Swapping Hitch Ball just because?

I'd replace it. It's likely lost some diameter due to wear, especially if you don't keep it lubed like you should.

BenK wrote:
Sidecar is spot on...Add that anytime steel is chromed...it needs to have the hydrogen baked out of it using very specific process (how soon after taking it out of the chrome bath, temp and how long in that oven)

Otherwise hydrogen embrittlenemt and no longer as strong...a very bad thing for this application

Ask any OEM selling something that is a safety component/system and is chromed...if it "hydrogen embrittlement" has been taken care of...if they don't know what the heck...don't buy it until they can prove it has been baked right out of the plating tank

Hydrogen embrittlement is a real and not well understood phenomenon. I did work for a supplier of tow truck equipment that had serious failures using plated parts. All I am going to say is; stay way back from tow trucks towing or hauling a vehicle.

CURT makes quality US Made balls and ball mounts. Even in chrome finish.

SidecarFlip wrote:
If the ball is worth it's balls, it will be stamped on top as to the weight rating and if it's a good ball, it won't be chromed either, a chrome ball is indicative of a cheap ball. High capacity balls are all forged and not plated with chrome.

So, you think Curt balls are cheap. They'll gladly sell you a forged, chromed ball rated for 20K, meeting U.S. VESC V-5. As will Draw-Tite.

In 1992 Valley Tow Rite was located in Lodi Ca. Next to where I was working at the time. They are gone now. I believe sold to someone and moved to Mexico. Sad,

Mines not chromed. There's Trailer shop in the area I will visit to see what they have. Mine has the cert. on the top as well

If you are concerned about your current ball, I wonder if there is any other place than walmart to purchase a new one?

Sidecar is spot on...Add that anytime steel is chromed...it needs to have the hydrogen baked out of it using very specific process (how soon after taking it out of the chrome bath, temp and how long in that oven)

Otherwise hydrogen embrittlement and no longer as strong...a very bad thing for this application

Ask any OEM selling something that is a safety component/system and is chromed...if it "hydrogen embrittlement" has been taken care of...if they don't know what the heck...don't buy it until they can prove it has been baked right out of the plating tank

One of tow balls:

X4 on the worthless 2-5/16 Walmart ball.

Bedlam wrote:
Careful what ball you use. Walmart sells some in that size with only a 5000 LB rating. Don’t assume a 2-5/16” ball is rated at 10k+ due to its diameter.

X3.

If the ball is worth it's balls, it will be stamped on top as to the weight rating and if it's a good ball, it won't be chromed either, a chrome ball is indicative of a cheap ball. High capacity balls are all forged and not plated with chrome.