Hitch ball grease?

[Elkins45]

A four ounce jar of hitch ball grease is upwards of $15 from even most discount sources. Is it infused with gold LOL? The label says it’s white and non-toxic so that makes me think it’s similar to the aluminum complex food grade greases.

Is there any reason not to just squirt some Mystic Li- based greases out of my grease gun on the ball and smear it around? Is the specified trailer ball grease really better in some way?

 

[ctechbob]

A four ounce jar of hitch ball grease is upwards of $15 from even most discount sources. Is it infused with gold LOL? The label says it’s white and non-toxic so that makes me think it’s similar to the aluminum complex food grade greases.

Is there any reason not to just squirt some Mystic Li- based greases out of my grease gun on the ball and smear it around? Is the specified trailer ball grease really better in some way?

I have a bottle of the stuff and ended up using regular wheel bearing grease.

Use whatever comes out of your shorts/pants the easiest because I manage to brush up against the stupid hitch every....single.....time.

 

[spasm3]

I don't use any lube on a hitch ball.

 

[ctechbob]

I don't use any lube on a hitch ball.

I don't on my lighter utility trailers, but for the 6600# Camper I use a small amount, just enough to keep it from eating expensive metal parts.

 

[wwillson]

I don't use any lube on a hitch ball.

I used to until I rubbed the ball a couple times in my good shorts, then I stopped. I can't see that there is any wear after many tens of thousands of miles towing without grease.

 

[AZjeff]

No grease here either. Can't remember ever seeing a ball worn out of round or a coupler worn through. Sure doesn't hurt to grease it but for the mess.

 

[fsdork]

I use the aerosol can of hitch lube from 3-in-one:

https://3inone.ca/product/3-in-one-rv-care-trailer-hitch-lube-283g/

Before I found this, I was using a dab of wheel bearing grease from the tub I've had around for ages. I like that the aerosol can is easy to keep in the storage hold of the trailer, and I don't have to handle grease while I'm hitching up.

Like others on the thread, I too have ruined a pair of pants by leaning against a greasy hitch. Now, one of the first things I do after dropping the trailer is to wipe the hitch off.

 

[CKN]

I have towed 30,000 miles without grease on the ball.

 

[Elkins45]

I'm not worried about the mess. I have a significant scar from 1994 that reminds me to remove the hitch insert whenever I detach the trailer.

 

[Kira]

A very competent farmer insisted on no lube...even on the captured "swivel balls" which were part of draw hitches.
I never got to ask him why or what he may have read.

 

[64bawagon]

I had a 10k bumper pull RV, you had to grease that setup or it would eat itself. I used regular white lithium with good results.

 

[I<3oil]

I use the aerosol can of hitch lube from 3-in-one:

https://3inone.ca/product/3-in-one-rv-care-trailer-hitch-lube-283g/

Before I found this, I was using a dab of wheel bearing grease from the tub I've had around for ages. I like that the aerosol can is easy to keep in the storage hold of the trailer, and I don't have to handle grease while I'm hitching up.

Like others on the thread, I too have ruined a pair of pants by leaning against a greasy hitch. Now, one of the first things I do after dropping the trailer is to wipe the hitch off.

I use something virtually identical from them but it’s their gel lube. Towed 10k+ miles and have only lubed. No issues whatsoever.

 

[fsdork]

A very competent farmer insisted on no lube...even on the captured "swivel balls" which were part of draw hitches.
I never got to ask him why or what he may have read.

I could see the argument that grease can (will) capture abrasive contaminants, keeping them working on the wear surfaces. The lube I wipe off my hitch ball after dropping the trailer is markedly darker than it was when it went on.

As a trade-off vs. struggling to get the coupler to drop onto the ball, or listening to creaking/squeaking noises, I'll take it.

 

[Arc]

The ball and coupler need regular maintenance. Any grease will work.

 

[I<3oil]

I use the aerosol can of hitch lube from 3-in-one:

https://3inone.ca/product/3-in-one-rv-care-trailer-hitch-lube-283g/

Before I found this, I was using a dab of wheel bearing grease from the tub I've had around for ages. I like that the aerosol can is easy to keep in the storage hold of the trailer, and I don't have to handle grease while I'm hitching up.

Like others on the thread, I too have ruined a pair of pants by leaning against a greasy hitch. Now, one of the first things I do after dropping the trailer is to wipe the hitch off.

I lost my favorite khaki shorts due to this lol

 

[JHZR2]

I could see the argument that grease can (will) capture abrasive contaminants, keeping them working on the wear surfaces. The lube I wipe off my hitch ball after dropping the trailer is markedly darker than it was when it went on.

As a trade-off vs. struggling to get the coupler to drop onto the ball, or listening to creaking/squeaking noises, I'll take it.

We usually wipe a bit of oil on the ball when taking the boat out, then wipe it and the female end cleanish when all done. The back of the truck can see salt water in some conditions. But we only go a few miles on severe terrain (grades and sharpness of turns)

I agree that grease left alone would capture grit. But it would seem to make sense to clean thoroughly when it’s disconnected, and apply fresh, thin coats when about to couple..

 

[rubberchicken]

I guess I am one of the very few to have worn out trailer balls. One was a 2" from a boat/trailer around 5000 lbs total. The other was a 1 7/8 from a Waverunner/trailer, about 1200 lbs total. I started using wheel hub grease after that, with a tennis ball cut to fit for shin protection.

 

[repairman54]

Grease it. I've worn the chrome off trailer balls in my younger days by not lubing them.
Cheap slip on ball covers keep your hands clean.

 

[Elkins45]

I’ll admit that I’m surprised by the number of people on a lubrication forum saying that they don’t apply lubricant between two rubbing metal surfaces. Apparently Bob is not the trailer ball grease guy.

 

[cptbarkey]

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.