|
04-29-2014, 02:30 PM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia
Trailer: 2008 Escape 17b
Posts: 1,868
|
Trailer Hitch Grease
Some say that the trailers electrical grounding is through the hitch/coupler and thus should not be greased. Any thoughts?
|
|
|
04-29-2014, 04:06 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Trailer: 2017 Escape 5.0 TA
Posts: 15,532
|
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.
__________________
2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
|
|
|
04-29-2014, 05:30 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Janesville, WI, Wisconsin
Trailer: Escape 19 (sold) Escape 21 2014
Posts: 1,879
|
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.
__________________
Paul and Janet Braun
2003 Toyota 4Runner V8 now 2012 Toyota Sequoia V8
Escape 19' 2010 now 2014 Escape 21'
|
|
|
04-29-2014, 08:08 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Antelope, California
Trailer: 2009 17B "Suite Escape" pulled by a 2020 Toyota Sienna
Posts: 1,565
|
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.
__________________
Peace and Sunshine
|
|
|
04-29-2014, 08:30 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Phoenix Metro Area, Arizona
Trailer: 2014 Escape 19
Posts: 767
|
A tennis ball with a hole in the bottom and 3 slits up the side works well as a hitch ball cover.
|
|
|
04-29-2014, 08:53 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Trailer: 1979 Boler B1700
Posts: 14,935
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett
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.
|
|
|
04-29-2014, 08:55 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Steveston B.C., British Columbia
Trailer: 2012- 17'B.... 2016 Tacoma SR5 TRD
Posts: 504
|
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.
__________________
I've almost been everywhere man.
Almost been everywhere.....
|
|
|
04-29-2014, 09:24 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Antelope, California
Trailer: 2009 17B "Suite Escape" pulled by a 2020 Toyota Sienna
Posts: 1,565
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamman
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.
__________________
Peace and Sunshine
|
|
|
04-30-2014, 12:35 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Battle Ground, Washington
Trailer: 2001 Bigfoot 21RB/ 73Boler/Trillium 5500
Posts: 178
|
I use dryer sheets on my tow ball. No grease to wipe on your pants. Great smell!!
|
|
|
04-30-2014, 07:43 AM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Marana, Arizona
Trailer: 2018 Airstream Flying Cloud (Escape 19 & 5.0 previously)
Posts: 1,078
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|