Hi fellow nomads,i have been,up until now greasing the tow ball with "ordinary"grease,and this results in it
going black and horrible after a couple of days reasonable travelling.I have heard of people using cut up
plastic shopping bags(i have never actually seen it) and others using a silicon spray.no doubt we are all happy with what
we use but i would like to change to another method that will save me getting covered with grease everytime
i clean and the reapply the grease to the towball.any ideas or suggestions with be tried and appreciated.thanks.
-- Edited by subaru on Thursday 28th of January 2016 04:56:27 PM
brickies said
05:15 PM Jan 28, 2016
There has been 2 train of thought on to grease or not to grease on this forum for years , So I don't grease but do spray with Silicon spray but don't know if I am right but been doing that for 8 years now .
Explorer said
06:20 PM Jan 28, 2016
Subaru Hi, In my opinion the best is what You have been doing. What I do is when I unhitch have a square of kitchen paper towel folded that I drop over the greasy ball then slip a tow ball cover over that, when I rehitch use the towel to wipe any excess off ready to smear a bit of grease if necessary. I keep a roll of paper towels & a pack of wet wipes are at hand in the front boot. Silicon spray is great for lock's etc.
I cannot come to grips with not lubricating two metal parts rubbing together under pressure.
Desert Dweller said
06:28 PM Jan 28, 2016
Been towing various things around for the past 40 years. Always used marine grease which goes black like ordinary grease but has a higher moisture resistance. We still tow a caravan, camper trailer & a 17ft fiberglass boat, never had a problem. We use the usual ball cover when unhitched. What's wrong with getting a little grease on your hands? We always have a chuckle when we see a bloke wearing gloves hitching his van up!
aussietraveller said
07:24 PM Jan 28, 2016
I have for many years used a lubrication stick which I'd a wax type product I also use it on my WDH like explorer I cannot understand having two metal couplings not being lubricated, the product I use is called dry lube and can be purchased at most auto accessories stores.
This product does not make a mess of your clothes or hands and provided you are not driving in dusty conditions it will last several days then wipe off with a paper towel and re apply, it really does work well and is very cheap to buy.
Dougwe said
07:43 PM Jan 28, 2016
Desert Dweller wrote:
Been towing various things around for the past 40 years. Always used marine grease which goes black like ordinary grease but has a higher moisture resistance. We still tow a caravan, camper trailer & a 17ft fiberglass boat, never had a problem. We use the usual ball cover when unhitched. What's wrong with getting a little grease on your hands? We always have a chuckle when we see a bloke wearing gloves hitching his van up!
I hope you have a "Long Load" sign on the back of all that DD
Sorry, couldn't resist
I use grease as well but have often thought how Vaseline would go
Aus-Kiwi said
08:07 PM Jan 28, 2016
We have used a light smear of graphit grease so it works like a dry lube .. Apply every couple of months also on lever & shaft ., there's the theorie that. Sand can get into grease and make things worse ? Why I use a dry lube and often check its condition ..
Baz421 said
08:11 PM Jan 28, 2016
I have always used wheel bearing grease and cover coupling when not connected. No need to keep reapplying as it lasts ages - but yes it does go dark.
One Major Advantage is sand and crap blown around in the bush sticks to the outer layer of grease leaving the inner layers to lubricate metal/metal.
jules47 said
08:31 PM Jan 28, 2016
Some guys I know use a square of black plastic bag - cut bigger than the ball, so it covers it completely, put it on, and they say it is the "ants pants"!
blaze said
08:49 PM Jan 28, 2016
been running dry balls for years
cheers
blaze
jonslaur said
08:57 PM Jan 28, 2016
I have a mchitch and use CRC Dryglide
Graden said
10:22 PM Jan 28, 2016
Hi, until recently, when I bought a c/van with Alko hitch non lubricant, I always used a black plastic garbage bag cut into approximately 4inch (10cm) squares. Place 2 or three or as many as needed to take up any slack in the ball/hitch connection. A senior farmer gave me this tip many moons ago, it stops grit from entering the joint and forming a grinding paste that wears away the inside of the hitch-you cant see the wear, but the ball becomes very loose in the hitch and can eventually cause it to jump off. The plastic last for a long time before needing replacement and stops that annoying clunk from the connection when towing.
patrol03 said
10:27 PM Jan 28, 2016
I've never had to replace a ball.
Bevandy2 said
11:06 PM Jan 28, 2016
I use WB grease on the ball, just a smear, and carry industrial paper towel to clean it off.
