Hi, my, new to me, FF has a factory fit electrically deploy able towbar that doesn’t look like it has ever been used. It is black in colour and I assume painted? On previous cars when I have had towbars fitted I have always removed the paint prior to use so not to contaminate the hitch pads. Once not in use I would then put on a cover to stop the tow ball corroding. My question is should I remove the black surface treatment and if so how do I stop corrosion as in the handbook it states not to put a cover on the tow ball?

Thanks 2019 Autobiography SDV8 Byron blue/black - current
2016 Vogue SE SDV8 Santorini Black/Ivory - sold
2009 RR Sport TDV8 HSE - sold

Had this same issue with two new cars.
JLR say leave it on Alko (caravan chassis maker) are very non comital.
So I always remove the paint then I have control over what contamination if any gets on the stabiliser pads.
Had no issues over the many years I have been towing adopting this method. 2008 Vogue Black - gone
2012 Vogue SE White - gone
2016 Autobiography Blue - gone
2019 Autobiography Grey - gone
2020 SVAutobiography Red

Thanks Palli,

Do you leave the tow ball uncovered as the handbook says, and, if not, does it corrode? 2019 Autobiography SDV8 Byron blue/black - current
2016 Vogue SE SDV8 Santorini Black/Ivory - sold
2009 RR Sport TDV8 HSE - sold

Since mine is deployable it is not possible to leave covered when stowed. So a wipe with a clean cloth before hitching up clears any surface rust etc. 2008 Vogue Black - gone
2012 Vogue SE White - gone
2016 Autobiography Blue - gone
2019 Autobiography Grey - gone
2020 SVAutobiography Red

Yes. Always clean off the paint with some sandpaper or emery cloth.

It does depend on what you tow though.

If you aren’t towing something with a stabiliser hitch then it doesn’t really matter too
Much. But if you have an Alko type hitch then yes. It will contaminate the pads on the stabiliser. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

Thanks guys👍 2019 Autobiography SDV8 Byron blue/black - current
2016 Vogue SE SDV8 Santorini Black/Ivory - sold
2009 RR Sport TDV8 HSE - sold