7 Greased Trailer Hitch Balls That Nomads Swear By
Discover the 7 greased hitch balls seasoned nomads rely on. This guide covers top-rated picks for durability and a smooth, secure towing experience.
That metal-on-metal screech when you turn a corner with your trailer is more than just an annoying sound; it’s a cry for help from your towing gear. I’ve seen countless nomads ignore it, thinking it’s just part of the deal, only to face premature wear and a jerky, unpleasant ride. The simple, non-negotiable solution is a properly greased hitch ball, which turns that grinding connection into a smooth, silent pivot point.
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Why a Greased Hitch Ball is Non-Negotiable
Let’s be direct: an ungreased hitch ball is a recipe for failure. The ball and the trailer’s coupler are designed to work together under immense pressure. Without a lubricant, that pressure creates friction, which grinds away the metal on both surfaces over time.
Think of it as running an engine without oil. It might work for a little while, but you’re causing catastrophic wear with every single mile. That grinding noise you hear is your equipment literally eating itself. A thin layer of high-pressure grease, like a good quality lithium or marine grease, creates a protective barrier that allows the coupler to pivot smoothly.
The biggest complaint is the mess, and it’s a valid one. Grease gets on your pants, your hands, and anything else that touches it. The solution is simple and cheap: a rubber or plastic hitch ball cover. For a few bucks, you eliminate the mess while keeping the grease clean and contained, ready for your next hookup. It’s a tiny price to pay for the longevity and safety of your entire rig.
CURT 40001 Chrome 2-Inch: The Industry Standard
If there’s a default hitch ball in the world of travel trailers, this is it. The CURT 2-inch chrome ball is the workhorse you see on countless rigs for a simple reason: it just works. It’s built from solid, hot-forged steel for strength and has a durable chrome finish that stands up to the elements reasonably well.
This ball is rated for up to 6,000 lbs Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), which covers a massive range of small to mid-size travel trailers, teardrops, and tiny homes on wheels. For most nomads starting out or pulling a common rig, this ball provides the perfect balance of strength, reliability, and affordability. It’s the definition of a known quantity.
Properly greased, a CURT ball will give you thousands of miles of quiet, smooth towing. Its chrome plating provides good corrosion resistance, but it’s not invincible. If you live by the coast or travel through salty winter roads, you’ll want to keep it clean and greased to prevent pitting and rust from taking hold.
B&W Tow & Stow Hitch Ball: Ultimate Versatility
The B&W Tow & Stow isn’t just a hitch ball; it’s a complete system designed for the nomad who values convenience and versatility above all else. Its most celebrated feature is the ability to swing the entire hitch assembly underneath the receiver when you’re not towing. This saves your shins from painful encounters and keeps the greased balls protected from rain and road grime.
Many Tow & Stow models come with two or even three different ball sizes (like a 2-inch and a 2-5/16-inch) on the same mount. For a nomad who might tow their tiny house one day and a friend’s utility trailer the next, this eliminates the need to own and swap out multiple hitches. You simply pull a pin, rotate the ball you need into place, and you’re ready to go.
The tradeoff is the initial cost. B&W hitches are a significant investment compared to a simple ball. But for full-timers who tow frequently and need flexibility, the build quality, shin-saving stow-away feature, and all-in-one design make it a worthwhile expense. It’s a classic "buy once, cry once" piece of gear.
Reese Towpower 7008300: Reliable and Tough Build
Reese has been a trusted name in towing for decades, and their reputation is built on tough, no-nonsense hardware. This hitch ball is a prime example, engineered with a one-piece forged steel construction. That means there are no welds or weak points—just a solid piece of metal designed to handle serious stress.
When you’re pulling your home down the highway, "overbuilt" is a comforting word. The Reese Towpower line is known for its rigorous testing and adherence to safety standards. A properly torqued and greased Reese ball provides immense peace of mind, especially on long-haul days through challenging terrain. It’s the kind of gear you install and don’t have to think about again.
Like the CURT, it features a protective chrome finish that requires the standard grease-and-cover maintenance routine. But its reputation for sheer toughness makes it a go-to for nomads who prioritize durability and want equipment that can handle the abuse of full-time life on the road without a hint of drama.
