How often do you guys replace hitch balls...

And do you lube them. My current ball probably has around 20k miles with some times making sharp steep uphill and downhill turns. I carry 3 ZTR mowers on a 18' trailer. Was thinking of smearing some Lucas red tacky all over the ball to make double sure it doesn't pop off? Maybe my logic is backwards?

 

Definitely lube it often an make sure it is tight.

 

never replaced one. the balls usually last forever. it's the pin that holds the arm into the trailer hitch that usually breaks off.

i don't grease mine directly. i just spray some wd-40 in the latch of the trailer from time to time. it seems to do the trick. some gets on the ball to keep it lubed up some. they all get rusty but i've never seen a ball rust apart or anything. as long as the nut is tight you shouldn't have any problems with it popping off.

 

Unless the ball physically has worn, it is okay.

I've never seen one wear under normal circumstances. Pintle hitches are allowed something like 15% wear on the horn and are common to wear down after a few years.

 

I've never had a ball wear out and I've never greases a ball. I've had a pintle ring wear out.

 

What about welded balls? I was actually thinking about this earlier today and what do you know come on lawnsite and heres a thread!

Seriously though with one of the 3 way welded balls is there a risk of the welds wearing or breaking off after so long or nah? Pulling around 3 tons most days and occasionally it goes on a 2500 and pulls 7 tons.

 

I doubt it... Very few hitches are one piece designs. Most are square stock welded to beefy flat stock.

Good welds don't break. Vibration and pressure will break the metal around the welds but I think a hitch is designed for way more weight than it's rated for.

 

I have seen the 3 ball type tweak a trailer tongue pretty good,when the trailer was backed up hard against the ball on the side.

 

I know a guy that had a 2"/2 5/16" combo hitch. he got rear ended with out a trailer. The 2" ball was bent (bent the square tube) but he continued to pull a 12,000lb trailer for at least another 100,000 miles with it. He did replace the pin.

 

i guess it would wear out after 50 years. who knows really?