Troubleshooting Chrome Plated Hitch Pin Stuck Inside Receiver With Aluminum Trailer Hitch

Updated 10/02/2023 | Published 10/01/2023

Question:

Chrome-plated receiver hitch pin corroded into my solid aluminum trailer hitch.

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

First you are going to have to get your corroded hitch pin out of your receiver and hitch. For this you will want to use some penetrating oil to try and break up as much of the corrosion as possible. A wrench can be used on the hitch pin to try and turn it inside the receiver which can help to break up some of the corrosion and make removing the hitch pin easier. If you are still having trouble some heat can be used as well but make sure you remove any excess penetrating oil as it can cause a fire.

I always recommend using a Stainless Steel Hitch Pin # 34061071-D when you plan on leaving a hitch on a truck for an extended period of time. The chrome plating on some hitch pins easily chips and exposes bare steel which quickly corrodes when left exposed to the elements.

expert reply by: Bud M