Grease Trailer Ball?

Grady_Crazy

GreatGrady Captain
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How many people lube/grease their trailer ball before hitching up and towing? I can say I never do. How about you?
 
I have never greased the ball. When I first got my boat used, the hitch did not want to pop off the ball. Had to jump on the bumper, etc. Thought about greasing it, but never did. The problem went away after some use.
 
In normal day to day towing, grease? When I bought my last 208, it's in AU now, the owner lubed the ball before I hooked up. This is the only time I have greased it.
 
I did it once. Wound up getting grease all ofver myself when I unhitched. Never done it since.
 
It may be advisable to do a little grease to eliminate/reduce galling especially with chromed balls.
 
I try to remember to spray some white lithium grease on the ball and into the receiver. Nothing like a squeaky hitch that first mile through residential neighborhoods at 0430 to brighten someone's day. I hope to have a slip this year with the new boat coming.
 
To keep wear down and squeaking/rusting, I also use white lithium grease, but sparingly. I cover the ball with the plastic cover and it keeps from gettting on clothes or whatever.
 
I only tow a boat to and from the marina...I have sprayed down the ball and hitch with wd40 but that is it.
 
i do a couple times a season. sucks when you brush your pantleg against the ball though.
 
OK --- Towing on a regular basis --- YES - Ball requires grease or it suffers pre-mature failure. As for getting grease on your legs -- Use a tennis ball or similar and cut it so it fits over the ball. They even sell ball covers.
 
It does not take a lot. First time, grease it well, then after, wipe off the grease from the ball. This method will distribute the grease up into the coupler well and into areas it might need it. You can always put some up in the coupler also, but I just greased the ball and after first tow, wiped it down. Then applied a thin layer and covered with ball cover.
No grease on legs or pants this way.