get done this weekend

Ill hopefully get some time to get back at it next week. Thx!

Brantlaker · 11-21-2014, 01:45 PM

I always use Rust-Oleum they have a rust primer in black that changes the Rust into something else. I brush it, sand it then prime it. let it dry for 24hr then paint it. The choice of paint is up to you. I have tried other brands over the years and always come back to the Rust-Oleum. I have even used it to paint a old 57 Plymouth back in the late 70's. It has been working on my 15 year old snow plow and I do it every 5 years or so.