Treating rust spots?

[LuckyDuck]

Our TT is only a couple of years old but I’ve noticed some rust spots popping up, particularly around the hitch. I can’t figure out what might have caused the dings on the ball hitch, but it looks like it’s been pummeled with rocks! We don’t live near the ocean and it’s not particularly wet here, and no snow or salted roads. At any rate, I’d like to stem this before it gets worse. Any suggestions on a treatment? Is there a black Rustoleum color they might spot match without having to repaint the entire A-frame? Thanks!

[JFlightRisk]

I can touch up our tongue with a semi-flat black rattle can. Some makers like Plastikote call it Hot Rod Black. Same color. It seems to blend better than a regular gloss black or flat black. The proper way would be to sand the rust, and spray it with primer first, but I just give it a couple of coats. We use a Gorilla lock, and it leaves rusty marks and worn spots over the season.

[LuckyDuck]

Thanks JFlight. Part of it is likely the padlock on the hitch lever. Can’t figure out the gash on the front of the hitch. My Reese lock wraps above farther back. I’ve heard this POR 15 is good, too. May try it. https://www.por15.com/

[mokurt]

Sand the areas first then spray.

[DocBrown]

POR 15 is great stuff but prep work is critical. If you are not familiar with prep and painting I'd recommend just sanding it and shooting it with Rustoleum Matte Black in a spray can. Just spray the A frame part of the tongue so it doesn't look as obvious. Run warm water into a container and set the can in it for 5 minutes just before spraying. You'll get a more even spray pattern.

I have to do my tongue and jack soon also. It's getting pretty rusty. I do my entire frame every so often also.

[LuckyDuck]

Originally Posted by DocBrown

POR 15 is great stuff but prep work is critical. If you are not familiar with prep and painting I'd recommend just sanding it and shooting it with Rustoleum Matte Black in a spray can. Just spray the A frame part of the tongue so it doesn't look as obvious. Run warm water into a container and set the can in it for 5 minutes just before spraying. You'll get a more even spray pattern.

I have to do my tongue and jack soon also. It's getting pretty rusty. I do my entire frame every so often also.

Thanks for the advice! I’m no paint expert, so rattle can sounds like the way to go. Glad to know this isn’t uncommon.