grease your balls or not

[Johnny g]

FWIW...I kept losing ball covers and the tennis ball was too tight and hard to remove (and started getting greasy), so I tried condoms on the hitch ball as a temporary grease shield. That works pretty well, but they have a really limited life in that application...well, I guess a short life in their design application, too...I don't even bother removing the condom when I hook up the trailer, just remove the left-over rubber bands from around the ball neck every so often.

If you go with used condoms it would cut the cost in half & you wouldnt need grease.

 

[dusty3030]

FWIW...I kept losing ball covers and the tennis ball was too tight and hard to remove (and started getting greasy), so I tried condoms on the hitch ball as a temporary grease shield. That works pretty well, but they have a really limited life in that application...well, I guess a short life in their design application, too...I don't even bother removing the condom when I hook up the trailer, just remove the left-over rubber bands from around the ball neck every so often.

Makes sense, especially on a used trailer. You can't really tell by looking at a used trailer how many different people have hooked up with it in the past.

 

[grsthegreat]

greasing balls and used condoms. this site is going to the dogs.

 

[DeereMann]

My balls are stainless steel - no need to take 'em off when not coupled, as my balls are impervious to the elements. My balls are permanent.

Modular ball movements are a pain.

How 'bout your balls?

 

[ultrarunner]

How many feet long was your hitch?

It's a forged drop down hitch with a 2 5/16 ball...

I'm guessing around 16"

The Oldsmobile bumper went just under my hitch.

 

[rd_macgregor]

If you use condoms to cover the hitch ball, every so often you have to cut away the left-over rubber rings/bands (look up "elastrator" to see why).

 

[chad22]

I've never thought to grease a trailer ball. I usually just couple the trailer to the ball, hook up the safety chains, lights, secure the coupler latch, flip the jack up and head on down the road.

Makes sense, especially on a used trailer. You can't really tell by looking at a used trailer how many different people have hooked up with it in the past.

XD. :laughing: That cracked me up. In fact this whole thread cracked me up.

 

[dodge man]

I'm sorry but if your using condoms on your balls you aren't doing it right.

 

[breadtrk]

Now the ball I'll be using is from 1964 so I don't think a rubber will be necessary but I think I may need to lube it up for this virgin trailer I'm about to pay for.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Receivers are meant to come out when not in use. Major pet peeve of mine.

Chris

I agree. It seems popular around here to back up to the sidewalk with your hitch sticking out as far as possible as if showing off. I consider it rude.

I'm not diligent about greasing but it's a good practice. They'll end up dirty either way - greasy and nasty or rusty and dusty.

If your balls are loose you're doing it wrong. Look at the torque specs. Use your long wrench and pull hard.