Best product to lubricate tow hitch mechanism

HappyCamper2024
HappyCamper2024 Member Posts: 50
in Trailer & Towing

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.

Comments

  • rydfree
    rydfree Member Posts: 28

    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
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,678

    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.

    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • Binghi
    Binghi Member Posts: 408

    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.

    2021 400 BD / 2023 Ford F150 / Austin, TX

  • subkron
    subkron Member Posts: 205

    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.

    2022 T@B 400 Boondock
    2015 RAM 1500 Outdoorsman Quad Cab
    South Jersey
  • Binghi
    Binghi Member Posts: 408

    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!

    2021 400 BD / 2023 Ford F150 / Austin, TX

  • MOS2
    MOS2 Member Posts: 50

    Andersen greaseless ball works for me .

    2025 400 Boondock Black Canyon 
  • Horigan
    Horigan Member Posts: 890
    edited June 23

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

    Rich
    2019 T@b 400
    2025 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Turbo
    Bellingham WA
  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,609

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

    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
  • WayneW
    WayneW Member Posts: 256

    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.

    2021 320S BD
    2017 F-150
    Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

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