What's the purpose of lubricating a trailer hitch ball?

[JOHN L. HECKLSMILLER]

While the snow was flying this afternoon in Central Iowa, I came across some advertising for a lubricant to be applied to the "Ball" of
trailer hitches! I have towed 3 boats over the years for multiple thousands of miles, & have never seriously considered lubricating the hitch ball. Mostly from the viewpoint of not having grease or oil
all over everything. My ? is: Do I need to have a change of attitude?! What am I overlooking by not lubing the ball? Set the Hook! CRJohn

[alanexpup]

I dont either. all the contacts points are probably hardened steel and generally dont move at all. if the parts are not wearing out it seems pointless. just a sales gimmick. sorry about the snow though, here in henderson nevada its 65 and sunny, fixing to go golfing or fishing later today.

[yarcraft91]

I've seen the chrome worn off part of a hitch ball that was not lubricated, so some wear must occur. The need to lube would increase with increasing tongue weight. I grease mine and use a plastic cover for the ball when not towing- seems to keep the grease from getting on other stuff. Clean the ball and coupler sockets at least once a year and re-lube.

Here's what the Draw-Tite hitch people say about it:

TRAILER COUPLERS

The coupler socket should be smooth, clean, and lightly lubricated.
Tighten or adjust per coupler manufacturer’s instructions. Use proper

class type.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Originally Posted by alanexpup

I dont either. all the contacts points are probably hardened steel and generally dont move at all. if the parts are not wearing out it seems pointless. just a sales gimmick. .

Huh? Where do you think the pivot point is between your tow vehicle and trailer? I guess if you tow on perfectly smooth roads, and never make a turn, then there would be no movement between the coupler and the ball. Also, you've got whatever tongue weight pushing down on that ball, so a little grease, of any kind, can't hurt. Does it need to be Reese-brand teflon areospace gel, of course not.

HRG

[fireboat]

Originally Posted by yarcraft91

I've seen the chrome worn off part of a hitch ball that was not lubricated, so some wear must occur. The need to lube would increase with increasing tongue weight. I grease mine and use a plastic cover for the ball when not towing- seems to keep the grease from getting on other stuff. Clean the ball and coupler sockets at least once a year and re-lube.

Here's what the Draw-Tite hitch people say about it:

TRAILER COUPLERS

The coupler socket should be smooth, clean, and lightly lubricated.
Tighten or adjust per coupler manufacturer’s instructions. Use proper

class type.

This is the correct answer above. Steel against steel will wear. Stick your head out the back window and you'll see just how much that pivot point is moving.

[Nick Kanauz]

I agree with HRG. You already have a grease gun for your bearings, just give the trigger a pull and use your finger to spread the grease on the ball. When you get to your destination, or back home...if you leave your receiver in the frame, simply wipe the grease off on some paper toweling. Works for me!

[ffishman]

I've towed boats for over 35 years. From 18' to 28'. Never greased a ball yet. And never had a problem. And I don't plan on starting now.

[rbsangler]

On long trips to Mn 2 times a year, I always hand check tire temps, bearing temps and coupler ball socket temps, at every stop. Sockets get warmer than surrounding hitch metal. I put grease on mine, Certainly cannot hurt anything. I'm not one who cares about a little grease on my jeans at knee level. Heck I wipe worm and fish slime on em all the time.

[Shellback]

Grease and oil attract dirt and grit like a magnet. Once that happens, your lubricant has turned into a grinding compound. I'll run mine dry. If I ran my rig enough to wear out a ball or coupler, I'd be more than happy to replace either.

[T Mac]

Originally Posted by JOHN L. HECKLSMILLER

While the snow was flying this afternoon in Central Iowa, I came across some advertising for a lubricant to be applied to the "Ball" of
trailer hitches! I have towed 3 boats over the years for multiple thousands of miles, & have never seriously considered lubricating the hitch ball. Mostly from the viewpoint of not having grease or oil
all over everything. My ? is: Do I need to have a change of attitude?! What am I overlooking by not lubing the ball? Set the Hook! CRJohn

I know ...many of our customers greased them up.
It turns to a black tar-like crap with use.

LOL...I sure ruined a lot af pairs of pants on their hitches!...(even a few shirts).

Not saying you should or shouldn't do it... just sayin..