2 inch trailer ball is rusted any specific one I should replace it with?

[robert843]

So my current 2 inch trailer ball has a significant amount of surface rust so I'm going to replace it as I have noticed trailers don't slide on it as easy as they used to. Any one got any brand or specific info I should look for in a new one?

 

[haknslash]

I just use the cheap Reese ones. I would also like to know if there is something better out there. I keep mine with grease on it to help the trailer slide on better but it still rusts a little and I don't use any of those ball covers. Maybe I should lol.

 

[druppert]

I love the Andersen hitch. I use the “Rapid Hitch” because it can be adjusted for multiple trailers, sharing with different vehicles, etc... but specifically as it relates to your question about the ball, their greaseless ball is awesome. It’s silent & I’ve never had the coupler hang up on the ball, even when I used my dads rusty old utility trailer. The added bonus of most of their hitches is the aluminum means light weight & no rust. Down side is price. Buy once, cry once.

https://andersenhitches.com/Catalog/ball-mount.aspx

 

[zipper]

First thought, dirty mind, you have someone in the neighborhood who "can suck the chrome of a trailer hitch." But on a more serious note, I would think putting grease on the ball would help lubricate it, but also that sand and grit would stick to the grease if not covered. All I have ever used is Reese or UHaul brands, I do not know if one brands chrome plating is better, I just replace as needed with what ever brand the local rental/sales place has available.

 

[Andy S]

So my current 2 inch trailer ball has a significant amount of surface rust so I'm going to replace it as I have noticed trailers don't slide on it as easy as they used to. Any one got any brand or specific info I should look for in a new one?

I wouldn't replace the ball, spray it with wd-40 (or something similar), wipe off the rust, then lightly grease the ball. Any wheel bearing grease will work or you can get some grease specifically for tow balls. I bet the inside of the tongue of your trailer is also a little rusty so unless you clean/lube that too a new ball won't completely make things smoother.

 

[Julian]

Yup....I just grease my balls....and yes...you have to be careful about not rubbing your balls against anything...people get annoyed when you do that!

 

[robert843]

I wouldn't replace the ball, spray it with wd-40 (or something similar), wipe off the rust, then lightly grease the ball. Any wheel bearing grease will work or you can get some grease specifically for tow balls. I bet the inside of the tongue of your trailer is also a little rusty so unless you clean/lube that too a new ball won't completely make things smoother.

View attachment 71086

This one has some large gouges from years of abuse now so its going . These things are so cheap its not worth fighting with the old one any more I have sanded it down and lubed it many times now. I can get a chrome one like I have now for around $10 or upgrade to a real stainless steel one for $25 so I think I will upgrade but I do agree I will probably need to grease the new one to try and get the rust off from under the trailer.

 

[Julian]

Another thing is your balls won't get so rusty if you use them more, so get the boat out and use your balls, try using your balls on a yard trailer, or perhaps on a camper? Get out there and use your balls every day if you can. The only problem is that at some point your wife or girlfriend will say "honey, can't we just have a quite weekend at home this weekend", and that is when you run the risk of them getting rusty.....so apply a liberal amount of grease to them on those weekends, and consider sticking half a tennis ball over your balls to keep the grease on them, and to keep dust and dirt from sticking to your balls. The only issue with the tennis balls on my balls is that my fetching obsessed dog now sits and stares at her balls on my balls and that gets strange when friends are over. So perhaps consider purple balls to cover your rusty balls...maybe the dog won't stare?

 

[ROTD]

If you decide to get a new ball, I would recommend a Class III or IV ball that can handle 7,500 or 10,000 lbs tgw. The 24’ers with a full tank of gas and gear will be a minimum of 5,000 lbs which is the maximum of the cheaper Class II balls. The shank size is bigger on the Class III & IV balls so you might need a new ball mount as well.

 

[haknslash]

Another thing is your balls won't get so rusty if you use them more, so get the boat out and use your balls, try using your balls on a trailer, or perhaps on a camper? Get out there and use your balls every day if you can. The only problem is that at some point your wife or girlfriend will say "honey, can't we just have a quite weekend at home this weekend", and that is when you run the risk of them getting rusty.....so apply a liberal amount of grease to them on those weekends, and consider sticking half a tennis ball over your balls to keep the grease on them, and to keep dust and dirt from sticking to your balls. The only issue with the tennis balls on my balls is that my fetching obsessed dog now sits and stares at her balls on my balls and that gets strange when friends are over. So perhaps consider purple balls to cover your rusty balls...maybe the dog won't stare?

Omg did someone hack or steal Julian's account? This is hilarious!!!

 

[zipper]

Yup....I just grease my balls....and yes...you have to be careful about not rubbing your balls against anything...people get annoyed when you do that!

ROTFLMAO... After you have greased your balls, do you cover them immediately? What method do you prefer of removing sand and grit from your balls so it does not cause damage to your tongue, on the trailer, down the road?

 

[haknslash]

 

[DieselCamel]

Google. Greaseless Tow hitch. Don’t have to worry about the mess or the rust

 

[Zonie]

Reese. They aren't that expensivel.

 

[Bruce]

If you haul trailers with different sized hitches I highly recommend this set https://jetboaters.net/threads/convert-a-ball-easily-change-the-size-of-your-trailer-hitch-ball.7968/

My stainless set still looks new after 2.5 years of usage.

 

[Neutron]

I have always used Stainless balls. Always look good. Never have to see rust

 

[robert843]

Yeah out with the old in with the new. I went with the stainless steel this time not sure why I was being cheap the first go around probably just didn't know any better to be honest. In fairness though the original set up is 10 years old.

 

[haknslash]

I'd say for 10 years you got your monies worth . New one looks nice and shiny.

 

[tdonoughue]

Hey, let's not go dissing 10 year old balls, please. Some of us are sensitive on this subject.

(but the new install does look nice)

 

[tim h]

Old one had a crack in it anyway...