Hitch Covers

[harpoon-KEY]

Do you guys cover your hitches either between trips or during winter? If you do, is there anything to look for when buying one (other than fit)? We have one trip left this season (next weekend in Vermont), and then the winterizing process begins. First time with the Montana, so I'll probably be firing more questions your way.

 

[Art-n-Marge]

If I stored it outdoors in the elements then I would cover it. However, it would take a lot to find it convenient to store this critical piece of equipment outside, therefore I store my hitch in my garage on a dolly I created for it, and I don't find a need for a cover.

When installed and on the road, I'm not out long enough to mess with a cover. I suppose this would matter a lot more if I took trips for a long duration with the hitch installed, and not towing, but I fear it would be stolen.

 

[Capt Kidd]

Bought a hitch cover when we bought the hitch 5 years ago. Have used it maybe 3 times. Guess we are just too lazy to pit it on.

 

[1retired06]

We have a bedcover, protects everything in the back of the truck to include the hitch.

 

[grayghost03]

B&W Hitch here, takes 10 seconds to take the hitch part (the head) and put it in the toolbox. No cover necessary.

 

[8.1al]

Our hitch has been in the elements for 10 years and it's doing fine. It's not shiny and new looking, I painted it once and keep the moving parts lubricated. Now that we are not fulltiming any more I will probably remove it and store it in the garage

 

[SEnfinger]

Use the truck bed cover to protect it when not in use as it is also lockable.

 

[racerjoe]

Just because of all the moving parts, I would either cover or remove it for the winter. especially if you are in snow country.If you leave it on and covered I would generously lube all the moving parts so old man winter isn't to harsh on it. Thats my opinion...

 

[DQDick]

Always left it in the truck and lubed it liberally. Where we lived before we went full timing if it was covered but not sealed moisture would actually condense on the inside of the cover, like a tent, and then drip on the hitch and take far longer to evaporate. As Charlie said ours isn't the prettiest, but none the worse for ware.

 

[Recumbent-MOC]

When parked for the winter in FL and at other longer term sites we keep the hitch hanging from the pen box on the Monty. These hitches are made to take the weather, and just before putting back in truck bed do the lubrication needed. This gives us a flat bed in the truck, and we use locks through the arm along with a small piece of chain between the two hitch parts for security. Oh, one other benefit is hitch hanging down under pen box within most people's view helps folks not bump their head/arms etc.

 

[bncinwv]

Ours has been in the weather for over six years now without a problem. Have never painted it, lubed it once during this period, and the only real wear that can be detected is on the top plate. With that being said, we are going to upgrade the hitch next Spring, and with looking at a cost of $2500 for a new air hitch, I may well cover it just to protect the air bags during the winter months.
Bingo

 

[Skeeter812]

We have a Retrax Pro on the Ram. This keeps the hitch out of the elements.

 

[Hooker-MOC]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

We have a bedcover, protects everything in the back of the truck to include the hitch.

Ditto, also hides what's there from the curious.

 

[Artemus]

Never thought about covering it. Powder coated so its rust resistant, and besides I would have to cover it, and uncover it way too often! It's all but impossible to steal anything from my truck, and mine is under 24/7 video tied to a storage device.. That camera is tied to our trucks "Hot Spot"! One of our "rear view safety" camera's are mounted on "Generator box" and tied into our Drop-Cam. I get notified (on my cell phone) anytime movement occures in or around my truck. Actually I can even talk to potential theives via my cell phone, through each of my mounted camera's. I love technology! Lol

 

[harpoon-KEY]

Thanks for the responses. Quite a number of opinions/solutions on this.

 

[HOOK-MOC]

Never cover ours. No problems. Paint it about once a year with Rustoleum.