Inside the hitch can be sprayed with CRC and wiped out with the paper towel. (good idea to spray out the elec connections as well, to clean them.)
As everyone knows, the play in the hitch can be adjusted by the screw and lock nut, just stick the ball in there when unhitched and see how much it wriggles around, then adjust the screw accordingly. Not too tight, just to remove any up and down free play.
Delta18 said
12:02 AM Jan 29, 2016
I am one of the 'no lube" brigade, I prefer dry components rubbing to having them work with grinding paste between them.
I did try the plastic bag trick some time back, it is a theoretically sound idea owing to the petroleum content of the bags.
My method was to just fold a shopping bag into an approximately 6" square & fitted that over the ball.
This worked well, lubed and quietened the hitch but, after a day's travel when unhitching the now disintegrated bag fell off in pieces. I didn't think that was environmentally friendly so I went back to dry balls.
Swoffer said
01:18 AM Jan 29, 2016
Delta18 wrote:
Iwent back to dry balls.
Couldnt agree more , dry balls are best .
Desert Dweller said
06:28 AM Jan 29, 2016
Dougwe wrote:
Desert Dweller wrote:
Been towing various things around for the past 40 years. Always used marine grease which goes black like ordinary grease but has a higher moisture resistance. We still tow a caravan, camper trailer & a 17ft fiberglass boat, never had a problem. We use the usual ball cover when unhitched. What's wrong with getting a little grease on your hands? We always have a chuckle when we see a bloke wearing gloves hitching his van up!
I hope you have a "Long Load" sign on the back of all that DD
Sorry, couldn't resist
ROAD TRAIN actually Doug.
Dougwe said
06:42 AM Jan 29, 2016
Phew! Good to see you are legal
Radar said
07:28 AM Jan 29, 2016
Like most have tried 3 basic ideas have settle on using up excess plastic bags which acumillate.
I like the clean idea of it all.
I find I am now reversing better, just joking but I like to think I am. But I really am.
Those pestie small plastic bags have a second use.
I don't need to carry gease.
Don't get dirty.
Hitch seems a lot quieter.
Best of both worlds.
spida said
10:37 AM Jan 29, 2016
I was told by a truckie very recently about the plastic bag thing. will try it now. Have been using silicon
Radar said
10:40 AM Jan 29, 2016
spida wrote:
I was told by a truckie very recently about the plastic bag thing. will try it now. Have been using silicon
I am an ex 3 years ago transport driver and I like the clean plastic bag trick.
-- Edited by Radar on Friday 29th of January 2016 10:40:33 AM
Bushpie said
03:32 PM Jan 29, 2016
Bevandy2 wrote:
I use WB grease on the ball, just a smear, and carry industrial paper towel to clean it off. Inside the hitch can be sprayed with CRC and wiped out with the paper towel. (good idea to spray out the elec connections as well, to clean them.)
As everyone knows, the play in the hitch can be adjusted by the screw and lock nut, just stick the ball in there when unhitched and see how much it wriggles around, then adjust the screw accordingly. Not too tight, just to remove any up and down free play.
Rather then spray..... Would the dry graphite pwder be better for the electrical connections?
Spraying I would think attracts the dust
TowBall said
04:25 PM Jan 29, 2016
Hi Guys,
If you grease the ball, do you put a cover over the caravan end when unhitched? The grease in the hitch will get dust & grit in it also.
Baz421 said
08:08 PM Jan 29, 2016
TowBall wrote:
Hi Guys, If you grease the ball, do you put a cover over the caravan end when unhitched? The grease in the hitch will get dust & grit in it also.
Yes.
03_Troopy said
08:31 AM Jan 30, 2016
Bushpie wrote:
Bevandy2 wrote:
I use WB grease on the ball, just a smear, and carry industrial paper towel to clean it off. Inside the hitch can be sprayed with CRC and wiped out with the paper towel. (good idea to spray out the elec connections as well, to clean them.)
As everyone knows, the play in the hitch can be adjusted by the screw and lock nut, just stick the ball in there when unhitched and see how much it wriggles around, then adjust the screw accordingly. Not too tight, just to remove any up and down free play.
Rather then spray..... Would the dry graphite pwder be better for the electrical connections?
Spraying I would think attracts the dust
No, graphite powder is not suitable for electrical connector lubrication. A light spray with a cleaner, lubrication product like Servisol Electrical Clean And Lube, works best.
