Do you grease your balls?

[SPYDERLK]

Slip Plate spray graphite coating impedes corrosion, doesnt attract dust, but unfortunately doesnt deter wasps unless sprayed directly on them.
larry

 

[AlanB]

FWJ, you are pulling the electric brake ground through the trailer ball?

 

[ElBarranco]

Sounds like many folks feel a little lube is a good thing, especially as our equipment gets older. I think I'll start lubing up especially when I'm towing heavy (tractor, or full load of hay, etc...). I wouldn't mind too much if I had to replace the tow ball after a few years, but I'd hate to wear out the ball coupler. That Slip Plate or the like is what I'll try first. Without any lube I can hear squealing as I turn or go over bumps. If that goes away that can only be a good thing.

thanks,
-robert

 

[patrick_g]

How do most folks know when a ball coupler is worn out? The same way they know when the wooden deck of their trailer is ready for repair... when it fails. In one case the tractor is astride the axle(s) and in the other you have a trailer testing your safety chains and tempting fate.

Grease is cheap. Put some on the ball and it will get on the coupler. Every once in a while use a throw away rag to wipe the dirt/grit and grease mixture out of the coupler and off of the ball and re-grease.

I don't know what is peanuts to some folks but I buy very high rated hitch components (e.g. balls rated OVER 11,000 LBS) and my drawbars are solid square stock not tubing. I think a few cents worth of grease once in a while to extend their life and the life of the coupler is not foolish extravagance of time or materials to preserve cheap throwaway components.

Pat

 

[Farmwithjunk]

FWJ, you are pulling the electric brake ground through the trailer ball?

Yes. Have NO trouble. NO "flashing lights". Brakes are capable of being locked up and skidding trailer wheels if set at max. Been doing so for nearly 40 years (with various trailers) with no problems.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Yes. Have NO trouble. NO "flashing lights". Brakes are capable of being locked up and skidding trailer wheels if set at max. Been doing so for nearly 40 years (with various trailers) with no problems.

OK, so youre doing #2.) " ". If you do it long enuf the lack of the better controlled hookup inherent in the dedicated circuit will cause a #3 " " experience. The redundance is valuable.
larry

 

[Dougster]

Do any of you lube the tow ball before you hook up your trailer? Any opinions?

Honestly... I can't be bothered. I know that it's wrong, but this is one place where I don't bother to follow the instructions.

Dougster

 

[Marcussen]

Dry graphite spray lube, no mess when dry.

 

[Skyco]

I've gone back and forth over the years as to whether to grease or not. Took a 6,000 mile trip with a travel trailer in tow and no grease on the ball. I could not believe the amount of galling and wear on the ball when I unhooked after about 1,000 miles of bouncy interstate. I'm now a confirmed greaser.

As for grounds through the hitch components... Lets see a maybe rusty ball in a maybe rusty coupler the hitch draw bar is painted or rusty inside a rusty receiver...real good electrical properties there Not good enough for me.. I run the dedicated ground wire on all 8 of my trailers.

 

[Mighty Dodge]

Been watching this thread, I've only got one ball ,on my pop up camper and I do use spray lithium grease. My other trailers are pintle hitch type.