Quality Stainless Steel Hitch Ball Setup for Towing a Boat Trailer Around Salt Water

Updated 05/26/2023 | Published 05/24/2023

Question:

I am looking for a solid Stainless Steel 2 5/16” ball, with 1 1/4” shank that include a Stainless Steel nut and lock washer The chrome balls are all junk these days and the chrome wears off the top after a few hours of use, even when greased with minimal tongue weight 200 pounds and then I have a crappy looking rusted ball. With a Stainless ball, I would think this problem would be eliminated but then I get stuck with an ugly rusty nut and lock washer if “zinc” plated. Being around Salt water does wonders to to “zinc”. If you own a boat you know exactly what I’m talking about. Why doesn’t anyone offer quality anymore ? A stainless ball should come with stainless hardware - that’s a given. Do you offer such a product ? Thank You for your time and assistance.

asked by: Henry H

Expert Reply:

Since the Curt 2-5/16" Stainless Steel Hitch Ball # C49FR comes with non-Stainless Steel mounting hardware I recommend taking a completely different route altogether.

For your application I recommend picking up the Self-Locking, Adjustable 2-Ball Mount w Stainless Balls # DTALBM6600-2S. This has Stainless Steel hitch balls and an aluminum body with plugs for the hardware so it's really hard to beat when it comes to overall rust prevention. This has a 6" drop or a 7" rise so you'll need to keep that in mind as well. If you need a lower drop or higher rise just let me know!

expert reply by: Jon G