Community Forums

boarman · 04-30-2017, 04:13 PM

Pulled my new rig about 30 miles and after lifting off of ball noticed the chrome ball was already worn and scraped. Looking under tongue much the same. Is this normal so soon or is there a weight issue? Thanks.

ModestMonk · 04-30-2017, 05:45 PM

I think we need some more info.

Weight of both?
Both on plane with each other?

A little grease helps, but your best option is to make sure everything is within safe limits.

boarman · 04-30-2017, 06:41 PM

Understood and thank you M. M.. Decided to stop in a. m. as we head out and have checked by pros as I am newbie and way over my head on tech talk. Should have been explained where purchased and installed, Mays RV in Lewisville, Texas.

JFXG · 04-30-2017, 06:48 PM

First off, a hearty Welcome!

The chrome on a hitch ball is mere plating. It will inevitably scratch and wear, exposing the steel beneath, which will then start to rust. A little grease will retard the process, but not stop it. Too much grease will make a mess on your hands or clothing.

boarman · 04-30-2017, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFXG

First off, a hearty Welcome!

The chrome on a hitch ball is mere plating. It will inevitably scratch and wear, exposing the steel beneath, which will then start to rust. A little grease will retard the process, but not stop it. Too much grease will make a mess on your hands or clothing.

Thanks jfxg.

1bigmess · 04-30-2017, 08:47 PM

The chrome on the ball seems to only be there to make it look nice on the shelf.

computerguy · 05-01-2017, 08:22 AM

I've towed lots of things over 35+ years. Never had a ball lose it's chrome. Got dirty, yes, scratched, yes, but chrome coming off, no. The chrome makes it look nice, sure, but also prevents rust on the base metal. Sounds like a bad chrome job. The ball takes on all the stress of the load and would be cautious using that one.