If you’re a proud trailer owner, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I grease my towbar or not? The short answer is “yes….but”— if you want to maintain it properly and keep it in good working condition. Applying lubrication is one of the most effective ways to prevent rust and corrosion on your towbar, especially considering our diverse weather conditions, from heavy rains to coastal humidity.
Why Greasing Your Towbar Matters
In South Africa, we use trailers for everything from camping trips to towing boats or even towing building materials. A towbar is a crucial connection point between your car and your trailer, and it takes on a lot of strain.
Lubricating your towbar reduces friction, prevents rust, and helps it move smoothly during turns and bumps on the road. This is especially important when navigating rough terrains or driving long distances across the country. Regular maintenance is worth it in the long run.
The Best Lubricants
While many people simply use any grease they have on hand, not all lubricants are created equal. For South African weather, it’s recommended to use a dry graphite lubricant like CRC Dry Graphite Lube or Spanjaard Graphite Spray. Unlike standard grease, this option doesn’t attract dust and dirt—perfect for those gravel roads in Limpopo or the farm tracks in the Eastern Cape.
If you prefer a traditional grease, White Lithium Grease is another solid choice. It’s water-resistant, perfect for those rainy Durban summers, and it won’t wash away easily. Just remember to clean off any old grease before reapplying; buildup can damage the towbar over time.
Should You Cover Your Towbar?
In South Africa, dust, mud and sand are real concerns. You should use a cover when your towbar is not in use, just to keep it reasonably clean.
Can I Grease a Rusty Towbar?
If your towbar is only slightly rusty, you can still save it. Use some fine sandpaper to remove the rust, wipe it clean, and then apply a generous amount of grease. However, if it’s heavily rusted, it’s best to replace it. Towing with a damaged towbar is risky and could result in serious accidents.
Choosing the Right Towbar in South Africa
If you need to replace your towbar, make sure it matches your trailer mount. Towbars come in different sizes and weight capacities. In South Africa, the most common sizes are 50mm or 2-inches. Always double-check the weight rating to ensure it’s suitable for your load.
What about the “BUT”….
I have read a few contradicting views on whether you should grease a towbar or leave it alone. My opinion is that you should lubricate it before towing and especially if you are doing a long towing trip. But here again, before lubricating it, make sure you clean it properly first. I think a more important part to lubricate, would be the trailer hitching mechanism, as there are more moving parts in there. I really don’t think a towbar will rust to pieces, but it would be good to give it some lubrication for longer trips.
Final Thoughts
A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in preventing rust, reducing noise, and keeping your trailer securely hitched to your car.
Whether you’re towing your boat down to the coast, hauling livestock in the Karoo, or heading out for a weekend camping trip, a well-maintained “towbar and trailer hitch” is your best companion on the road.
