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Old 04-29-2014, 02:30 PM   #1
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Trailer Hitch Grease

Some say that the trailers electrical grounding is through the hitch/coupler and thus should not be greased. Any thoughts?
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Old 04-29-2014, 04:06 PM   #2
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It definitely should not use grounding through the hitch. There is a dedicated wire ground wire in the trailer plug.

Grease should definitely be used, as it eliminates undo wear and noise.

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Old 04-29-2014, 05:30 PM   #3
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I use a white lithium grease that is easily removed on pants or bare legs, no effort required on my part. Why is the grease white when I put in on but an ugly black stain on clothing? A trailer ball cover or handy rag are critical when using any lubricant on the ball.
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Old 04-29-2014, 08:08 PM   #4
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I got one of those hitch ball covers at Harbor Freight. I think it was less than $2.00. It sure has saved me (or rather my clothes). I also put a piece of aluminum foil around it (the cover) to make it more visible and to save bumps and bruises when unhitched.
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Old 04-29-2014, 08:30 PM   #5
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A tennis ball with a hole in the bottom and 3 slits up the side works well as a hitch ball cover.
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Old 04-29-2014, 08:53 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett View Post
It definitely should not use grounding through the hitch. There is a dedicated wire ground wire in the trailer plug.
I agree. Although the hitch and ball do form a connection between the tug structure and trailer frame, this is not a reliable or appropriate ground connection.

Andersen offers a line of nylon-capped aluminum balls, which (in addition to not requiring grease) clearly do not provide an electrical path... which doesn't matter, because - as Jim said - there is a wire for that.
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Old 04-29-2014, 08:55 PM   #7
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Any beer can or pop can with the top cut off will do.
crinckel tight at the bottom , after installed
Your wife will thank you.
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Old 04-29-2014, 09:24 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamman View Post
A tennis ball with a hole in the bottom and 3 slits up the side works well as a hitch ball cover.
Very clever, but I don't play tennis. So is the beer can idea.
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Old 04-30-2014, 12:35 AM   #9
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I use dryer sheets on my tow ball. No grease to wipe on your pants. Great smell!!
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Old 04-30-2014, 07:43 AM   #10
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I've read that the active ingrediant on dryer sheets is wax. I might just try some solid paste wax like Johnson's floor wax next time.
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