To lube or not to lube--trailer ball

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Any kind of grease will work.

Vaseline, KY Jelly, Lard or even snot would be better than nothing.

Bacon?

[RRD1220]

Service manager where I go told me to use vaseline as it will wash out of your clothes.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

Bacon?

EVERYTHING is better with bacon!

[Davidg]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Any kind of grease will work.
We are talking about something that moves very little but really does need some kind of lube to maintain a freely moving joint and prevent galling.

Vaseline, KY Jelly, Lard or even snot would be better than nothing.

This nails it. I use a Goosebox and a B&W Turnover ball. Before every trip, a paper towel cleans the old grease and dirt off the ball. I always have a tub of grease around the shop, and about a teaspoon will grease the ball nicely.

Someone posted they would never grease the hitch ball. How do you stand the screeching and squalling that comes from a dry metal to metal connection? When mine is dry, I know it immediately because of the aweful noise it makes, plus, as someone else mentioned it will be galling the metal on either the ball or the hitch...whichever is softer. Just a tiny bit of grease makes a world of difference.

[325BH]

Originally Posted by rotorhead1250

No lube. No sandwich bags. No dirt. No need. Never have, never will. My opinion only.

Because metal-on-metal is OK!

Do you put oil in your engines?

[EdnKat]

Originally Posted by HangDiver

Grease recommendations?

TIA

CRC White Lithium Spray Lube, in the ball socket. Wipe out occasionally, reapply, not as dirty as chassis grease. Easier / cleaner to store.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by rotorhead1250

Do I put oil in my engine? Come on 325. Hardly the same thing.

Not really... but yet it is.

Every major manufacturer of hitch balls and couplers recommend and sell hitch lube. If they recommend it, I suspect there is a reason why.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by rotorhead1250

Deleted

Originally Posted by rotorhead1250

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Originally Posted by rotorhead1250

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Deleted what?

[ben31]

Hitch ball cover with attached tether. The tether keeps it attached, while you use the ball. As soon as you disconnect, cover the ball with it to keep from getting grease on you.

https://smile.amazon.com/Fastway-82-...way+82+00+3216

[moff34]

We have towed boat trailers, motorcycle trailers, dune buggy trailers, motorcycle trailers, toads, and travel trailers and have always used ball lube.

I currently keep a jar of this in the tool box:

https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpowe...ords=ball+lube

And use this to cover the ball when not in use:

https://www.amazon.com/111931-Class-...tch+ball+cover

My Dad always said, "Keep your balls lubed and then covered when not in use."

[rotorhead1250]

Old Coot, Sometimes it's better to just not say anything at all. You understand that I'm sure.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by rotorhead1250

Old Coot, Sometimes it's better to just not say anything at all. You understand that I'm sure.

Easier to just delete the post completely.

[itat]

I just use good old Vaseline. Seems to work fine.

[Stlcaly]

Look up Reese Teflon Ball Lube on Camping World site. Great stuff made especially for what you need. We use it and love it

[Springerdad]

I use anti seize compound.

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

I grease mine and place a tennis ball over the greasy ball. its a good idea to wipe out the ball and coupler now and then and apply new grease

If you can't find a tennis ball,,, they make ball covers !!!

[Stormrider151]

I just use plain old axel grease on the ball and pivot points on my Reese hitch. Takes most all the noise out of it. DW gets some kind of small plate cover to put on it when not hooked up.

[m35a2]

I've never used grease on a ball hitch. I've pulled horse trailers, hay wagons, flatbeds with heavy equipment on them, you name it. Never had to replace a ball or a hitch for that matter.

I've never lubed the hookup pins on my 3 point hitches either. Or the shaft of the stinger where it plugs into the receiver hitch. Or the receiver hitch pin. Never had to replace any of that stuff either, or any tractor implements.

I do run oil in my engines as a general rule.

It can't hurt to lube your balls. But this discussion gave me a chuckle.

[Wolverine 1945]

Originally Posted by m35a2

I've never used grease on a ball hitch. I've pulled horse trailers, hay wagons, flatbeds with heavy equipment on them, you name it. Never had to replace a ball or a hitch for that matter.

I've never lubed the hookup pins on my 3 point hitches either. Or the shaft of the stinger where it plugs into the receiver hitch. Or the receiver hitch pin. Never had to replace any of that stuff either, or any tractor implements.

I do run oil in my engines as a general rule.

It can't hurt to lube your balls. But this discussion gave me a chuckle.

Desitin Diaper Rash Cream works very well !!!

[jwfrede]

I use wax paper folded over a couple of times. I bought the hitch ball lube, but if you put too much on it just picks up dirt. I found I was frequently adding just a little and was never sure if it was enough. Th wax paper is simple and clean.