Towing Question

[bipolarcoder]

Does anyone grease their ball for the hitch? That is all I am wondering, thanks.

[chuckster57]

some do, some don't. IMO a light coat wouldn't hurt.

[bipolarcoder]

does it matter what type of grease? we are about to leave for a 14 hour trip (first one)

[chuckster57]

I dont think so. I have seen a lot of different brands of grease on different customers units. You DONT NEED high temp grease.

[bipolarcoder]

I have bearing grease just wondering if that would work

[chuckster57]

Yes it will, safe travels.

[bipolarcoder]

Appreciate it friend. Will post again when we arrive at our first stop.

[xrated]

Think about it like this. Metal to metal rubbing against each other....would you grease that? Seems like a pretty simple answer to me.

[NH_Bulldog]

I have always used a light coating of grease on the inside of the coupler. I already carry Red and Tacky grease in my tote so I use that. When not connected, I slip a disposable nitrile glove over the ball to keep it (and me) clean.

[coastn]

White lithium is what I used for years.

[locomech]

I've always used white litihium grease on the hitch ball. I think any time there is metal to metal contact it's always a good idea to have some sort of lubrication. It will also enable an easier disconnect when unhitching. The downside is that the hitch ball will be greasy so a hitch ball cover or a rag to clean it off will be necessary after disconnecting. I hate grease stains on my jeans

[flybouy]

Keep in mind that that grease holds dirt. A greased hitch ball will become impregnated with grit and can become abrasive over time. I also lightly grease the hitch ball and coupler and also clean both surfaces periodically, especially after driving down gravel roads for any appreciable distance.

[Nomadic]

I do. Noticed a fair bit of wear on my ball before I started and haven't noticed it getting worse after greasing it

[sourdough]

Just fyi; I always carried a "jar" of Reese hitch ball lube for lubing he ball/contact points on my Equalizer as recommended when I had a bumper pull. Put it on before traveling; clean if off when arriving; put it on again before departure.

[jimmyg]

Every time I take a trip. White lithium spray grease. Once around ball, also between jaws of the fifth wheel hitch. If you have a trailer tow, in the cup.

[drycamper]

And, don’t forget the paper cup to place over ball, when un hitched. Saves the dogs tail and your favorite pants.

[JRTJH]

There's a "new" (I don't know how long it's been on the market) teflon ball plate that completely eliminates the need to grease receiver balls/trailer receiver couplers.

While this may not work for everyone, it's likely to be the answer to no more grease on pants or dog's tails.....

https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Hitch-Sh...72548765c0dda8

[Pawpod]

I use Vaseline on my hitch ball. Cleans off easy (clothing and hitch). A tube last a couple of years. Tried Grease years ago and hated the mess it made. Any lube will pick up road dust and will start acting as sandpaper after awhile. My last ball lasted only about 3 years with grease till the chrome wore of. I'm on 4 years since using Vaseline and cleaning after each use, and only minor ware so far.

[LHaven]

One of those RV email newsletters was pushing an article about this in the past couple weeks. Went to find it, and there are dozens out there! [LINK]

[LHaven]

Originally Posted by drycamper

And, don’t forget the paper cup to place over ball, when un hitched. Saves the dogs tail and your favorite pants.

When I towed in my car (before retiring), I used to routinely use a Reese hitch ball cover with a handy, neat pocket for the four-wire connector. My wife has been using a red horse-head cover for 15+ years, which apparently are now only offered in black. If you're into personalization, there are plenty of novelty hitch ball covers to shop, if you do a web search.