Trailer Ball Selection - Nickle Chrome, Zink, Stainless, and No Finish/Raw

[Spanky100]

Trailer Ball Selection - Nickle Chrome, Zinc, Stainless, or no finish/raw?

I have always used chrome finish trailer balls. They seem the most common and offer corrosion protection in the areas that the chrome does not wear off. The light grease then provides the corrosion protection in the areas that the chrome finish wears off. Stainless would seem to offer better corrosion protection at a much higher cost. The non-coated (raw) finish is also available but would seem would rust except where the grease is applied.

One observation is that they raw finish is more common with the 2 5/16 inch diameter for the higher load capacity offerings. Other than cost is the Is raw finish more favorable with heat treat as it does not require any additional process. My question is why would people select the raw finish over the chrome finish?

Thanks

Wayne

 

[ovrszd]

Hopefully the experts will step in here and offer educated opinion.

I've always heard that the non-coated variety were stronger. Something about the chroming process weakening the assembly.

We'll see where this goes. I'm interested too because I'm considering a bumper hitch trailer that requires a 2 5/16" ball.

 

[DFB]

You can see the chrome in the dark better by the camplight fire so you don't trip over when your drunk?

As for the bare pop some black spray paint on it in the off season!


I tow weekly..if not daily

I hate grease on my trailer balls (an evil necessity). I never fail to get it on my clothes...especially when I'm dressed well for marketing.

The rest of the time I could give a s**t

 

[ovrszd]

I use Teflon Spray on my GN ball. No mess in the pickup bed.

 

[s219]

I assume you'd want raw if you plan to paint the ball. I have owned or seen many painted balls over the years. In fact, the three-way drawbar I use on my tractor is painted black -- came that way from the store.

 

[DFB]

I use Teflon Spray on my GN ball. No mess in the pickup bed.

Works well?

 

[ovrszd]

Works well?

Yes. I carry a can in my truck. It doesn't last as long as grease. But there sure isn't any mess to deal with. I spray the ball once a month. Your results might vary. Can't deal with greasy balls.....

 

[DFB]

Yes. I carry a can in my truck. It doesn't last as long as grease. But there sure isn't any mess to deal with. I spray the ball once a month. Your results might vary. Can't deal with greasy balls.....

I like that idea Richard

 

[Diamondpilot]

Only time we use raw is if we plan to weld it.

Chris

 

[FatTire]

Wonder how Fluid Film would work?