Expert tips on how to maintain your hitch for worry-free towing.
Longer days and warmer temps beckon us with dreams of cross-country adventures with all our favorite towable toys. But before you hit the open road and show off your pro-level towing skills, be sure you don’t overlook a crucial aspect of towing safety: hitch maintenance.
While most people prioritize the all-important safety check on the trailer or camper being towed, the hitch itself is frequently overlooked due to its reliable and fuss-free nature. But what good is a trailer in tip-top shape if it comes unhitched in the middle of the highway on the 4-hour journey to your weekend at the lake? We’ve all seen the catastrophic consequences of a failed hitch or trailer, and no one needs that in their life.
Whether you're a novice explorer or a seasoned veteran, safeguarding your investment is paramount, as is ensuring the safety of those sharing the road with you. Understanding what to look for, repair, or replace on your tow hitch is key to enjoying a successful season of fun and freedom.
The following guide explores the vital aspects of tow hitch maintenance so that you (and your people) can confidently go forth and arrive at your destination in one piece.
Visually Inspect Your Hitch
This might seem like a no-brainer, but in our attempt to be thorough, it bears noting. Your first step - just as with the rig you’re towing - is to give everything on your hitch a comprehensive once-over.
Examine your hitch ball, ball mount, and the tongue of the trailer. Don’t overlook the hitch receiver, as well as the locking and hitch pins. In fact, now is also the ideal time to evaluate your entire towing package underneath the vehicle, as well as any safety chains. If you have a fifth-wheel towing hitch, be sure to inspect the kingpin, locking mechanism, and hitch assembly.
Pay close attention not only to rust, excessive wear, and missing components but also to any signs of cracks or exposed metal. These indicators can signal potential weaknesses in the hitch system, compromising its reliability and safety. Similarly, examining the integrity and connectivity of all electrical wires and components necessary for operating trailer lights is crucial to maintaining visibility on the road.
Test Moving Parts
Over an extended period of sitting, the movable parts of your hitch can stiffen, seize, and corrode. This can lead to malfunction or total failure, usually at the most inopportune times. So, put some elbow grease into it and make sure that all moving parts are able to do just that — move.
On the flip side, ensure that all moving parts are also not moving too much. Loose or unstable parts are just as dangerous, maybe even more so, than parts that don’t move enough.
When it comes to maintaining your trailer hitch, it’s important to test the amount of play when it's secured into your hitch receiver. There should be some degree of movement, but it should be minimal. If you observe rust and a complete lack of play, this can subject your hitch to unwanted stress during towing. If you’ve left a trailer attached to your hitch all winter, it’s best to remove and replace that hitch in the spring.
Clean All Components
Start by thoroughly cleaning off any grease, dirt, or debris that may be hiding any potential issues. If you notice corrosion or rust during your visual inspection, take the time to clean and assess its depth.
If the rust runs deep, there’s a good chance it has compromised the integrity of the metal – which means it’s time to start shopping for a replacement. If, however, it’s just some surface rust, you can remove it using rust remover and medium-grit sandpaper from your local hardware store. Apply some elbow grease, but be mindful not to inadvertently remove the paint if you can avoid it.
On that note, if you encounter any exposed metal, clean the area thoroughly and apply a new layer of powder coating or rust-resistant paint. This will help prevent further rust and degradation of the metal, prolonging the lifespan of your hitch. Now is also a great time to inspect the welds on the hitch and receiver to ensure they are intact and free from cracks.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Ensuring well-lubricated moving parts is a key part of hitch maintenance. Lubrication creates a low-friction environment, limiting wear and tear and ensuring a smoother towing experience.
For a standard tow hitch, lubricate the ball mount and inside the receiver. If you’re maintaining a fifth wheel hitch, thoroughly lubricate any surfaces exposed to friction from metal-to-metal contact. For most parts, a water-resistant lithium grease or WD-40 should do the job nicely. In fact, WD-40 is ideal for lubricating the exterior of the hitch coupler, pins, lock, and lock lever.
Shore Up Electrical Connections
Although protected, your truck and trailer’s electrical connections are still exposed to harsh moisture, dust, and debris if left sitting. Even if your towing vehicle or trailer is kept in a storage unit, electrical wiring components can still be damaged by pesky mice or even just old age. Replace any frayed, exposed, or corroded wires, bad fuses, or damaged connectors.
And don’t just cover up any problems with electrical or duct tape. If you’ve cleaned and repaired your wiring thoroughly and notice that lights or signals still aren’t functioning properly, enlist the help of a professional electrician.
Be Proactive
Looking to save some time and energy on hitch maintenance? Be proactive at the end of the season. When putting your trailer or towing vehicle into storage, remove the hitch ball from its receiver and store it in a dry location to protect it from the elements.
For the hitch receiver, which is not removable, use a hitch cover to shield it from dirt, debris, and moisture. Similarly, cover the tongue of your trailer during the cold winter months to prevent damage.
Replace Parts When Needed
No matter how well you maintain and care for your hitch and towing package, there’s going to come a time when it’s just too worn out and needs replacement. When that day arrives, towing experts like CURT, B&W Trailer Hitches, Draw-Tite, Husky Towing, Reese, and Blue Ox have a vast repertoire to suit any towing need.
Whether you need a new ball mount, hitch receiver, fifth wheel adapter, wiring, tongue, lighting, pins, locks, adapter, or virtually anything else towing related, these reliable companies will have you outfitted and on the road in no time.