Is There a Problem with Greasing A Hitch Ball to Reduce Noise?

Question:

I tow a 1575 Lance TT with a Toyota Tacoma, using an Equalizer hitch and 4 point sway control. I grease the hitch ball with Red High Temp grease that I purchased at an auto parts place on the first trip about 2 years ago. I Clean and regrease the ball regularly. My dealer says that we shouldt use grease on the ball because we live on the Texas Gulf Coast with the moisture/humidity, but it is really noisy and I worry about galling up the hitch components. It also helps hooking/unhooking the trailer. Thanks for clearing up this concern.

asked by: Ann C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Greasing a hitch ball isn't a bad idea to reduce friction and noise. We carry the Reese White Grease Hitch Ball Lube # 58117 because of this. Many people will choose not to simply because of the mess, but grease will actually keep moisture from corroding your equipment, so I'm not in agreement with the dealer.

The noise that comes from a weight distribution system that uses friction bars like # EQ37100ET is quite loud at times. You do not want to grease those bars or brackets because the friction is actually what helps control the sway. You want that friction and grease would break down the function of that system. There are two points of friction where the sway bars move in the head assembly and then two points of friction at the brackets. Do not grease the head, bar, or brackets, but the hitch ball is fine.

expert reply by: Jason S