To grease the ball or not to grease the ball

[MidnightRider]

How many out there grease the trailer hitch ball? It seems like a good place for some grease but I've always been taught the perspective that grease isn't needed and it just attracts dirt/sand.

 

[F.M.]

I've never used any grease on my balls. Just keep them clean. Also make sure to clean anything you're putting them into.

 

[Rustynuts]

I never have and have never worn a coupler or ball out. When there is grease on a hitch ball I always seem to get it on my cloths. This was a big discussion on an RV forum I'm on and a lot of people swear by putting a piece of heavy wax paper on the ball when you hitch up...I might just give it a try.

 

[Bluewater272]

Dry ball man, myself.

 

[Hana]

Have always greased it, but I always keep it covered when not in use. When I was a kid my Dad did the same so just carrying on the tradition.

 

[Sbrown]

I don't normally grease it, but I will for long tows (more than a few hours).

 

[—Яiвs>]

Keep my Balls Clean as well. Never leave it on the vehicle when not in use either.

 

[mark_m]

Keep my Balls Clean as well. Never leave it on the vehicle when not in use either.

Yep, I always hit my leg when it’s in the hitch without the boat. Part of my ritual is to remove the hitch when I park the boat.

 

[swatski]

Well, I grease the ball up for towing, then wipe it clean when the hitch comes off.

(BTW - there's nothing wrong with lubricating balls. Try it some time)

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[2kwik4u]

Wax paper or a thin sheet of PTFE (Teflon) works well.

Little grease does the same thing. Just keeps the setup from creaking and groaning under movement

 

[Noko]

My wife is a fan of ball grease. Im a high and dry guy. So I guess its 50/50 in our family. But no, I never grease.