Andersen Rapid Jack & Ball: A Nomad’s Favorite
Effortlessly change trailer tires with the Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack. This versatile tool functions as a jack, wheel chock, and jack post block, built from durable, high-strength materials for loads up to 30,000 lbs.
The Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch is legendary in the nomad community for being lightweight, silent, and incredibly effective at controlling sway. The hitch ball is an integral part of this system. It’s not just a pivot point; it works in tandem with a friction cone in the coupler to actively dampen sway before it starts.
Because of this unique design, keeping the Andersen ball properly greased is absolutely critical to the system’s performance. The grease ensures the connection is smooth and quiet, allowing the anti-sway components to do their job without binding or chattering. Many nomads swear by the noise-free ride this system provides, a stark contrast to the groaning of traditional chain-style hitches.
Choosing this ball means you’re likely buying into the entire Andersen ecosystem. But for those pulling trailers sensitive to sway, the combination of weight distribution and sway control in one elegant, lightweight package is a game-changer. It’s a specialized tool, but for the right rig, it’s the best tool for the job.
Draw-Tite 63845 for Heavy-Duty Hauling Needs
When your rig gets big, your hardware needs to get serious. This Draw-Tite 2-5/16-inch ball is built for nomads pulling heavy fifth wheels or massive toy haulers. With a GTW rating that can exceed 20,000 lbs, this is the kind of component where failure is not an option.
The key here is understanding that your towing system is only as strong as its weakest link. A heavy-duty ball like this one features a large, long shank with fine threads, designed for maximum clamping force and holding power. Mismatched equipment is one of the most dangerous mistakes a nomad can make, and this ball ensures the connection point is more than ready for the task.
For anyone pulling a rig over 10,000 lbs, stepping up to a heavy-duty, correctly-sized ball isn’t an upgrade; it’s a fundamental safety requirement. A well-greased Draw-Tite ball provides the robust, reliable connection you need to confidently manage thousands of pounds of rolling weight down a steep mountain grade.
Trimax T3SS Stainless: Best for Coastal Climates
Salt is the enemy of steel. Whether it’s salty sea air from boondocking on the coast or road salt from a winter crossing through the Rockies, corrosion will relentlessly attack a standard chrome hitch ball. The Trimax T3SS solves this problem with one simple, elegant solution: it’s made of 100% stainless steel.
A chrome-plated ball can chip or wear, exposing the steel underneath to rust. Once rust starts, it creates a rough, pitted surface that accelerates wear on your trailer’s coupler. A stainless steel ball, however, won’t rust. It maintains its smooth, clean surface for years, providing a perfect, low-friction connection every time.
Yes, it costs more. But if you spend significant time in corrosive environments, this is the last hitch ball you’ll ever need to buy. Think of it as an investment. You’re paying a premium upfront to completely eliminate a common point of failure and maintenance headache down the road.
Connor 1623190 Tri-Ball Mount for All Trailers
For the ultimate jack-of-all-trades, the tri-ball mount is a classic. This design from Connor welds the three most common ball sizes—1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16"—onto a single, heavy-duty shank. It’s the perfect solution for the nomad who is always prepared to tow anything, from a small utility trailer to a massive travel trailer.
The convenience is undeniable. There’s no need to unbolt and re-torque different balls for different jobs. You simply pull the mount from your receiver, rotate it to the correct size, and slide it back in. This is especially useful for community-oriented nomads who often find themselves helping others move trailers or equipment.
The main tradeoff is weight and bulk. A tri-ball mount is significantly heavier and larger than a single hitch ball. However, for those who value utility and readiness over minimalism, that extra steel is a small price to pay for having the right tool for any towing job that comes your way. Just remember to keep all three balls lightly greased and covered.
Ultimately, the specific hitch ball you choose is less important than how you maintain it. A greased ball isn’t just about reducing noise; it’s a fundamental practice for safe, reliable towing that protects your investment and ensures peace of mind on the road. Choose the ball that fits your trailer, your environment, and your lifestyle, but never, ever tow on a dry hitch.
