White lithium grease for the hitch?

[Robby9]

What do you think about using white lithium spray grease for the hitch ball and the spring bars? I've got the spray handy and don't want to open a whole tube of grease for this small job. Thanks.

[thib2722]

You can grease everything BUT the friction plate on the anti-sway device. The sway is controlled by friction, much like a brake, so greasing it would defeat the purpose.

[ZeeLet50]

To clarify, its an Equalizer-II WD/sway control hitch. The bars do slide some as the steering angle changes but according to the wear marks only about 2". They do pop and creak as I turn.

[HJGyswyt]

Montana Mike wrote:
equalizer hitch bars

I don't think we are all on the same page here. When I read the above, I assumed Montana Mike was talking about his "equalizer" bars as in weight distribution. If he's talking about the friction bar you add to the side of the hitch and frame of trailer I say not necessary on lube. But if it is a combination "weight distribution/friction control bar" then certainly lube the pivot point.

[Huntindog]

ZeeLet50 wrote:
the pivot area next to the hitch is 3 feet away from the contact area so I don't think I would have a prob with grease migrating from one to the other

We are talking about a standard friction control right?
The kind that has a flat steel bar that slides into 2 friction material brake pad type things?

If so, then it shouldn't be 3 feet, and the distance changes growing and shrinking with every turn. In fact it can be close to zero in a tight turn. That is how the lubricant can make its way onto the pads.

[ZeeLet50]

the pivot area next to the hitch is 3 feet away from the contact area so I don't think I would have a prob with grease migrating from one to the other

[Huntindog]

ZeeLet50 wrote:
^^^ there is the clarification I was looking for. I was told not to lube the bar contact points but it makes sense to lube the ball/socket head area. Thanks.

I wouldn't do it. Those little 1" balls don't have enough pressure on them to gall. And any lubricant on them will eventually find its way onto the friction area.

[ZeeLet50]

^^^ there is the clarification I was looking for. I was told not to lube the bar contact points but it makes sense to lube the ball/socket head area. Thanks.

[HJGyswyt]

Montana Mike wrote:
I thought I read not to grease your equalizer hitch bars as that will take the anti sway effect away if the bars slide easy?

Not the friction end where it connects to the trailer, but the pivot points where it connects to the hitch head.

So many different kinds of weight distributing hitches on the market, a person really needs to know all the features of the one they own.

[dave54]

I use bicycle grease.

I do my own bicycle maintenance and always have a tube with my tools. Bicycle grease attracts and holds water and dirt less than automotive greases, and is less abrasive when it does get entrapped grit.

[Montana_Mike]

I thought I read not to grease your equalizer hitch bars as that will take the anti sway effect away if the bars slide easy?

[HJGyswyt]

ZeeLet50 wrote:
I also have a equalizer sway hitch. are you supposed to lube those bars also?

Yes, any where you have metal on metal contact, you are going to have wear. It doesn't take copious amounts, a little bit goes a long way.

You can always hear the folks who don't lube when they pull into the campground, lots of screeching, popping and the sound of metal complaining.

[thib2722]

I used white lithium grease. I also carry a roll of shop towels in my toolbox. After I unhitch, I wipe the ball clean and put a ball cover on it. It keeps me clean, and it keeps the dirt and sand from sticking to the grease, which would then get catch in your hitch and gunk it up.

[ZeeLet50]

I use super lube which is a clear grease although I've gotten it on my pants twice this weekend I have invested in a hitch ball cover to resolve that issue I also have a equalizer sway hitch. are you supposed to lube those bars also?

[Robby9]

I did a 3 hour tow today ussing the white lithium and it did just fine. There was no. Hitch noise all. Thanks.