Hitch Ball Lube

[GrampsInTexas]

We have a 2021 IBEX 19MBH pulled by a 2019 F150.
Does anyone use hitch ball lube? I just purchased A 4oz container of Reese Towpower Hitch Ball Lube and wanted to see if others have used this lube or other similar types.

Thanks
GIT

[moose074]

I live in Texas as well I don’t use any lube mostly due to sand .My grandfather was a welder he never used lube either. I remember as a kid. I helped swap out trailers and the other guy used grease of some kind all Grandaddy did was complain about getting everything clean later because I grease catches sand

[PopFla]

When I had a TT, I used white lithium grease, mostly to keep the ball from rusting, and it did quiet things down a bit.

[GrampsInTexas]

Originally Posted by moose074

I live in Texas as well I don’t use any lube mostly due to sand .My grandfather was a welder he never used lube either. I remember as a kid. I helped swap out trailers and the other guy used grease of some kind all Grandaddy did was complain about getting everything clean later because I grease catches sand

Thanks I know granddaddy’s teach by experience and most of the time you can’t go wrong listening to their advise.

I hear both grease and don’t grease. Since I’ve already bought it I’ll probably try it and see for myself.

Thanks for your reply. This heat we’re having here in Texas makes an old man just want to stay in the cool living room.

[nvs4602]

I always lube. It will make the trailer turn better and not wear out your hitch as fast.. the 5th wheel on a semi is always kept lubed too.

[GrampsInTexas]

Thank you for your response. This lube I purchased is white grease. I’ll try it out to see if it makes a difference.

[GrampsInTexas]

Yes you are correct those semi cabs have a lot of grease on them. Going to try the lube I bought. I’ll let everybody know how it turns out for me.
Thanks

[tjmiller]

This last weekend we used Vasoline petroleum jelly and had no issues. Seemed to work well and is cost effective and inexpensive. Will continue to use until it is not.


Tim

[Reverse_snowbird]

When we had a tt, we always lubed. We're near Houston so rust is more of a problem than sand. You're in Ft. Worth so sand shouldn't be a problem.

However.... if you lube, get a hitch ball cover or slit a tennis ball to cover it when disconnected from your tow vehicle. Your slacks will thank you

[moose074]

You probably should lube, comparing a 5th wheel or semi to a ball is apples and oranges. When I first started my rving I asked same question to a couple of guys my grandfather was close too that worked in the oilfield with him. They basically stated the same thing that lubing caused sand/ dirt to collect, making the hitch to get gummed up, got your clothes and gloves dirty. One claimed it would take decades of continuous use for the ball to rust or wear before they became unserviceable and they replaced trucks every two years so it was more of a pain. Most likely not a wrong answer regardless of what you do.

[MarsbarsCT]

Always do. Makes unhitching way easier.

[Mike134]

Any type of steel moving on steel gets lubed. Just my 2 cents.

Oh except the hitch sway bars, the manufacturer wants steel on steel so there is lots of friction. I can see the metal wearing away on both the bars and L brackets.

[MontanaCamper]

The debate will go on forever, each to their own opinion. I have used a doubled over piece of wax paper to provide some lubrication between the ball and hitch. It's clean and easy to do. Had wondered if maybe some form of spray on Dry Lube would help or perhaps a silicon spray. The problem with a grease is that it does collect dirt and is messy.

[Scubanut]

Originally Posted by MarsbarsCT

Always do. Makes unhitching way easier.

This is the only reason why I grease the ball.

[NavyLCDR]

The problem with unhitching is not lube/lack of lube. It is simply the tow vehicle needs to be moved slightly so the ball is not pulling on the front of the coupler nor pushing on the back of the coupler (latch actually). I've seen guys jumping up and down on bumpers trying to get unhitched. Just move the truck slightly forward or reverse.

I don't lube. But Andersen Weight Distribution Hitches don't get lubed, the ball rotates with the trailer.

[NevadaMiniLite]

Not to hijack this thread, but I noticed my 2 5/16" ball has a fair amount of scoring on it. Is this a potential problem?

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by NevadaMiniLite

Not to hijack this thread, but I noticed my 2 5/16" ball has a fair amount of scoring on it. Is this a potential problem?

Usually sign of a cheap ball and/or debris in the hitch.

[5picker]

One of the largest manufacturers of hitch balls and hitch parts, manufacturers this... (draw your own conclusion)

[camper_Lucy]

Originally Posted by 5picker

One of the largest manufacturers of hitch balls and hitch parts, manufacturers this... (draw your own conclusion)

So they sell one hitch ball and 50 jars of lube during the balls life time. you draw the conclusion - maybe they are in the lube business not the hitch business.

[SL1]

I just use regular high drop marine grease. Alot cheaper. I put some in a small jar about the same size as the 4oz one in the above post. 4oz's will last a long time and I feel it helps and seems to quiet things some.