Will Rust on Trailer Ball Affect Its Performance

Updated 04/08/2014 | Published 04/06/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(507)

$38.16

White Grease Hitch Ball Lube

(221)

$14.40

Question:

Good Afternoon, After reading your review of the ball I bought this one to be well on the safe side for my 10k trailer. After buying my ball and having it less than a month with no grease on it, and has developed rust, will this be an issue with towing and safety? Thank You

asked by: Kenneth R

Expert Reply:

The small amount of surface rust on your ball will not affect its future performance. If the ball had been exposed to the elements for many months or years and the corrosion was more severe, I would be reluctant to use it. Since the rust is minor, you can use it with no worries.

I would recommend keeping a light coating of grease like part # 58117 on the ball. This will prevent further corrosion, and will also quiet the connection to a degree.

The Curt # C40085 has a raw, machined finish. There is no chrome plating to provide corrosion resistance. This being said, after a period of time the chrome plating can become worn off, and surface corrosion will occur anyway.

expert reply by: Mike L