Will a Trailer Hitch Ball with a Raw Finish Last as Long as a Ball with a Chrome Finish

Updated 03/05/2012 | Published 03/01/2012

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 20,000 lbs

(2621)

$31.16

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-1/2" Long Shank - Raw - 30,000 lbs

(424)

$52.00

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Raw Finish - 30,000 lbs

(507)

$38.17

Question:

Is the life of the ball negatively affected when you purchase one with a raw finish? In other words, would a similar ball with a chrome finish last longer?

asked by: Bret A

Expert Reply:

A chrome finish ball is going to look good but it will not be corrosion resistant. A ball with a machine finish like # C40041, is going to have about the same corrosion resistance. In terms of performance they will wear at about the same rate under normal use.

The best balls in terms of corrosion are going to be stainless steel followed by zinc coated balls. But in terms of balls that have a 30,000 pound capacity and a 1-1/4 inch shank, ball # BWHB94004 or # C40085 are the only options. If you need a ball with a different capacity, material, or shank diameter, I have included a link to the hitch ball main page for you.

expert reply by: Michael H