How often do you guys replace the ball for your hitch?
Just bought a new Gatormade trailer and pulling empty it bangs around some (like my old trailer did) and I thought maybe the tolerances on the ball was wore some.
I've had the same ball for 12-15 years possibly. I do grease it from time to time.
I had purchased a new trailer at the beginning of this season and was using an old ball. The first thing I noticed was that y latch on the hitch was not set properly. I had to tighten the nut that adjusts the spring for the latch that latches onto the the ball. My personal preference is to have at least a little resistance when you latch the hitch onto the ball, if it just falls over it i dont' feel that is tight enough.
Usually , in my case the ball wears on top center and top front. I went ahead and bought a brand new ball this year for the new trailer and adjusted that latch properly. You would be amazed how many trailer dealers do not adjust or set that latch like it should be.
Are you sure the noise is coming from the ball location and not where the hitch slides into the receiver? With the trailer unhooked grab hold of the piece that the ball attaches to and wiggle it back and forth and up and down. That may be the culprit of the noise. I don't like how much play they have. I have a complete brand new set up, both sides (receiver and ball bracket) and there is quite a bit of play.
I don't recommend those kits that hold your hitch receiver in there tight. They even make shims. No reason for any of that. The receiver can and should allow the insert to move a bit, it's not going to hurt anything. When guys use those u bolts or shims, you're putting more pressure on the pin.
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