Lubricate Hitch Ball | Lube Camper Tow Ball, Coupler, Trailer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ย. 2021
- In this video, I show the technique for lubricating the hitch ball for our tow vehicle. By using the proper lube on our hitch ball, the camper rides smoother, quieter, and hitches and on hitches with great ease!
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Products featured in video (Amazon Affiliate Links*)
Dry Graphite Lube- amzn.to/3wYkOx9
^^ Best product, size and price I could find in stock
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Graphite spray works perfectly. No mess, gets better as you use it, fairly inexpensive, looks cool too. Great tip, thanks!
Thank you, definitely no looking back for me, I love it!
You, sir, have a real talent for education. Been binging this channel for a week and the calm, pragmatic, logical way you’re building up your arguments is some of the best I’ve seen. You’re not selling for the sake of selling, you’re educating. Your demeanour, smile, tone you use is your trademark. Don’t sweat the odd camera glare, angle, etc. I’m tuned in this channel for your opinions, technical know-how and DIY abilities, not an IMAX experience. Your AGM vs LiFePo hidden cost video is what brought me here. The way you’ve built up your arguments in that video should be thought in school. I don’t know if you’ve learned this skill or if it’s built in your DNA, but that’s a strength of yours. Thanks for what you’re doing. Coffee coming.
Stephan, QC, Canada.
Thank you so much for the kind words. I really enjoy making these videos.
I appreciate you watching -Brian
Thx. Thorough and not rushed but no wasted time. Thx for putting this together.
Thank you, I appreciate that you tuned in.
Thanks Brian, great information. I am STILL waiting on my camper, but now I know what to use :)
Waiting is the hardest part! I can’t wait till your adventure begins, thanks for watching!
Thank you for the recommendation!
hope it helped, thanks for watching!
Great idea, just ordered some. Thank you
Thanks for watching, let me know how it works on your set up.
Top notch video, no BS. Excellent advice, been using graphite for years in this application.
It's the best! Thanks for tuning in.
I’m a newbie at towing just got my first travel trailer and was admiring the beautiful hitch ball. Just bought some graphite lube.
The black looks sleek, put a little spray on each each time you use it and you'll be amazed how well it works!
Thanks for the tip. I'm definitely going to try it.
Great product, much easier to keep giving light touch up sprays without making a mess!
Thanks, Brian! Bought a can of the graphite dry lubricant today!
Enjoy! Spray it frequently at first 😀
Another awesome tip - thank you! I learned the hard way when my coupler seized and I couldn’t disconnect 😳 Picked up some graphite spray and now I put that sh!t on everything! Looks like you live in a similar climate to me so appreciate all the great content. Also - nice Taco! I’m towing a BWP 17 with a 2020 4R and have no problems. Happy trails!
Northeast is tough on metal, that’s for sure.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks bud, another bit of good advice!
I couldn't be any happier with this graphite, thanks for watching!
Great suggestion using the graphite spray... thank you.
It’s been the best for our use, hope it helps you too. Thanks for watching!
I tried it and it works! I sprayed the ball and the hitch mechanism. It is indeed smoother operation. Thanks for another good tip. =Cosmo
It’s definitely improved operation for me too, thanks for watching!
@@DIYOutdoorLife any update from your 2 yr video of this method still works and any negatives?
@@kimwong2053 I love it, I wouldn't go any other way!
@@DIYOutdoorLife Awesome. I just bought a can tonight and can’t wait to try it out!
That’s a clever idea! I currently use three in one trailer ball lubricant. I use my utility trailer daily for work, but once I run out of my three and one, I think I will try the graphite.
Let me know what you think, its def my favorite.
Great tip thanks for passing that along. I will definitely try it.😊
Its been great, hope it works well for you.
Molybdenum disulfied grease or never. Needs a high-pressure lubricant. It is black and nasty.
