Frequently Asked Questions

·         Q: I stumbled upon you through Ebay or an internet search. What exactly is a ‘hitch cover’ and what does a hitch cover do?

A: A hitch cover is a protective cover designed to slide inside the square receiver of your hitch. The primary function of a hitch cover is to protect the hitch from rain, dirt, etc. The secondary function is aesthetic in nature: a unique opportunity to express something about yourself. The look you want is purely up to you. Our hitches are supplied with a gasket to create a tight seal. One added benefit: customers often comment that they love being able to quickly identify their own vehicle in a crowded parking lot.

·         Q: How do I know what size hitch I have?

A: Just measure across the inside width of the receiver. There are two sizes:

o      1 ¼” is the smaller size

o      2” id the standard size

It’s rare to have sizes different than the aforementioned two above. We have had requests for some different size covers like 2 ½” or 3”.

One example of a customized hitch cover is a power chair ‘hitch’ (see photo).

We can customize the hitch cover to fit your application. Just send in your request to sales@hardhathitch.com

·       Q: How do I secure the hitch cover in place?

A: Each cover has two sets of holes in the square tubing so when the cover is inserted into the receiver, you can slide it down so that the holes line up with holes in your receiver. There are special pins and locks (we sell them in our store) that are inserted through the receiver and hitch cover holes that hold the cover in place. A pin just holds it in place. A lock holds it & locks it securely in place. We now recommend and carry locks because of feedback from too many customers who are re-ordering because someone stole their hitch cover. Don’t be that guy/girl!

·       Q: Why Aluminum?

A: Our hitch covers are made from marine grade aluminum, the same stuff they use in ship yards. Aluminum, hands down, is the best material in terms of strength, weight and corrosion resistance for a hitch cover. In the sign making industry, aluminum is considered an ideal material for outdoor signs requiring longevity and ruggedness. The less expensive hitch covers are made of plastic. The plastic ones eventually fade and look very shabby and weathered over time. The steel ones are very strong, but very heavy. Typically they are made from a 16 gauge sheet metal and have poor corrosion resistance. Although they can be chromed or powder coated, inevitably the rust starts peeling and bubbling through and it looks bad. Nice car. Crappy hitch cover. Aluminum does not rust like steel. It has a unique characteristic; it creates a thin clear oxide layer that is very tough and clear. Most outdoor furniture is made from aluminum for these reasons. 

·       Q: What is an ‘auto emblem’ and how does it stick?

A: You all have seen those chromed plastic emblems (usually a university logo) sold as impulse items at your local Autozone or even the corner gas station. Our emblems are very similar to these, only nicer with a more varied selection. They are made from genuine polished marine grade aluminum metal, won’t peel and fade over time, and will last indefinitely. We use double sided 3M tape designed for outdoor applications. You are not limited to applying our emblems to your vehicle; they can go on any clean smooth surface, inside or outside.

·       Q: Can I get a custom emblem?

A: Yes. Just send us a digital file of your graphic or business logo with dimensions, preferred application, finish, etc. and we will reply within 3 business days with a quote. Whether it’s special badging for your car, a funky grill ornament, or personalized mailbox decoration, etc, we can supply a customized touch. Please see our gallery page for samples of custom projects we’ve completed.

·       Q: Can I get a plate without the tubing welded on the back?

A: Yes. All the hitch covers we make can also be made in small, medium or large emblem or plate form.  If you don’t see it in our store, please let us know and we will make it to meet your specifications.

·       Q: I don’t see my dog breed or the silhouette I want. Can you make it?

A: Absolutely. Just send us a request at sales@hardhathitch.com and we will reply with a quote within 3 business days. If you have a graphic you want us to use, just send it along with your request.

·       Q: Can I engrave text on of your existing hitch covers, plates or emblems?

A: Absolutely. Just send us a request at sales@hardhathitch.com and we will reply with a quote within 3 business days.

·       Q: Do you do Custom work?

A: Yes. We have hundreds of hitch cover and emblem designs and add new ones every month; however, there are endless ideas for personalization. We help customers employ their business logo, web site address, personal interests, hobbies, etc. into a hitch cover or emblem design. Just send us a request at sales@hardhathitch.com and we will reply with a quote within 3 business days.

·       Q: How do I care for my emblem or HC?

A: We recommend you care for your emblem or hitch cover the same way you would care for the finish of your car. Wash with car cleaner and protect with a coat of quality car polish/wax. There are a lot of excellent polishes/waxes out there and we have tried a number of them. One of our favorites is the Harley glaze polish/sealant because it goes on smoothly and buffs the finish into a nice shine. No one paid us to say that; it’s just our opinion.

·       Q: What’s the best finish to get?

A: We offer 3 different finishes: brushed, polished, and powder coated. They are all nice – it depends on your car color and your preferences. All the finishes are low maintenance (see above for care instructions).

o      Brushed Aluminum has a nice bright luster and is the easiest to care for. It is also our most popular finish.

o      Polished aluminum looks like chrome. It is our nicest finish and looks best with cars with a lot of bling (e.g. Hummer, Escalade, Lexus, etc).

o      We primarily powder coat in black but we can do other colors upon request. Aluminum requires special primers and a very clean substrate before painting. We prefer powder coat finish because it is tougher and longer lasting than paint. Customers with white or light cars might choose a black powder coat finish because the contrast would highlight the piece best.

·       Q: Do you sell wholesale or give a discount for group buys?

A: Although we utilize CNC technology, most of our work is completed by hand. We do not mass produce anything and much of our focus is on unique items that are not easily found elsewhere. Our work is individually crafted and every piece is hand finished. We do offer discounts for buying more than 10 items and we offer special deals for group buys (i.e. car clubs, fire houses, companies, kennel clubs, etc.). 

·       Q: How do I polish my own hitch?

A: If you would like to polish your own piece, we are happy to provide you with instructions. It is not rocket science to polish an aluminum finish. It is somewhat laborious, requiring patience and willingness to get dirty.  All you need are a few common tools that are probably already in your garage (or easily purchased at your local discount or hardware store). Just let us know if you want to polish an item and we will prepare the surface to a 200 grit finish See Polishing Instructions.

Note: we charge $15.00 to put a polished finish on your hitch cover or plate. This is a labor charge as everything is hand polished.

·       Q: I’m buying a new car/truck/motorcycle, etc. How do I remove my emblem and transfer it to my new vehicle?

A: You can remove your emblem in the same way your local car paint service provider would remove badging on your car in order to prep and paint. If you are buying a new car, many dealerships can remove your emblem for you if you ask. If you want to remove it yourself, click here for a pictorial.

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