See full version: How to Get the Rust Off a Trailer Hitch
If you have a chrome ball or chrome hitch that's showing signs of rust, simply ball up a piece of aluminum foil, dip it in white distilled vinegar or Coca-Cola and lightly rub the rusty spots. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft, clean rag. Follow up by polishing with two coats of carnuba car wax. here
If you tow a camper, boat, or trailer you may notice your trailer hitch rusting. Prevent this with proper maintenance, regular use, and wax or paint. But if you have an existing hitch that's rusted, there are several ways to remove the rust.
If you have an iron trailer hitch or hitch ball that's beginning to rust you can remove the rust with Naval Jelly. First, remove any loose or flaking rust with a wire brush. Then apply Naval Jelly and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes—no longer than 15 minutes. Rinse and repeat if any rust still remains. Dry the metal and paint with an oil-based paint within 24 hours to prevent the return of the rust. here
Depending on the location of the rust, this solution might be the one for you. Rub salt over the rusted area and then squeeze lemon juice atop of the salt. Leave to sit for a few hours and then scour the rust away. Steel wool works well, but should be used gently, so as not to damage the metal further. This method is best used on small patches of rust in easy-to-access areas. [links]
The acidic nature of white vinegar makes it a useful weapon against rusting objects, and many people swear by its efficacy. Simply place your spring in a container with vinegar, swish it around, and then let it sit for a day or more. The longer the spring is in the vinegar, the longer the acid has to corrode the rust.
Using an abrasive material such as steel wool, a wire brush, or sandpaper to remove the surface rusting. Deeper rust might not be affected, but scrubbing away the worst of the loose particles may be easier than you think.
5. Homemade and store solutions
4. Lemon juice and salt
3. Baking soda here
Vinegar is very effective in cleaning aluminium boats.
Cleaning your boat is a very vital step in the maintenance of your boat.
Vinegar has amazing cleaning properties, however there are a few things that vinegar won’t clean and things that you should avoid using vinegar on. here
Re-Passivating the Galvanized Surface Re-passivation of a surface can be achieved by treating the surface with a solution of 0.1% sulfuric acid and 5% sodium dichromate, then brushing with a solid wire brush for 30 seconds, and finally rinsing the surface thoroughly.
Similarly, are galvanized trailers good? Naturally, what your trailer is constructed of is important. Today, you have two choices: aluminum and galvanized steel. Most boat trailers are aluminum because it's lighter and less prone to corrosion than steel. Still, unless you'll be using it in fresh water only, aluminum is the better choice by far.
It is not uncommon for galvanized steel to last more than 70 years under certain conditions. To get a good idea of how long your project will last, see the service-life chart. here