Thanks for the knowledge. I'm not spending 3x the amount. But I'll give u a comment, like, and subscribe. I keep hearing use dry graphite. You broke it all down easy. Thanks guy
Thank you, I appreciate you swinging by and subscribing. Welcome!
great video ... subscribed
Happy to have you, thanks!
Thanks, I have great trouble uncoupling, especially on uneven ground. It has taken the joy out of taking the caravan away because I'm always anticipating the trouble I'm going to have. I hope this works.
Spray it inside the coupler and on the ball, I think you'll notice the difference right away. Spray it frequently.
I haven't tried that spray yet but I might. I've been happy using Lucas 5th wheel and slide grease. Works great last a long time. I have an outdoor business, towing 5-7 days a week spring, summer and fall. Not one sign of wear on anything.
Great to hear, I'll give it a try. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the video
Thank you for watching!
tested and love it. thanks for this one
That’s great, glad it helped.
@@DIYOutdoorLife cannot believe how well it worked and how not too many people know this.
I was looking to replace my whole hitch coupler since it was kind of rusty after only one year. Making the coupling/de-coupling time horrible. sometimes 10 minutes there fighting the hitch going up/down and jumping into it to release it.
this freaking spray transformed the coupling/de-coupling into a 20 second deal. even with my original hitch which was all rusty.
one thing tho, dont know why, but my ball does not keep the black spray as yours. it wears out in one use. if you touch the ball you get gray on your hands. FOR SURE better than grease. is not as much mess.
ive tried spraying it several layers.
but no big deal. i think the most important thing is the lubrication on the coupler hitch side. the system moves like brand new first day of use.
thanks brian
I have to touch mine up too, but far less than I did at first. It might be because I got to it before rust. Great tips, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the tip on the dry graphite spray. (I think I am about 95% through all your posted videos!) The information you have shared has been so helpful. Here is a thought I had while watching the video - you could get a DIY Outdoor Life sign that is the size of your license plate. That way you could put it on over your tag when make videos.
We are cut from the same cloth, I wish you said that earlier… lol. I recently made plastic covers and put a DIYOL sticker on them. Now I just have to remember to use them!
@@DIYOutdoorLife Yes, I think we are. I have been referring to you as "my friend Brian whom I have never met" I am eight days away from getting my Bushwacker. I had the brake controller wired for less than the dealer would install the wireless one. I already am thinking about my first mods which probably will be to replace the heater thermostat.
@@jeffreyhuebner5388 do the master switch mod too. Should be high on list. Congrats on new trailer!
nice ! Thanks
Thank you for watching!
Thanks for the tip! I just picked up my new teardrop trailer in Oregon, last month. It wasn't noticeably noisy at first, but by the time I was halfway through my 1100 mile trip home it was squealing embarrassingly loudly! I bought some hitch ball grease off of Amazon which has worked fine for me, but I will keep your method in mind.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I’ve used that before and it works well. I’ve been pretty happy with the mess free set up. What trailer did you get??
@@DIYOutdoorLife I got an Aero Teardrops Steel High Clearance.
I know I ask every time..lol
Awesome camper!!
I use a wax-based bicycle chain lube. Walmart sells a brand called "White Lightening." It's liquid, with wax suspended in the carrier agent. It dries leaving a white coating of wax. I think it's cleaner than graphite. It's in the same category as graphite (not a grease; doesn't trap dirt). If it's good for a bicycle chain, it seems to be good for a ball hitch. I think the other benefit of wax is that it's not as nasty to bump into with clothes/hands. Graphite tends to create a mess.
Thanks for mentioning “White Lightening. I’ve been using it for years on my bicycle chains. I’ll give it a try this coming spring.
Excellent tip, I will give it a whirl!
Thanks to both of you. This sound like what I am looking for. (White Lightning Clean Ride Bike Chain Wax Lube)
@@veaseyr You might be able to use ordinary (solid) paraffin wax. I think the bicycle chain products are liquid to carry the fine wax particles into the pins and overlapping plate surfaces. I don't think there's anything special about the wax. The specialness is getting it into the tight spaces of all the links. A single ball surface could have solid wax rubbed onto it. Spray some silicone onto it for more slipperiness (without the dirt-trapping of grease).
