Lube the hitch ball?

[PLJ]

Do you need to use something on the hitch ball to protect it before you attach to the PUP coupler? Some kind of lube or grease perhaps.

Also is WD40 fine to spray on the electrical connectors to help keep the moisture out and avoid corrision issues?

thanks

[TheViking]

I just use wheel bearing grease on mine.  CW has "Special" grease for the hitchball but it's probably the same thing.  Haven't heard about the WD-40 on electrical connections.

[howlinowl]

I'd just use some bearing grease on the hitchball also.

For what it's worth, back in the day, when my distributor would get wet in my '63 rambler, I'd pull the cap and spray it with WD40 to remove the moisture.  So I believe that maybe it would be ok to use on the electrical trailer plug, but never have used it myself.

Allan

[Billy Bob]

WD-40 is OK for electrical connections. But when I was a tow truck driver / mechanic in my younger years we used CRC 5:56 to spray on ignition wires and under the distributor cap. We bought it by the gallon jug and just put it in spray bottles. If that didn't work we towed the car in to be worked on in the garage. But MOST times it started that wet engine.

I have towed for over 30 years and have logged THOUSANDS of miles and have NEVER lubed my hitch ball. There is no need to and it just makes a mess and attracts DIRT.

[mike4947]

Just because some one got lucky and didn't have a problem doesn't mean it shouldn't be done. The ball to coupler is a metal to metal moving connection and as such should have some kind of lubrication. Most any lubricant will work better than nothing. If it's grease getting on your clothes that worries you, buy a 2 dollar ball cover.
As for what to use on electrical connection such as the TV/trailer plug it's dielectric grease. It repels water and prevents corresion better than any spray and give you a fighting chance on not having problems between yearly maintenance of the plug/outlet. It's available at most auto parts stores or Radio Shacks.

[PLJ]

Thanks. I need to use something as the hitch and coupler makes a dreadful noise every time I turn.

[GrizzlyTaco]

Peter, if you go to Wal-Mart in there RV section, which is by automotive, they  sell a white grease especially for the ball on the hitch, it cost around $2.50. It will help with your problem...........Ed   :sombraro:

[AustinBoston]

There is something far better than anything gooey for your hitch.

Wax paper (a.k.a. cut-rite) is the only way to go.  Wax paper is actually coated with parafin, not wax.  Parafin is a petroleum distillate (oil) that is a solid at room temperature.  It is as good a lubricant as any other petroleum distillate (i.e grease) without the mess.

Tear off a square from the roll, fold it in half & in half, and wrap it around the ball before connecting.  When you arive, throw it in the trash (or in the fire).

No mess, and a more than adequately lubed ball.

Austin

[wavery]

When you lube your hitch ball, you don't have to put a lot on. Put enough to cover the ball, then wipe it off with a rag. It leaves enough film to do the job but not enough to mess your clothes..

[dthurk]

I asked our dealer about lubing the hitch ball shortly after buying our pup.  His reply was something to the effect of:  What do you want to do something like that for?  The only thing that's good for is getting grease on your pants.  Since then, if I've felt a need, I've used silicone spray on it.  I've not had any noise come from it in turns or otherwise.

[mgbbob]

I have heard that the WD in WD 40 does stand for water displacement.  40 happened to be the number of tries before the formula was perfected.  I think it works great for that purpose and general lubrication.  There are better products for water proofing or corrosion resistance as mentioned in other replies.

[Campaholics]

First question, I use white lithium grease aerosol spray on the hitch ball and the threads of the stabalizing jacks.  The only thing that seems to lubricate the screw in the nose wheel is several squirts of WD 40.  I gets down through the small crack.

Regarding the plug and receptacle:  Dielectric grease.  Before using it clean all coorosion from the contacts with either a contact file (some electric stores still have them) or an emery board.  Then spray contact cleaner on the metal parts to finish the job.  Now, apply the dielectric grease.  The connection will be trouble free.
 
Bob

[wynot]

I use some Reese teflon white grease for the ball.  But I've also used wheel bearing grease and petroleum jelly.
 
I put it on just prior to hooking up, and take a paper towel or napkin and wipe it off when uncoupling.  No rust, no mess.

[6Quigs]

With 4 kids running around, they are bound to find the hitch on the back of the truck, and somehow get grease on their hands, face and clothes, so I second  Austin Boston's WAX PAPER idea. Nice dry ball at the campground, and no fear of me or the kids getting any grease stains.

I keep a few squares in the trailer, and use one every trip. Eliminated the noise from the hitch.

[wavery]

First question, I use white lithium grease aerosol spray on the hitch ball and the threads of the stabalizing jacks.  The only thing that seems to lubricate the screw in the nose wheel is several squirts of WD 40.  I gets down through the small crack.
Regarding the plug and receptacle:  Dielectric grease.  Before using it clean all coorosion from the contacts with either a contact file (some electric stores still have them) or an emery board.  Then spray contact cleaner on the metal parts to finish the job.  Now, apply the dielectric grease.  The connection will be trouble free.
 
Bob

IMHO WD40 should not be used for lubrication. It is a decent cleaning agent and a good water dispersing agent. It has so much solvent in it that it's lubricating properties are questionable at best. What little oil that is in the WD40 is mostly washed away or quickly evaporates with the solvents. The reason that it tends to stop squeaks is not because of it's lubricating qualities. It is due to it's ability to wash away foreign matter.

You would be FAR better off lubing the "screw in the nose wheel" with your spray lithium grease, after spraying with the WD40 (to clean it).

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be caught without my trusty can of WD40. It has it's place, it's place just isn't for use in lubricating lifting devices or any other place where you have heavy, metal-to-metal moving parts (IMO).