Rusty ball

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

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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

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.