Drilling a drainage hole in receiver hitch?

[Alliedog]

Hi guys, after an epic battle, removing a rusted in towing hitch, I noticed that is seems the receiver is enclosed at the end. I feel that this wouldn't allow water to escape and would encourage rust to form.
Just wondering if drilling a hole or two on either the underside or in the end plate of the receiver, to allow water drainage, would pose any structural or other issues? Has anyone else done this?

[Dicko1]

Shouldn,t hurt as many have a hole drilled in for anti rattle bolt. I,d cover the shaft in sticky grease and then put back in hitch receiver. Or leave it out till needed.

[Alliedog]

Shouldn,t hurt as many have a hole drilled in for anti rattle bolt. I,d cover the shaft in sticky grease and then put back in hitch receiver. Or leave it out till needed.

Mine has a hole underneath with an anti rattle bolt, however I think any water that goes beyond that will be stuck.
I plan on leaving the tow hitch out until I need it, but that leaves the receiver open to collect water. I should have a little time on Sunday, might drill a couple of drainage holes in the end of the hitch receiver then.

I popped into Autobarn for a cap to cover the end, the cheapest was $15. I just couldn't justify paying that for a plastic cap (its the principle), so I'll hit up ebay a bit later!

[Billy500]

How did you remove the hitch...mine is in for keeps and hitching it to a land post didn't even budge it.
Went to a tow bar supplier and he advised it would be cheaper to buy a whole new tow bar that try to remove the hitch.
Cheers
Bob

[Keithyv]

I popped into Autobarn for a cap to cover the end, the cheapest was $15. I just couldn't justify paying that for a plastic cap (its the principle), so I'll hit up ebay a bit later!

Yeah I refused to pay that too for a lump of plastic.
Got one on Amyama or Aliexpress or one of those for about $1.50

[Nab]

Went to a tow bar supplier and he advised it would be cheaper to buy a whole new tow bar that try to remove the hitch.

Spoke like a true salesman!!! Attach it to a solid tree/post, put a bit on tension on it(have someone in the cab with the car in drive) and whack it with a mash hammer. Should get it out!

[Alliedog]

How did you remove the hitch...mine is in for keeps and hitching it to a land post didn't even budge it.
Went to a tow bar supplier and he advised it would be cheaper to buy a whole new tow bar that try to remove the hitch.
Cheers
Bob

Ended up doing what this bloke did, worked a treat! Spraying vinegar into it, whacking in and out with small sledge. Came out in about 10-15 mins.

https://youtu.be/dLehNU5HVQA

[jkwpajero]

Never leave a hitch in permanently It is only needed when towing so when you are not why leave it here? Leave it out and give the receiver a spray with Lanotec now and then.


James

[Dicko1]

Never leave a hitch in permanently It is only needed when towing so when you are not why leave it here? Leave it out and give the receiver a spray with Lanotec now and then.


James

Coppers (in QLD) are starting to book people with hitches that are in the receiver and stick out past the spare wheel cover. i HAVE A PIECE OF ALUMINIUM SQUARE TUBE FROM A POOL FENCE AND IT IS ATTACHED TO A BASE (FOR THE POOL FENCE POLE. fITS PERFECT AND HOLE DRILLED FOR THE PIN KEEPS IT IN PLACE. i DID THIS AS i HAVE THE bUSHSKINZ REAR BUMPER ADDON AND IT HELPS SUPPORT IT WHEN THE HITCH IS NOT IN. nOT NECESSARY BUT i PREFER IT ANYWAY. aLSO KEEPS THE GREASE IN AND THE DIRT OUT.

[Hill]

When picking up a new tongue last year I indicated that the old towbar tongue was a bit difficult to remove.

They indicated that at times they replace the whole towbar when they are unable to remove coupling.

Cleaning out the rust and adding grease is what they recommend as maintenance.

Hill

[Alliedog]

Never leave a hitch in permanently It is only needed when towing so when you are not why leave it here? Leave it out and give the receiver a spray with Lanotec now and then.


James

Yep, exactly why I wanted to remove it. I suspect the previous owner never removed it. Only thing is, now it's basically a square tube sealed at one end, hence the query about adding a drainage hole or two.
Not sure what Lanotec is, but I'll do some googling.

[koshari]

Yep, exactly why I wanted to remove it. I suspect the previous owner never removed it. Only thing is, now it's basically a square tube sealed at one end, hence the query about adding a drainage hole or two.
Not sure what Lanotec is, but I'll do some googling.

lanotec is basically lanolin (sheep produce it) IN AN AEROSOL.

[nj swb]

lanotec is basically lanolin (sheep produce it) IN AN AEROSOL.

Lanolin is awesome stuff - when was the last time you saw a rusty sheep?

[Alliedog]

Lanolin is awesome stuff - when was the last time you saw a rusty sheep?

Haha, I can't argue with that! Maybe I could just jam a sheep in there.

[Travis73]

Perhaps ram a sheep in there...