Bevandy2 said
12:17 AM Jan 31, 2016
The plug and socket get dirty, and I have found a good wash out with CRC or similar is best. I give them a really good flush out occasionally, as needed.
Everything collects dirt, so washing it out is the way to go.
going black and horrible after a couple of days reasonable travelling.I have heard of people using cut up
plastic shopping bags(i have never actually seen it) and others using a silicon spray.no doubt we are all happy with what
we use but i would like to change to another method that will save me getting covered with grease everytime
i clean and the reapply the grease to the towball.any ideas or suggestions with be tried and appreciated.thanks.
-- Edited by subaru on Thursday 28th of January 2016 04:56:27 PM
Subaru Hi, In my opinion the best is what You have been doing. What I do is when I unhitch have a square of kitchen paper towel folded that I drop over the greasy ball then slip a tow ball cover over that, when I rehitch use the towel to wipe any excess off ready to smear a bit of grease if necessary. I keep a roll of paper towels & a pack of wet wipes are at hand in the front boot. Silicon spray is great for lock's etc.
I cannot come to grips with not lubricating two metal parts rubbing together under pressure.
Been towing various things around for the past 40 years. Always used marine grease which goes black like ordinary grease but has a higher moisture resistance. We still tow a caravan, camper trailer & a 17ft fiberglass boat, never had a problem. We use the usual ball cover when unhitched. What's wrong with getting a little grease on your hands? We always have a chuckle when we see a bloke wearing gloves hitching his van up!
This product does not make a mess of your clothes or hands and provided you are not driving in dusty conditions it will last several days then wipe off with a paper towel and re apply, it really does work well and is very cheap to buy.
I hope you have a "Long Load" sign on the back of all that DD
Sorry, couldn't resist
I use grease as well but have often thought how Vaseline would go
I have always used wheel bearing grease and cover coupling when not connected. No need to keep reapplying as it lasts ages - but yes it does go dark.
One Major Advantage is sand and crap blown around in the bush sticks to the outer layer of grease leaving the inner layers to lubricate metal/metal.
cheers
blaze
Hi, until recently, when I bought a c/van with Alko hitch non lubricant, I always used a black plastic garbage bag cut into approximately 4inch (10cm) squares. Place 2 or three or as many as needed to take up any slack in the ball/hitch connection. A senior farmer gave me this tip many moons ago, it stops grit from entering the joint and forming a grinding paste that wears away the inside of the hitch-you cant see the wear, but the ball becomes very loose in the hitch and can eventually cause it to jump off. The plastic last for a long time before needing replacement and stops that annoying clunk from the connection when towing.
Inside the hitch can be sprayed with CRC and wiped out with the paper towel. (good idea to spray out the elec connections as well, to clean them.)
As everyone knows, the play in the hitch can be adjusted by the screw and lock nut, just stick the ball in there when unhitched and see how much it wriggles around, then adjust the screw accordingly. Not too tight, just to remove any up and down free play.
I am one of the 'no lube" brigade, I prefer dry components rubbing to having them work with grinding paste between them.
I did try the plastic bag trick some time back, it is a theoretically sound idea owing to the petroleum content of the bags.
My method was to just fold a shopping bag into an approximately 6" square & fitted that over the ball.
This worked well, lubed and quietened the hitch but, after a day's travel when unhitching the now disintegrated bag fell off in pieces. I didn't think that was environmentally friendly so I went back to dry balls.
Couldnt agree more , dry balls are best .
ROAD TRAIN actually Doug.
Phew! Good to see you are legal
Like most have tried 3 basic ideas have settle on using up excess plastic bags which acumillate.
I like the clean idea of it all.
I find I am now reversing better, just joking but I like to think I am. But I really am.
Those pestie small plastic bags have a second use.
I don't need to carry gease.
Don't get dirty.
Hitch seems a lot quieter.
Best of both worlds.
I am an ex 3 years ago transport driver and I like the clean plastic bag trick.
-- Edited by Radar on Friday 29th of January 2016 10:40:33 AM
Rather then spray..... Would the dry graphite pwder be better for the electrical connections?
Spraying I would think attracts the dust
If you grease the ball, do you put a cover over the caravan end when unhitched? The grease in the hitch will get dust & grit in it also.
Yes.
No, graphite powder is not suitable for electrical connector lubrication. A light spray with a cleaner, lubrication product like Servisol Electrical Clean And Lube, works best.
Everything collects dirt, so washing it out is the way to go.