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.

[Ag&Au]

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.

[HeadnOut]

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!)

[Phantom]

An old full-timer I met told me they need really minimal lubing. He recommended 'Goop' hand cream. Cheap, goes on easy, easy to wipe off and replace, comes right out of your clothes, and you can wash your hands at the same time... I know it's not officially a 'lube'... but it seems to work. No issues thus far.