To grease the ball or not?

A ball joint has grease and it turns and pivots the same amount. I've seen balls loosen from no lube. Lube it and be safe.

I always do, but as the son of a truck driver, that is just me.

Non-greased trailer balls have been known to loosen but I would think it is very rare.

I usually don't grease my balls because I don't like the mess ;) I'd rather replace the ball every few years if necessary, but it never has been. Since my Hensley stays attached to the tongue and I can't see if it's getting worn I usually grease it once a year.

robsouth wrote:
I can't imagine anyone not greasing "metal to metal" contact points. What was the reasoning for not greasing a trailer hitch ball?

The reason I would give is it's messy and not necessary. I have pulled trailers for forty years and never had a problem. 99% of the time the trailer is just being pulled along. And the amount of time spent turning is less than 90 degrees. it's not like it is spinning. If I were to use anything it would be a piece of waxed paper. I got my flame retardant suit on as I know others have a different point of view.

I can't imagine anyone not greasing "metal to metal" contact points. What was the reasoning for not greasing a trailer hitch ball?

Absolutely, otherwise it will gall both the hitch head and the ball and eventually wear through the head. It also makes a lot of noise.
You can get away without grease on a very light trailer but a heavier unit will quickly damage the components.