What is Better for Salt Water: Chrome Lug Nuts or Stainless Steel Lug Nuts

Updated 06/29/2016 | Published 06/28/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(6834)

$160.00

Americana Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - 7/8" Diameter - Stainless Steel - 1/2" - 20

(55)

$7.99

Kodiak Trailer Wheel Lug Nut - Stainless Steel - 1/2" - Qty 1

(124)

$7.56

Question:

I have a boat trailer with galvanized steel rims that I use in saltwater on the gulf coast. Im thinking about replacing with nicer looking aluminum rims. Should I go with chrome or stainless steel lug nuts or does it matter from a saltwater perspective?

asked by: Mike

Helpful Expert Reply:

It actually matters greatly! Chrome is not all that corrosion resistant. Stainless steel on the other hand is light years ahead of chrome as far as corrosion resistance. Since you are at the Gulf Coast and salt water stainless steel is the way to go.

I do not know the size you need but some examples of stainless steel lug nuts include # AM90070 or # KALN1375S for 1/2"-20 threads (very common). On aluminum wheels regular lug nuts won't work well because they are not long enough to stick out enough to get a tool on them to loosen/tighten them down. Longer lug nuts like the 2 example above work much better.

expert reply by: Michael H