We’ve all been there—wrestling with a noisy, creaking trailer while trying to back it in. It’s a common frustration, especially for those learning the ropes of towing. Thankfully, the solution is simple: greasing the trailer hitch.
Trailer hitches are supposed to operate smoothly and quietly, so if you’re hearing squeaking or grinding, it’s a clear sign that your towing equipment needs some TLC. A little grease can go a long way, not only helping to reduce noise but also ensuring a smooth towing experience and prolonging the life of your hitch.
Interestingly, there’s some debate surrounding whether you should grease your trailer hitch. The conflicting advice can leave you confused and your trailer at risk of excess wear. That's why we're here to clear up the confusion.
Should You Grease a Trailer Hitch?
Debates start with whether or not greasing up a trailer hitch is necessary in the first place. While nobody argues whether it's needed for fifth wheels and heavy-duty towing, there seems to be a lot of disagreement over its place in light-duty towing situations that rely on a hitch ball.
The simple answer is yes, greasing a trailer hitch is worth doing—for all towing applications.
Towing couplers create metal-to-metal contact. As they move around, those metal surfaces begin to wear each other down, eventually to the point where they need replacement. Grease is a lubricant, offering a protective barrier to slow the wear process and effectively extend the life of your hitch ball and coupler. As an added benefit, it also prevents rust and corrosion.
Some people will argue that since they use a light trailer infrequently, they don't really need the added protection. A commonly-added argument is that replacing a cheap hitch ball is more cost-effective than greasing it over the years. This reasoning overlooks a key point, though—greasing a trailer hitch is incredibly simple maintenance! And it only needs to be done a few times a year, if that.
Additionally, a single tube of grease can last a long time, making it a small investment for the benefits it provides. If nothing else, greasing your hitch ensures a quiet and smooth towing experience, which is something everyone can appreciate.
Types of Grease You Should Use
The debate continues when it comes to choosing the right type of grease for your trailer hitch. While application-specific grease is ideal, it’s not a problem if you use other types—depending on your needs, they might even be a better choice. Let’s explore some suitable alternatives.
Multi-Purpose Grease: If you're looking for the simplest and easiest solution for any towing situation, you can't go wrong with multi-purpose grease. Appropriate for anything from ball joints and wheel bearings to tractor spindles and trailer hitches, this grease is designed to withstand all road conditions and can provide ample protection to towing hitches used within their limitations.
Marine Grease
As you can probably guess by the name, marine grease is designed to withstand environments where excess moisture is present. If you're towing a boat trailer or are exposing your vehicle to particularly wet scenarios, marine grease is a must for your hitch.
Lithium-Based Grease
Lithium-based grease is known for its excellent adhesion to metal and protection from corrosion. It can be used to grease your hitch safely.
Silicone-Based Grease
Silicone grease has excellent resistance against heat and is commonly used to lubricate parts used in high-heat environments like brake sliding pins. Many use it to grease hitch balls to great effect.
Gel Lube Spray
Gel-lube spray is an alternative to traditional greases that trivialize application. Simply spray it on, and you're done. This is a great compromise for lighter towing applications, where owners don't want to deal with grease but still want smooth operation and protection.
Graphite Spray
If you want to skip grease altogether due to the mess it makes and its tendency to collect dust, dry graphite is a great choice. It simply sprays on and sticks to the hitch ball like a layer of paint. It's a thin barrier but does offer ample protection
Tips for Greasing a Trailer Hitch
Greasing a trailer hitch is straightforward—just apply grease or your preferred lubricant directly to the points of contact. For receiver or gooseneck hitches, grease the ball; for fifth wheels, apply grease to the entire head. To ensure the grease works effectively, keep these quick tips in mind:
- Clean the Contact Point: If your hitch has old, caked-up grease on it, remove it with a rag and some degreaser. Any debris caught in the grease can accelerate wear, so be thorough.
- Apply the Right Amount: There's no need to go overboard with your grease. A little goes a long way, and avoiding over-application will save you waste and a potential mess. While fifth wheels may consume an entire tube, you only need a small scoop to cover a hitch ball.
- Cover or Remove Your Hitch: Driving around with an exposed hitch will lead to debris getting caught in the grease. If you can't remove the hitch when not in use, cover it. Hitch covers are widely available, but cutting a tennis ball in half will work in a pinch.
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Grease Regularly: For occasional use, greasing a trailer hitch two or three times a year should suffice. If, however, you tow frequently or under heavy loads, cleaning and reapplying grease before each tow is advisable.
Keep Your Hitch Running Smoothly with Parts Via
Properly greasing your trailer hitch is essential for a quiet, smooth, and long-lasting towing experience. At Parts Via, we offer a wide selection of automotive greases from top manufacturers like AGS, Lucas Oil, Permatex, and B'laster. If you’re looking for something more specialized, check out the hitch-specific greases from trusted brands like Reese, also available on our site. Explore our selection today and keep your towing equipment in top shape!