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

[two_bit_score]

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

Chris

Is it then painted or just left raw? When you paint it what do you prime it with?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Is it then painted or just left raw? When you paint it what do you prime it with?

Only painted upto the welds. We then coat it with a thin layer of Teflon Trailer Ball grease.

Chris

 

[Spanky100]

Everyone thanks for the input.

I looked at some of the manufacturer's websites hoping to find the information why the raw is used on the higher load capacity. As posted earlier that possibly the nickle chrome process might affect the strength. Where is a trained metallurgist, that frequents the Truck/Trailer/Towing forum on a Tractor website when you need information?

Thanks

Wayne

 

[sld]

I seriously doubt chrome plating weakens the steel. The higher rated ones are probably a more expensive steel and the extra cost of the chrome plating would price them too high.

 

[DFB]

I tend to agree with sid. Back in my factory days I ran an in house plating department, mostly zinc/cadmium.

The plating I ever did was mainly an electrolysis process at hot water temperatures along with an hydrochloric acid etch and water rinse.

 

[davrow]

I always thought the chrome was mainly for looks and to resist rust on balls that don't get used.

If you need a heavier duty ball it's probably because you use it. Rust won't be an issue.

 

[ovrszd]

I "try" to keep my Ball lubricated and/or protected from rust. I could care less what it's coated with because it doesn't matter to me.

I'm more concerned with stem size, thread type, quality nut.

 

[peterc38]

Everyone thanks for the input.

I looked at some of the manufacturer's websites hoping to find the information why the raw is used on the higher load capacity. As posted earlier that possibly the nickle chrome process might affect the strength. Where is a trained metallurgist, that frequents the Truck/Trailer/Towing forum on a Tractor website when you need information?

Thanks

Wayne

The only way the chrome plated one would be weaker is if it was not properly baked after the plating operation. You have to do this for high strength steels (typically anything over Rockwell 40 R/C).

The hydrogen evolved in the plating process is looking to tie up with the grain boundaries in the steel. Without baking, this can lead to stress risers, cracking, etc.

 

[ovrszd]

The only way the chrome plated one would be weaker is if it was not properly baked after the plating operation. You have to do this for high strength steels (typically anything over Rockwell 40 R/C).

The hydrogen evolved in the plating process is looking to tie up with the grain boundaries in the steel. Without baking, this can lead to stress risers, cracking, etc.

Very technical explanation. I appreciate the information. Wayyyyy above my level of understanding.

So, when China chromes the ball how do we know they properly baked?? And wouldn't the proper process cost more?? And wouldn't this tend to increase the risk of it not being properly processed??

Lastly, where would a guy buy a Ball that has been properly chromed?

 

[schmism]

chrome, and greased. mostly for the trailer hitch which is always raw steel vs the ball it sits on.