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Old 09-18-2016, 06:41 PM   #1
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Question Hitch Ball Lubricant

Hi All,

I've always used a Hitch Ball Lubricant on my receiver ball and wondering if it is really required?

Any thoughts?
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Old 09-18-2016, 07:15 PM   #2
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I do lub mine. Being an old retired driver. I have a lifetime supply of fifth wheel grease that I use. Apply a thin coat each use. Anything to extend the life of equipment would only help. ...Dusty
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Old 09-18-2016, 07:20 PM   #3
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I use vaseline
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Old 09-18-2016, 07:24 PM   #4
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I used to lube mine when I first started out trailering a lot, then I realized it didn't mater much and made more mess than it was worth.


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Old 09-18-2016, 07:30 PM   #5
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I've never lubed the ball. Not saying it's right, just never done it. Maybe I should start now.
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Old 09-18-2016, 07:43 PM   #6
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I don't lube mine. Sure makes a mess on your clothes if you rub up against it.
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:13 PM   #7
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I never have. To me it would be like putting lapping compound inside the coupler.
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Old 09-18-2016, 08:29 PM   #8
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U will know it when it needs lube...squeaks like a banshee
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Old 09-19-2016, 04:23 AM   #9
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I keep the couple mech lubed to keep it moving freely which some transfers to the ball but that's about it. No issues so far.
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Old 09-19-2016, 07:09 AM   #10
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My hitch was making a lot of noise. I started using bearing grease on the ball and the trunnion bar pivot points. Now it makes no noise at all with the exception of an occasional pop when the cams snap back into the saddles.
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Old 09-19-2016, 07:20 AM   #11
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I apply a dab of grease inside the receiver of the tow dolly and not the ball, although some of the grease gets on the ball. I find it more important to lube the locking mechanisms and spring assembly on the tow dolly or any trailer I use.... And I have seen many times where people connect the trailer hitch to the ball then only push the latch down and don't install a pin or lock in the hole, to keep the latch locked down... Scary!
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Old 09-19-2016, 08:56 AM   #12
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I am glad others posted as well. I have never lubed a tow ball, but have often thought it might make sense. There are very few metal on metal joints in my vehicles that are loose enough to move, but not lubed.

Generally speaking, the connection point is tight enough not to move, or is designed with some movement and some sort of lubrication.

In the old days, that involved greased bearings and what not. Now the bearings have the grease sealed in, or are set in nylon or teflon which are self lubricating by construction. Again, I can think of no other non lubricated metal on metal connections that is expected to move.
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Old 09-19-2016, 09:04 AM   #13
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Almost always do. The coupler has a lot of grease in it, so on short trips, I call that good enough. But on all longer trips, clean and grease the ball.
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Old 09-19-2016, 11:24 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ken698 View Post
I never have. To me it would be like putting lapping compound inside the coupler.
I had to look up lapping compound. I found an application for the slide bolts in weapons.

I have hand guns. I do know that there are some metal on metal slides. I always keep them lubricated. (Very lightly)

So, again, I go to the realization that this is the only metal on metal movable joint that I know that is normally not lubricated.

This thread has been enlightening. I will lubricate from now on...
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