Best product to lubricate tow hitch mechanism

HappyCamper2024

Hey y'all. I have a 2023 tab 320s. The latch for the tow hitch has gotten a little hard to manipulate and we are seeing a little rust on the ball. I'm thinking of treating it to some lubrication. The two products I'm looking at are lithium grease and 3 in 1 trailer hitch gel. Does anyone have a suggestion as to which? Any other tips? This is my first towed vehicle so I'm a little behind the curve on knowledge. Thank you so much.

rydfree

Been towing for years and I have never put lube on my balls. If this is a thing, I guess I need to follow this thread as well ;)

ScottG

A shot of silicone spray usually works for me, but I suspect most anything will work so long as it doesn't attract and trap dirt.

Binghi

I apply hitch grease to the ball and the interior of the coupler every few days on the road. Wipe off the old stuff with a paper towel and put the new stuff on. I started doing this after noticing rust and wear on the ball, and hearing screeching sounds caused by friction on the dry ball when executing sharp turns.

subkron

I use white lithium, just a small amount to prevent galling. Been doing it for years, no issues. Definitely need to clean [anything] you use off as soon as unhitched, invariably DW will walk past and clean it off inadvertently lol.

Binghi

LOL. I solve that problem by removing the hitch from my truck as soon as I unhook the trailer. Too many indelible stains on my pants!

MOS2

Andersen greaseless ball works for me .

Horigan

For the latch mechanism I use Boeshield T-9. It's a good lubricant for exposure to outside as it leaves a waxy film.

pthomas745

Way back when, Verna used Vaseline to lubricate the hitch ball. Claimed it didn't leave a stain when you inevitably bumped into it.

WayneW

I now use a dry graphite spray. I used to grease the ball and hitch but got tired of the mess, the grease attracting dust when unhitched and the inevitable stains. The graphite sprays on and dries, leaving a flat black coating that doesn’t attract dust and protects against rust. I spray both the ball and inside the hitch.