when to grease and with what

[az-streamer]

okay fellow travelers,

i check the ball, receiver, etc. before each trip and so far all is good.

but, how often should the ball and/or receiver be greased?
and what's a good brand to use?

i don't want to wait until i can hear a problem.

thanks,

az-streamer

[Diesel1]

At the Ford Arizona Proving Grounds we used something called Marfak grease on all our trailer tows. We applied it right to the ball, it is very heavy. Adios, John

[Ganglin]

We use Reese white ball lube with teflon and wipe the ball and reapply each time we tow.

[w7ts]

Originally Posted by az-streamer

okay fellow travelers,

i check the ball, receiver, etc. before each trip and so far all is good.

but, how often should the ball and/or receiver be greased?
and what's a good brand to use?

i don't want to wait until i can hear a problem.

thanks,

az-streamer

I lubed the ball before every trip. Now I have a ProPride hitch, So I gooped it up good when I put it together, but now I hope to not see it for quite a while.
There is no real reason that I can think of to lube the receiver except for corrosion control.
Regards,
Ken

[SilverCottage]

I use a $3 tube of marine lube from Walmart and it seems to resist the moisture. Every month I'll wipe everything off with a paper towel and re-lube it.

The tube stores nicely in the bumper compartment.

[Mikethefixit]

I use a hi temp grease from Tractor Supply. It has a very high drop temperature.Its made for high speed bearings in Farm machinery. I wipe the ball and re-apply before each trip.

[az-streamer]

i'm baaaaaaack!

really apreciated your ealier answers.

now i have another question. i recently found a spray can of CRC White Lithium Grease.

has anyone out there used spray white lithium grease on their hitch and ball? if so, any good or bad reports?

the can i have claims it is a heavy duty metal-to-metal lubricant. and works on brake and gear shift mechanisms.

it would look to be an easy way to apply and maintain this important past of the AS. but i don't want to take a chance with anything that might cause a problem.

thanks in advance,

az-streamer

[n2916s]

To get it in spray form they reduce the viscosity so probably not great. Basically, any decent grease (including lithium) will work fine if applied regularly.

On my hitch all I have to do is walk within 12 feet of the ball when I am wearing decent trousers and the grease leaps off the ball and attacks my knees....

mike

[kennethowens]

Grease is good....until it gathers dirt inside the receiver.
On an older trailer, it may be necessary to get a can of WD-40
and clean/scrape anyway-you-can remove the nasty gunk that
will gather under there. Due to the limited movement, a thin layer
will work.

[Head'nOut]

I use the white lithium spray, I give it a shot before every trip...I spray some on the ball and some into the receiver...have had no issues to date.
Dave

[az-streamer]

thanks to all for your input.

here in AZ it is not so much a problem with humidity/dampness/rust but more of an extremely dry air with a lot of sand and grit.

i guess i'll try the marine lube but also carry the spray.
always good to have options.

as many have noted here and in other forums - bottom line is to keep things clean and operational.

thanks all,

az-streamer

[Chasmorgan]

Do you lube the pivot head of the equalizing bars?

[kposey]

I use the white lithium grease every time I tow. I also spray it on the distribution balls. No problems here. (Other than having to train the other half to use it!)