Rusty ball

No problem. If you keep a little grease on it that won't happen, but it's not going to affect the performance of the ball.

Gotta grease your balls - especially if they aren't being used. Just sayin..

The ball appears to be pitted around some of the rust. I doubt whether the ball is hardened enough for a rating of 30,000, more like 3,000. It could have been caused by chemical such as salt or other deicing chemicals.
Make and shaft diameter of ball?

Where did you buy this ball? I would take it back immediately..

enblethen wrote:
The ball appears to be pitted around some of the rust. I doubt whether the ball is hardened enough for a rating of 30,000, more like 3,000. It could have been caused by chemical such as salt or other deicing chemicals.
Make and shaft diameter of ball?

I agree, it is likely a cheap offshore knockoff. I would not use it.

Rust isn't a sign of inferior metal. Quite the contrary - ever notice bank vault doors have protective shields over the surface? That's because a finger print will cause almost immediate rust on the surface of the hardened metal. Or how fast high end brake rotors rust?
I would (and do) leave a film of grease over the ball to keep it front rusting or wearing excessively into the tongue.

It's a CURT 2 5/16" 30K rated Ball with a VERY POOr inferior chrome plating job
plating has flaked off even on no contact syrfaces

Rust not a big issue.....pitting is and will only get worse

If purchased at a STORE----return it
If purchased ON LINE.contact CURT---explain time frame and send pictures
Bet CURT would be interested in defective plating

Curt. Enough said. Chinese junk. Advanced auto Parts replaced Reese with Curt. What does that tell you.

Every painted steel trailer ball I've ever owned would rust when I didn't keep a coat of grease on it. The best rust free trailer balls I've owned were made from 304 or 316 stainless steel and were a bit pricey. But they last and don't corrode...