About 10 years ago when we strated pulling a TT we used waxed paper between the ball and hitch. We had no problems and didn't get grease on ourselves when we walked by the hitch. Is that still a good way to go?
We haven't towed a TT in many years, it was easier to drive a MH but, now its back to a TT.
Thanks for the info.
John Spear RMCS(SW)USN RET '88
Debra is my nagagator! She tells me where to go.
2001 Chevrolet 2500HD 4X4, 8.1L, 4:10, 5SPEED Allison
towing 2006 SunLine T-286 SR Classic I tried to catch some fog but I mist
When we pulled a "bumper towed" trailer...we applied Sliplate (a dry graphite spray) or RemOil (a dry teflon spray) that stayed put on the hitch ball, did a terrific job lubricating, and didn't mess up our clothing.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen.
Dad used grease and I use grease.. If wax paper worked for you back in the day, it should work now. I'm not so afraid of the grease, since I don't leave the head in the truck after unhitching, so not really an issue for me. If you leave the head in place, well... There you go..
Do whatever works for you..
Mitch
*Anything I post is for entertainment purposes only and what usually works for me.. Your Mileage May Vary..
Look around at the number of heavy duty work trailers that are used hard and daily for years by people who earn a living with them without so much as a drop of machine oil on the ball for lubricant. Based on that, I would say that whatever material you choose to use to lubricate the ball (including nothing) will be fine. I use lithium grease because I don't like to hear the scraping noise while maneuvering but it is messy if you aren't careful.
I think the idea of using wax paper and using nothing is about on the same level. The reason for using any lubrication is to keep two metal parts from rubbing together as in any moving part in your truck, steering, drive shaft, wheel bearings, etc. Lubricant provides a micro-thin coating to accomplish this. They have been designed for each application. If engine oil let the piston to cylinder, crank to rod, etc. touch each other, you'd hear it and be in a heap of expensive trouble. I doubt wax paper has ever been put through the test for a trailer hitch lube. Back when I had an eighteen wheeler the fifth wheel had to be lubed with grease of which I would do every time I unhooked. If I neglected to grease it, especially on icy roads the friction between the fifth wheel and trailer sometimes wouldn't let me turn, keeping me going straight ahead. I was sure to grease the fifth wheel in the Winter. So, as for not using a heavy or prescribed lube on your ball & hitch, you may not recognize wear but it's happening..... IMO..
Support the Country you live in or live in the Country you support
2003 Sierra SP 26'Toy Hauler
1997 F-350, PSD, 4X4, red Crew Cab, long bed.
2007 Arctic Cat Prowler, Arctic Cat 500
For my little #1500 4x8 utility trailer, I don't use any grease on the little 2" ball on the receiver, because I store it in the 'milk creat' box in the bed of the truck..
For my #5000 TT that uses a WD hitch setup, I use grease on it..
Things I've noticed in the 10 years I've towed both trailers.. The little 2" ball is showing actual wear on it from not using any lube at all.. I probably only tow the little utility trailer a couple times a year to the dump and back.
I tow the TT about 5 times a year for several hundred miles at a time and I use grease on it.. It shows no wear marks at all...
It's all up to you to determine what level of inconvenience/mess/wear factor you want to deal with??
I choose to grease and it works for me.. Other's use other forms of lube and that works for them..
If you are ultimately asking if not lubing will not wear out the ball, for me anyway, not lubing WILL wear out the ball over time...
To date, I've not gotten any grease on my pants from my WD hitch.. That's because I don't leave it in after I unhitch... But, that's just what I do and works for me...
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If wax paper worked for you back in the day, it should work now. I'm not so afraid of the grease, since I don't leave the head in the truck after unhitching, so not really an issue for me. If you leave the head in place, well... There you go.. 