I don't think a ball & hitch have that much surface movement to require grease. There's a lot of bang/bang contact of mostly flat surface. It's not rotating like a wheel bearing at 20k rpm. A wheel bearing has 1000 pounds and rotates that fast, needs lubrication for that metal/metal contact. But, a ball & hitch might hold that weight, but it's mostly slam contact. It has not been my experience that it needs much help. It doesn't seem like a risky proposition. A ball can be replaced for $15 if you notice it's worn. As long as a trailer's hitch can be replaced (another $50?), not integral (welded) to the tongue, it seems reasonable to test wax, no lube, dirt-attracting grease. See how each wears.
Does your wife call you “White Lightning “ 😂😂
I use the white lithium as well but I’m pulling a gooseneck hitch and I glob it on with the canister. The ball is covered with a plate when not in use so I don’t have to wipe the sand off before coupling. I do believe I like the graphite solution way better and when I get a teardrop for the Jeep I’m going to invest in a can of this stuff. Thanks for the tip.
Pat
It’s been a good solution, I’ve been very happy with it.
I think I’ll give it a try I have been using barring grees
The grease works… just messy right?
I love that when I search a topic and I see you've already made a video on the subject. My question is, do you or can you use this on the ball of the sway bar?
I would, but the smartest thing for me to say here is to check your owners manual. Some sway bar hitches are made to not require external lubrication, they apply materials which are supposed to be lifetime lubrication. The whole unit needs to be replaced when they wear out.
You should be able to find info on your SB online, if it says not to lubricate, I would follow that . If it doesn't, this is a great product to use.
I hope this helps, thank you so much for tuning into the channel.
I used lithium Greece but I'll have to try this sounds like a good idea
Lithium grease works well too. Ive had a lot of luck with the graphite now, little touch up each time we couple up. Thanks for watching.
Yep graphite is the best... I'm a car hauler driver and put that everywhere.
Great stuff, thanks for watching!
I have a carrier for my powered wheelchir. I only use it for my walks 2-3 times a month and I need to put the carrier on and off the car when I'm not using the wheelchair. I was looking for cleaner Lube for inserting and the carrier, as it sticks times I will give it a try. THX SO Much
I think this is going to help fix your problem, thanks for watching!
I run the hitch ball dry on my utility, and boat trailer. Most of the time neither is pulled for many miles. Mostly they just get a rubbing movement hence the way you get wear points on the ball. Most of the wear doesn’t come from turning. Also the ball is your electrical grounding point on many smaller trailers. Heavy grease could cause loss of your electrical ground I believe. I pulled a large cargo trailer every day for many years. With that trailer I used equalizer bars, and keep both the bars & hitch ball greased. I like your idea of the graphite spray. Great idea for my lighter trailers. On my boat trailer I wouldn’t be putting grease into the lake water.
I’ve never tried with boat trailers, I wonder how it would hold up. Probably require a lot of touch ups but would work well, def better than the grease slicks in the water. Thanks for tuning in.
Are you putting your boat trailer in the water up to the hitch?? Also, if the wheel bearings on your boat trailer wheels aren't adequately greased, at some point, your boat and trailer will be sitting along the highway, with no wheels. If your trailer wheel bearings are greased, you're exposing that same grease to the water anyway.
@jasonwisor3349 No, on putting my boat trailer into the water to the hitch, some might.
Wheel bearings are a sealed unit or should be. If not, they would be throwing greese all over the place just going down the highway. If yours are you, you might think about fixing them.
Awesome info! Will have to try this!
