Quote: Originally posted by davek0974 on 27/9/2011
Quote: Originally posted by DaveCoaches on 27/9/2011I am sceptical about greasing any hitch. The problem with grease is that any airbourne contaminants will stick to it. A few particles of grit inside the hitch will cause far more damage than a polished metal surface.
Not so, it will rapidly rust up and then destroy itself.
How rapid is rapid, when can I expect my 9 year old tow bal to disintegrate, from all appearances it is a brilliant shiny sphere
Sorry, slight over dramatisation, my engineering side taking control there!
The socket will wear the most, it is thinner and generally softer metal than the ball. First signs will be a likelihood of the hitch jumping off the ball due to wear on the socket increasing the size and allowing the lock to jump off the ball.
As is good general engineering practice, a bearing surface should be lubricated, not counting stabilisers etc. Yes it may attract dirt but regular maintenance I.e. Wiping off and regreasing at the start of each season will take care of that.
One other point, a dry hitch is much more likely to jump off if the joint does not slide easily when under tension, the finger that locks it is quite small.
Take a look at the fifth wheel coupling of any artic lorry - they are smothered in grease. I know that much of it is to allow the trailer to slide over the plates when attaching, but the actual towing pin is never allowed to become dry.
As OP said ...
'Grease lightly when ordinary hitch ... never grease when stabiliser hitch'
Simple rule ... stay clear of physics!
If you two near coasts or gritty areas, just clean ball and socket from time to time to ensure grit does not provide long term problems.
I have both types ... and no problems.
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Topic: Confused about greasing towball
