Hitch ball grease?

[Creekside]

I either use whatever is in my grease gun(almost exclusively Schaeffer 219) or I have some 16 gallon barrels of contaminated JT-6 Hi-temp that came from my previous employer. If I'm close to the barrels I'll scoop a little out and smear it on the ball. I mainly use the barrels for 5th wheel lube on the OTR trucks and apply it with a putty knife. It is contaminated with some water and wood dust but still works fine in exposed applications where it's going to get more junk stuck in it.

 

[kballowe]

I don't grease trailer balls. Maybe I should. I dunno.

 

[rubberchicken]

I've towed several thousand miles now, it makes a difference. My 10K HF weight distribution hitch has zerks, greasing them is a must. I just use whatever I have on hand in a grease gun and dont put much more thought into it. The ball doesnt need alot, just enough to keep it nice and moist.

I get moist whenever somebody mentions getting moist.

 

[rubberchicken]

I just realized that when my hitch balls were wearing out, my wifes dental bills really skyrocketed. Coincidence ?

 

[ironman_gq]

My shop manager runs 20-30,000mi a year pulling 5-15,000lbs with no grease on the ball or coupler, he's never managed to wear out a ball or coupler. He's on his 3rd trailer with the same ball, still looks good.

 

[emmett442]

This is another environmental discussion. Some of you guys down south/out west just don't get it.

The chrome plating on the ball is a great protectant. Once its scratches off, which WILL happen, it will corrode, especially in the a harsh environment.

Where I live, its necessary. Grease has two purposes: saves on the chrome plating, and protects after thr chrome is wore off.

 

[Oliveoil2]

Only use bacon grease.