Also, I noticed that you have that sweet Tacoma (as do I, 2nd gen V6 DCLB) did a quick browse of your videos to see if you had any info of mods/changes for towing/camping/traveling with it. Have you done anything lift or suspension wise? And any pointers on long hauls through bigger mountain ranges/steeper grades? Heading out to Utah from NC this summer.
Glad it helped! I love the Taco, can’t even feel the light weight camper is there.
I added a back up camera, brake controller, additional 12v in truck bed, Decked storage system, and the ARE cap. All the mods were related to optimizing long trips with the camper. My gf just towed the camper 3k miles solo !
I am in the process of installing helper springs. Although the tongue weight is light, the cap, decked sliders and constant cargo add up fast, it’s not needed but I think it’s a cheap improvement. Other than that, I’m considering adding solar to the roof of the cap.
Gas mileage will drop to 11pm in mnts but it will pull and brake with ease at these weights, I’m less than ⅓ the towing capacity with this trailer.
Thanks for watching and subbing!
When I was going through the manual on my T@g, it said you should lube the pin in the breakaway box. I've never heard that before.
Kudos on you for reading the manual! You're already steps ahead of the game if you're doing that.
Even though it typically says household lube, I like to use a little electric grease.
amzn.to/45WcsaH
Pull the pin, apply a little coating, securely reattach it and you're done. if you would like to put a little bit of this dielectric grease on the prongs of your seven pin plug, youll be doing great there too.
Thanks for watching!
Just order some! I put some lubrication on my ball and in the coupling because my trailer was making a loud noise everytime I turn and when I went to release to coupling it didn't want to let go, it is a frightening experince and when it finally released my SUV rolled like 4 inches 🤨🤨🤨
I'm glad it helped, there's been a lot of success stories. Thank you for watching your video and sharing your experience!
Good tip! Hey, off-topic and you may have covered this in another video that I haven't found but what is your professional recommendation for a battery back for your home?
Really depends on what you want/need to do. Shoot me an email and I’ll help you out. I’m on the road for a week or so but I’ll catch up when I’m back.
Try the wd40 specialist dry lube. It has no graphite but does have ptfe (teflon) so it doesnt get any black anywhere ;)
Ive used it a lot, very good stuff. Ultimately, I really liked how buttery the graphite spray is. Both better than the messy alternatives.
Thanks for the video. Ordered a can of the graphite. Would you suggest using this method on the round pins of a WDH or use a heavier grease?
I think it would work great and be a lot less messy on the WDH
I just bought a used RV. I had a tiny bit of experience previously with a tiny bit of a trailer. 🙂
On this new one, the former owner slopped and glopped lubricant all over anything close to the ball (and I do mean ALL OVER). It was thick, grimy, gritty, and took a friend and me almost an hour to get the ball into the socket so that I could drive off with it.
So I LOVE the idea you just shared! I hadn't purchased more ball grease yet, but I was going to. Now I'll use your link instead.
My question: I'd like to thoroughly clean all that grease off the whole giant assembly (and the coupler - and every surface that the ball has touched). What product would do that?
It might make for a smelly job, but gasoline would work really well. Otherwise, just take your time and then wipe it off really well. If you keep applying this graphite spray, you’ll be much happier!
Brake cleaner, which is in a spray can that you can buy any auto parts store, would also be a good option. Is the stuff they use at the dry cleaners. Smells just like walking into a dry cleaner. Cuts right through any grease or oil.
I just got a can of this stuff. My first application was today. I don’t think I put enough spray on the hitch. It still has a little squeak. I didn’t put it in the receptacle. Maybe that’s the problem. Thanks for the tip. Trial and error
If you already have a little rust build up, it will take a few more applications. Keep applying and it'll clear up, trial and error indeed.
3 in 1 dry lube liquid for all bars and balls , clean.
Well, I listened to your advice about the spray on graphite lubricant for the hitch ball.
Applied a couple of coatings to ball and reciever.
Although the coupling and uncoupling process was smooth, the final result was aweful.
After a day of driving the screeching noises coming from the ball was so horrendous it woke people in the campground while parking.
