- Tips
- Featured Products
With its 10-year warranty and quality craftsmanship, you can be confident in your Fastway® e2® hitch purchase. Still, lubricating your trailer hitch is an important part of getting the best performance out of your hitch.
Lubrication extends the life of the hitch, preventing rust, binding, and wear on the sockets. It also protects the finish on the hitch ball and quiets the noise coming from the hitch ball rotating inside the coupler.
The e2 hitch comes in round bar and trunnion styles, both offering built-in sway control and weight distribution. In this blog, we'll be exploring the steps to lubricate both the trunnion style & round bar style hitches.
A trunnion bar hitch is one of the most important components of your towing setup. This device is designed to distribute the weight of your trailer evenly, ensuring maximum stability and control while you're on the road. Trunnion bars are one of the most robust equipment available for towing a large RV. You never want to take a chance on faulty equipment, especially when towing with a heavy load.
To keep this piece of equipment functioning correctly and safely, you need to lubricate it regularly. Proper lubrication will protect your trunnion bar hitch from wear and tear, prolong its lifespan, and ensure that it functions correctly.
Step 1: Clean the Trunnion Bar Hitch
Before you apply any lubricant, make sure that your trunnion bar hitch is clean. Remove any dirt, grime, and old grease that has built up over time. An excellent way to clean the hitch is to use a wire brush or a cleaning solution specially created for trailer hitches.
Step 2: Apply the Lubricant
When applying the lubricant, it's important to focus on the pivoting points of your trunnion bar hitch. These points include places where the bars connect to the hitch head, where the bars attach to the trailer, and where the trunnion washer meets the hitch head. The best lubricant for a trunnion bar hitch is a high-quality grease that can withstand high temperatures and pressure.
Step 3: Check for Tightness
When you're done lubricating your trunnion bar hitch, it's important to check whether all bolts and nuts are tight and properly attached. If you find any loose nuts, tighten them immediately. Tightening the nuts ensures the hitch remains secured and aligned while towing.
Step 4: Inspect the Hitch
Once you have lubricated and checked for loose parts, thoroughly examine your trunnion bar hitch. Look for any damages that require fixing or replacement before your next trip. Make sure the hitching system is entirely safe and secure to avoid being stranded on your trip.
Step 5: Plan for Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your towing equipment in excellent operating condition. Lubricating the trunnion bar hitch alone is not enough, as it needs proper maintenance on all critical components like rims, hitch ball, brakes, and tires.
A round bar hitch is a great tool for towing heavy loads, but without proper maintenance, it can quickly turn into a headache. One of the most important steps of maintaining your round bar hitch is proper lubrication. Lubricating your hitch not only ensures a smoother tow but also extends its lifespan. In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to know about lubricating your round bar hitch.
1. Choosing the Right Lubricant:
When it comes to lubricating your round bar hitch, choosing the right lubricant is crucial. You should never use grease or oil, as they can attract dirt and debris and cause corrosion. Instead, opt for a dry lubricant like graphite powder or silicone spray. These lubricants will reduce friction and prevent rust without creating a sticky build-up.
2. Applying the Lubricant:
Before applying the lubricant, clean your hitch with a wire brush to remove any dirt or grime. Then, apply a small amount of lubricant to the hitch ball, hitch head, and spring bar socket. Be careful not to over-apply, as excess lubricant can attract dust and dirt. After applying the lubricant, wipe any excess off with a clean cloth.
3. Regular Maintenance:
Lubricating your round bar hitch is not a one-time task; it's important to regularly maintain your hitch to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Depending on how often you tow, you may need to lubricate your hitch every few months or at least once per year. Keeping your hitch clean and dry when not in use can also help prevent rust and wear.
4. The Benefits of Lubrication:
Proper lubrication of your round bar hitch offers significant benefits. It reduces the wear on your hitch's moving parts and minimizes the risk of friction, which results in a smoother tow. Lubrication also prevents rust and corrosion and protects your hitch from premature failure.
5. Safety First:
Finally, never overlook the importance of safety when it comes to towing. A proper hitch lubrication routine should be part of your overall tow-vehicle maintenance routine. If you're unfamiliar with how to maintain your hitch, always consult your owner's manual or a qualified mechanic.
Proper lubrication of your trailer hitch is crucial for maintaining its functionality and prolonging its lifespan. By regularly lubricating your hitch and choosing the right lubricant, you can prevent wear and rust and ensure a smoother, safer towing experience.
For more tips & advice about towing and trailer hitches; Follow Fastway Trailer Products on Facebook here.