2016 factory hitch removal

I want to remove the factory hitch to clean up the rust. Probably get it cleaned and powder coated. Any thing to watch out for? I have installed and removed a few aftermarket hitches so I have some ability. Thanks

 

Welcome from OKC! It's a heavy one, be careful!

 

The hitch is an integral part of the frame and bumper.
Enjoy...

 

Have a 2016 here as well, and some surface rust on mine too.

My plan is to remove the plastic bumper top thing, tape off some plastic all around it, and use a wire brush on a drill attachment to remove existing rust and paint. Then, POR-15 via brush application. Finally, gloss black Rustoleum. Let dry a day, replace plastic cover. Seems easier than removing it, and changes little/nothing about the steps to take. Only downside is the need to use paint vs a powdercoat.

 

Another option would be to spray it with an oil undercoating product, which should prevent rust, protect the components, and keep bolts from freezing. And its tendency to creep into small gaps would eliminate the need to disassemble anything.

 

Well, I got the hitch off. That's not a project for the faint-of-heart. Only broke one non-critical bolt but was able to remove it later. Didn't have a way to weight it but it seems like a hundred pounds. I'm going to get it powder coated.

 

I admire your dedication to getting what you want...
Well done Sir..

Post a pic when you're done..

 

Definitely reassuring my decision to paint it in place, here!

 

The rust on that doesn't seem bad enough to warrant removal imo.

 

Got my hitch done at Performance Powder Coating Columbus Ohio
I intend to use a spray on rust inhibitor on the frame as I reassemble.
I have used POR15 before, but I don’t think I could clean the frame properly for that.

 

Mind if I ask what that ran you?

 

That's purdy..
It's going to look better than it did new..

 

Make sure the hitch still fits in the receiver before re-installing.

 

I'm not sure that thing looks like it was properly prepped for powdercoating. Should have been sandblasted down to bare metal and all the rust that didn't blast away ground down to bare metal to have a virgin surface to coat. That being said, grinding material away from a structural component would give me as much pause as it being very rusty. I see rough or bubbly spots in the same places the rust was visible in the prior pictures.

 

Maybe it's just so glossy it's reflecting something else in the room?

 

KNABORES, Why do you think it wasn't done properly?

 

First image shows all of the rusty scale buildup:



second post coating image shows what looks like bubbly areas in the same areas on the back side of the hitch:


How does it look close up? I’ve had a powdercoating disaster before, zero prep by the shop, all started peeling off.

 

I'll certainly keep an eye on it.

 

Got my hitch and bumper back together, I even put all the bolts back! I'm happy with it.

 

Great job, looks like new!