We would NOT recommend spray graphite lube.
Our traditional white lithium grease works much better.
What product did you use??? Screeching? Something wasnt right, ive done this hundreds of times and its silky smooth and quiet, even have dozens of emails from people saying they could t believe how big a difference it made.
Either way, hope you have better luck with the lithium.
Have you ever though about a piece of washed paper folded several times. I am thinking the paraffin wax may lube the ball when weight is put on it. Just a thought. Might work for short trips.
I have heard of people trying that. Circle back if you try it and let us know how it works.
Thank you but I need to know should I spray the coupler as well ? Or only the ball ? And how frequent ? Thanks again for this great video
I like to spray the coupler and the ball. How often you spray depends on how often you use, it's so fast and easy, I tell people to spray it every time. After a while, you see it starts to build up and not need as much, but it's well worth it and very fast and cheap.
I’ve got a Lock N Roll articulating hitch, and haven’t figure out a solution yet. I’m storing my teardrop outside so hoping to figure this out before hard winter hits.
The lock and roll is really nice. I wonder if the graphite would work well for that too.
The trailer coupler will wear out before the ball the ball is much harder than the lightweight metal of the coupler. The main reason to lie the ball is it’s easier than trying to lube the trailer coupler.
👍
It's about the hitch ball moving around smoothly. Do you grease ball joints ? A friend of mine wanted to know why his trailer ball kept getting loose . I asked him he lubricated the hitch ball and he said no. I told him with trailer ball when you make left turns that unscrews the ball from the nut if there is no lubrication . He went and bought some trailer ball lubricant and it never happened again. You can buy ball cover to keep the lube from getting on things . I use tennis balls with a x cut.
I’ve done that too, works well.
I was pleasantly surprised with how well this graphite worked and avoided stained pants and messy hands at camp. 👍 👍
I just use DRY Lithium Lube in a spray can, no mess like graphite powder creates. using graphite is a contradiction to using using grease, as you have the same problem with black marks.. and most of it does wash out yes.. but it is more stubborn about coming out when you get it in the cracks of your skin. dry lithium lube is the way to go.
Thanks for tuning in and contributing to the conversation. I have used them both a lot, and I don't think you can go wrong either way but I do prefer the graphite. For me, it holds up a lot better, and I don't find the mess to be too bad, but try lithium is excellent too.
Thanks again for swinging by !
awesome tip man. buying it now with the afíliate link.
what about the other side? the coupler?
those things get crazy rusty and hard to couple/un-couple. what are you using to lube that whole system. thanks!
The rust can be difficult depending where you live. The graphite spray has been the best on the ball throughout the season. Once a year you might have to rub it down really good with a penetrating oil to try to get the surface rust off and then start applying the graphite again.
The graphite can do an excellent job on the hitch as well. The idea is it provides excellent lubrication without the mess. It’s also much easier to visually inspect than a clear product. At first you might have to put it on every single trip, but it’s easy to see when it needs it.
Happy camping!
@@DIYOutdoorLife ride on! the ball is still in good condition, so perfect to use this spray as preventive right away.
what I see messed up is the coupler underneath/inside. Ive been struggling to couple/un-couple.
So im buying a coupler replacement to have it all clean and new again (thinking of CURT 25194 Posi-Lock Coupler Replacement Latch for 2-Inch, unless you have a better suggestion)
but im looking for a preventive lube solution to keep it new.
its funny how a simple couple/un-couple action can mess you up when in a rush :)
so, you would say that same spray for the coupler part?
thanks.
cool videos bro
@@RaymondCidadMoser I know exactly what you mean. I’ve been in a hurry many times while jumping on the bumper of my tow vehicle…lol
I love the curt products, hard to go wrong there. You’re going to notice that keeping the ball lubed really helps the hitch last. Think of it like a mortar and pestle. When the ball gets rusty and rough, it does a lot more damage to the hitch.
