I towed our travel trailer probably 10 times so far, and now most of the inside of hitch receiver is rusted (when we bought the trailer, the hitch was a bit rusty; truck’s receiver was like new).

Is there anything that can prevent the spread of the rust?

Thank you!

 

Spray it down with WD-40 periodically.

 

Fluid film lasts a lot longer than general purpose WD40.

 

Thank you guys. Something like that Fluid film?

Should I clean the rust before applying the fluid film?

 

I literally just re-sprayed mine the other day. I just hit the whole thing with a metal wire brush, sprayed down with brake cleaner then used some Rust-oleum rust reformer. I also use fluid film on a lot of other things on my vehicle. For example, where the wheels meet the rotor face, certain other metal on metal contact, etc.

 

I think fighting the rust inside the receiver is a bit like swimming against the stream. Sure, if it gets too bad, give it a light sanding or take a wire brush to it and respray. For me, I bought a rubber plug - no brand name and has a rubber strap thing attached that wraps around the receiver so you don't lose it when a hitch is in there. Looks good, hides the rust and i think it was like $10-$20. if you want, I can take a picture and try to track down where I got it.

 

Boeshield, it dries and it lasts a long, long time. We use it on guns, knives, boats, you name it, good stuff.

 

Water ingress is going to be difficult to fend off.
The inside becomes rusty because your metal to metal contact is rubbing away the finish (as it will do naturally). As the metal wears, moisture will attack the metal and/or rain ingress is difficult to prevent with all the openings. Paired up with the fact it sits, contributing to stand water and whala, rust.
Treat it after your travels if you really feel it is necessary is really about all you can do. Pick up a small wire brush, hit the surface for a few seconds and spray with your favorite thing, such as the fluid film listed above.

 

Fluidfilm or Woolwax.

 

Yeah, I thought about it buying the plug… But, won’t it cause even more rust, because it will be partially closed, and won’t be vintilated?