Hitch Ball Scratches normal?

[scottystang]

Hey everyone,

After my first trip with my new TT, I noticed that the hitch ball had some scratches on it. Is this normal/expected wear tear or is it something I should be concerned about?

Here's a picture:



Thanks in advance,
Scott

[Jagiven]

Fairly common. I have similar scratches in the same place on mine. To help eliminate the friction and hitch sounds, smear the ball with a good coating of bearing grease. Every 1000 miles or so I wipe it off and apply fresh grease. Between trips I found a 9 oz Solo cup fits perfectly on the ball, stays securely even while driving down the Interstate.

[rbrumfield]

I used lithium grease when I had a TT but I have read where other people use wax paper for lubrication. If wax paper works it would be a lot cleaner then grease. They do sell Teflon grease for the ball. Reese used to sell one as well.

[RossCecil]

Yep - looks like mine. That's very normal. I apply a coating of a good lithium based axle grease before each trip. It's cheap, you don't need a lot, and it does a nice job of making towing smoother.

[Threebutchers]

Normal for a chrome plated ball.....I've used both chrome plated and non-plated 2" balls. My 2" non-plated ball is smooth as silk while my chrome plated ball looks just like yours. My theory is that the chrome plating acts like a coarse abrasive as it first chips and peels off.

[scottystang]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like this is normal and nothing to be worried about. I can invest in some lubrication for next trip to see if that smooths it out.

[exjay1]

I use a 2" Stainless ball w/ a light coat of grease and a tennis ball to slide over the ball when not in use.

[Jset]

Originally Posted by exjay1

I use a 2" Stainless ball w/ a light coat of grease and a tennis ball to slide over the ball when not in use.

Would you mind taking a picture of the tennis ball? It sounds like an awesome idea to not get grease all over the place. Is it effective?

[clubhouse]

Hitch ball covers are available at most auto parts stores for <$5. I prefer them over the tennis ball.

[Rustic Eagle]

Welcome to JOF

As mentioned, a little metal-to-metal witness marks are normal, but should diminish once the two mating parts settle in.

I would put a little grease on the ball to minimize wear and noise.

Bob

[Bob Landry]

I was going to go out and polish it between trips with emery cloth but DW threatened me with OCD meds so I gave it up. I'm waxing the lug nuts instead when she isn't watching.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by Bob Landry

I was going to go out and polish it between trips with emery cloth but DW threatened me with OCD meds so I gave it up. I'm waxing the lug nuts instead when she isn't watching.

Don't forget to change the blinker fluid, I did mine today

[Jayco 228]

I put grease on ours. I just slip one of my latex gloves over the ball when I get to camp and unhook. Works great, keeps the grease of of me and the kids and then I just slip,it off and toss it when we are leaving and hooking up. That way you are not having to store something with the potential to get grease somewhere.

[exjay1]

I cant stand the "plastic bag" cover over the entire hitch. It drive me nuts for some reason seeing that. As far as the tennis ball goes it just has a 1" hole cut (I used a utility knife) in it to clear the ball shank when its on there in place and I cut 1/2" slits at the 12, 3, 6, and 9'oclock position to allow it to slide over the ball. Ive also used the rubber glove trick pre-tennis ball.

[mcfarmall]

Originally Posted by Bob Landry

I was going to go out and polish it between trips with emery cloth but DW threatened me with OCD meds so I gave it up. I'm waxing the lug nuts instead when she isn't watching.

No need to polish your ball, just lubricate it.

[WVDusty]

Originally Posted by mcfarmall

no need to polish your ball, just lubricate it.

lol

[clutch]

Chrome plated balls are for looks because they get kind of nasty looking when used. I use motorcycle chain lube on mine. A small spray can will last for years and it doesn't run.