Happy that you swung by, thanks again!
What about using Dry Moly Lube like you use on your stabilizer jacks, would that be better?
Unfortunately, It doesn’t hold up the same way. It works great for the stabilizers but the graphite is the clear winner for hitch ball
I got a rusty ball socket on old trailer. Would dry graphite spray help protect it from further rust, or is there another product that can help it?
Thank you for great informative content.
It would be best to use some rust remover on it first. The graphite spray works great, but it definitely works best if you apply to cleaner surface. If you have some rust on there, you'll have to apply it more frequently, but you get tons of applications in one can.
@@DIYOutdoorLife Awesome, I really value the input, thank you!
@DIYoutdoorlife where is your link. My trailer is way noising and makes metal to metal popping sounds especially when turning. Please help? Cant find the link.
You can always find links in the video description. You click the drop-down menu or the "show more" button to find that description.
I'll just paste you the link here. Clean the surface up and apply a lot, spray some each time you hitch.
amzn.to/4etscG9
I have an Anderson WD hitch. They say not to lube ball! You didn’t mention how to (or not) lube the coupler. Your thoughts on both issues, please?
Great question, I don't have as much experience with WB hitches. Anderson claims to have a friction reducing cone, I believe they factoring that in as something that distributes some lubricant. In that case, I would follow the manufacturers recommendation and not lube.
As far as the coupler, I just spray some up into it . I keep it simple and it worked great for years.
@@DIYOutdoorLife Thank you for responding and quickly! I will get a can of the graphite as you suggested. I trust your advice. This week we were camping and twice the Casita trailer’s ball released late dropping the trailer and pulling the trailer off the front power jack! Over decades of camping never had that happen. I have never lubed either ball or coupler since purchasing the trailer in 2021. Any further insight is welcome. Thank you.
What do you think about spraying on the shaft to stop rusted shaft wielding in the receiver hitch? Had a truck I just sold that had this. I have never lubed a ball either. Thinking about it.
I would be more inclined to clean that up and hit it with black rustoleum. This stuff is great for dry lube on moving parts but rust on the receiving hitch is better off being treated and painted. Hope this helps, thanks for watching!
Get Cruisemaster DO35 coupler
I’ll check it out, thanks!
I'm thinking of using a Dry PTFE spray, any thoughts?
Should be the same concept. Use it and report back to us on how it does.
@@DIYOutdoorLife I hope to report my findings after some usage.
Good tip, I have used lithium grease in the past and ended up with stained pants every time.
It got me every time!
Are you needing to apply this every time you hitch up? Or does it last a few tows?
It depends. When I used a brand new tow ball, it built a nice lasting finish. With tow balls that are scored or have some rust, you need to apply frequently.
A single graphite can can be applied like 100 times. Since it's so fast, it's probably best to give it a little touch up each time... works great
@@DIYOutdoorLife I'll be giving this a try tonight!
Will you send a picture of the spray can you use please and thank you.
Click the video description. It’s a V or “show more”. I always leave a description with links to the products we’re using in each video.
Let me know if you’re able to find it.
@@DIYOutdoorLife thank you.
@@beth2513 did you find it?
White lithium grease is just as good doesnt pick up debris and repella water
White lithium works well, for me, the graphite takes first place. Thanks for tuning in!
@@DIYOutdoorLife i have to check that stuff out
WD-40 makes a white lithium grease variety
White lithium is good stuff. I really like being able to see the ware lines with a graphite, it’s definitely been an upgrade for me.
Silicone spray is the answer
I found that I didn’t do as well as the graphite, on my set up. I also like that I can see the graphite as it wears. Silicone works well though, thanks for watching.
No lubrication in UK…we have stabilisers which use pads …lubrication is a no no.
I'm interested in learning more. I heard that there are several different set ups in the UK and that weight distribution hitches are not used on bigger rigs.
Rub it with a candle.
I’ve done that, that’s an old trick. Works well.