Hitch Receiver Covers

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12-19-2011, 04:16 AM
Catrin

Hitch Receiver Covers

How important is to to have a hitch receiver cover if there isn't anything attached? A friend is helping me remove my hitch rack for the season tomorrow evening. I've looked online for the covers and while I can find basic ones for $3.75, it seems like all of the sites want $6-$9 extra to ship it. I am not paying $12-$13 for something that costs under $4!

I imagine that having it does help prevent rusting...ideas on local stores where I can find such a thing in stock? So far I've not had much luck...but I am probably just not looking in the right place.
12-19-2011, 05:09 AM
7rider

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catrin

How important is to to have a hitch receiver cover if there isn't anything attached? A friend is helping me remove my hitch rack for the season tomorrow evening. I've looked online for the covers and while I can find basic ones for $3.75, it seems like all of the sites want $6-$9 extra to ship it. I am not paying $12-$13 for something that costs under $4!

I imagine that having it does help prevent rusting...ideas on local stores where I can find such a thing in stock? So far I've not had much luck...but I am probably just not looking in the right place.

It's not important at all.
A cover is purely cosmetic and a chance to add a little personality. That's it.
I got a cheapie Ford emblem one from Target years ago.
12-19-2011, 05:13 AM
Catrin

It doesn't keep moisture out and prevent rusting? If that is so, then I see no reason to spend the money.
12-19-2011, 05:56 AM
Crankin

Apparently, they are important to some people. DH had a Sparky (ASU) hitch cover and someone stole it right off of his car, when we were shopping one day. Now he has a plain black one.
12-19-2011, 06:07 AM
7rider

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catrin

It doesn't keep moisture out and prevent rusting? If that is so, then I see no reason to spend the money.

No. If anything, it probably keep moisture in.
12-19-2011, 06:18 AM
OakLeaf

I would put a cover on the electrical plug, though. I don't have any experience with trailer electrics specifically, but I've spent way more than my share of time replacing connectors in a certain moto that will remain nameless. (Soldering is where I first realized I needed reading glasses...) Protecting exposed contacts is a good thing.
12-19-2011, 07:51 AM
Catrin

Quote:

Originally Posted by OakLeaf

I would put a cover on the electrical plug, though. I don't have any experience with trailer electrics specifically, but I've spent way more than my share of time replacing connectors in a certain moto that will remain nameless. (Soldering is where I first realized I needed reading glasses...) Protecting exposed contacts is a good thing.

I don't think I have an electric plug? I just have a 1.25 inch hitch for my Thule hitch rack. I guess I will need to look and see if I do happen to have one...
12-19-2011, 08:27 AM
maillotpois

Unless you got your hitch specifically to tow a trailer, you probably don't have plugs/wires. A bike rack hitch doesn't require it. But if it does - YES, cover those.

Mine doesn't have wires. And no, I don't use a cover.
12-19-2011, 08:51 AM
Pax

Got Farm & Fleet over there? About $3 for a plastic one; but they're just cosmetic (covers the rusty scratched up hole).