ProPride Blog

ProPride Hitch Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Anti-Sway Trailer Hitch in Top Condition

Written by ProPride | Jun 2, 2025 4:15:00 AM

Investing in a high-performance sway-control hitch like the ProPride 3P means you’re serious about towing safely. But like any premium towing system, your hitch needs consistent care to stay in peak condition.

Routine maintenance is essential to preserve its precision components and keep sway elimination fully effective. The good news? Maintaining your ProPride Hitch is simple when you know what to look for and when to take action. A few regular checks, cleanings, and lubrications go a long way in extending the life of your investment and ensuring every trip is smooth and stress-free.

Whether you're a weekend adventurer or a full-time RVer, a properly maintained ProPride Hitch delivers unmatched performance on every journey.

In this blog, you’ll learn:

  • How to inspect, clean, and lubricate key hitch components

  • Tips to prevent rust, noise, and long-term wear

  • A complete maintenance checklist tailored for ProPride hitches

Let’s make sure your ProPride 3P stays road-ready and rock-solid for years to come.

Hitch Coupling Maintenance: Ensuring a Secure Connection

The hitch coupling is the critical connection point between your trailer and tow vehicle—and it takes a beating over time. Keeping it in top shape is the first step toward safe towing.

Inspect Regularly

Start by checking the hitch ball, coupler, and latch before every trip. Look for:

  • Cracks

  • Excessive rust

  • Looseness in the coupler or latch mechanisms

Make sure the coupler latches securely and that all parts operate smoothly. Pay attention to any signs of wear or abnormal resistance.

Clean and Lubricate

To extend the lifespan of your coupling components:

  • Remove road grime with a wire brush and mild soap

  • Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel

  • Apply a high-quality hitch ball lubricant to reduce friction and prevent corrosion

Keeping these parts clean ensures a smooth connection and reduces the chance of premature wear or binding.

Stinger and Weight Distribution Assembly Maintenance

The ProPride 3P Hitch uses advanced geometry and weight distribution to maintain trailer stability. Key to that performance are the stinger, yoke, and weight distribution bars.

Examine for Wear

Inspect each of these components at regular intervals—ideally before every extended trip.

  • Look for bends, cracks, or warping in the bars or yoke arms

  • Check for scoring or gouging where metal parts pivot or slide

  • Ensure pins and bolts are secure and free of rust

If you see signs of serious wear, contact ProPride for OEM replacement parts.

Clean and Lubricate

Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove dust and debris. Then:

  • Lubricate pivot points where the bars meet the yoke and stinger

  • Apply grease to any sliding contact surfaces

  • Use a corrosion-resistant grease for long-term protection

Routine lubrication ensures that weight transfer remains smooth and responsive, especially on long or rugged trips.

Tackling Potential Issues: Avoiding Hitch Headaches

A high-performance hitch should enhance your driving experience—not become a source of noise or worry. Here’s how to stay ahead of common issues.

Prevent Hitch Noise

Squeaks, groans, and rattles are usually signs of dry components.

To reduce noise:

  • Keep the hitch ball, latch, and pivot points well-lubricated

  • Ensure all components are properly tightened

  • Use manufacturer-recommended grease—never substitute general-purpose oils

Quiet towing isn’t just a comfort—it’s a sign your system is working smoothly.

Stay Ahead of Rust and Corrosion

Hitches are constantly exposed to the elements: rain, snow, salt, and dust.

Combat corrosion by:

  • Washing the hitch after exposure to mud or salted roads

  • Drying thoroughly, especially around moving parts

  • Applying a rust inhibitor or protective spray if storing long-term

If rust forms, treat it quickly with rust remover and repaint or re-lubricate the affected area.

ProPride Hitch Maintenance Checklist: Essential Inspections

Routine maintenance is easiest when you have a checklist. Use this as a regular reference for keeping your hitch in peak shape:

Weekly or Before Every Trip

  • Inspect hitch ball, coupler, and latch for damage

  • Ensure latch locks securely and coupler fits snugly

  • Check all visible bolts and pins for tightness

Monthly or Every 1,000 Miles

  • Inspect stinger, yoke, and weight distribution bars for wear

  • Clean and lubricate all pivot and slide points

  • Examine for surface rust, cracks, or warping

Quarterly or Seasonally

  • Deep clean all hitch components

  • Touch up exposed metal with anti-rust spray or paint

  • Store hitch under cover or indoors if unused

By following this maintenance routine, you’ll extend the life of your hitch and reduce the risk of mid-trip issues.

 

Conclusion: Protect and Preserve Your ProPride Hitch

Your ProPride 3P Hitch is engineered to eliminate sway and deliver the safest, most stable towing experience available. But even the best gear performs best when it’s properly maintained.

With just a few minutes of care before and after trips, you protect your investment, ensure smoother performance, and enjoy worry-free travels. From routine inspections to cleaning and lubrication, every maintenance step adds longevity and reliability to your towing system.

Don’t let avoidable issues slow you down. Follow these maintenance practices and experience the full benefits of ProPride’s industry-leading anti-sway technology.

Looking for more ways to get the most from your ProPride 3P?

Visit ProPride Hitch for accessories, guides, and more expert tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even seasoned users can benefit from these maintenance-related insights to keep their ProPride 3P hitch in peak condition.

How often should I reapply lubricant to the hitch ball?

Reapply lubricant every 1–2 trips or anytime the ball looks dry. Keeping it greased reduces friction, prevents rust, and ensures smooth coupler operation. Wipe off old residue before applying fresh grease.

Is it okay to use WD-40 as a lubricant on my hitch?

No. WD-40 is a water-displacing cleaner, not a true lubricant. For metal-on-metal contact points, use a high-quality lithium-based or synthetic hitch grease designed for high-load towing applications.

Can I pressure wash my hitch to clean it?

Avoid high-pressure washing, especially near pivot points or grease fittings. It can strip away protective lubricant and force moisture into bearings. Hand wash with mild soap and rinse gently for best results.

What’s the best way to store my hitch when not in use?

Clean and dry the hitch thoroughly, then store it in a dry, covered space. If storing outdoors, use a weatherproof hitch cover to shield it from rain, UV rays, and dust.

How do I know when to replace hitch components?

Check for cracks, visible warping, or loose parts that don’t tighten properly. If wear is significant or handling feels unstable, it’s time to replace the affected part with a genuine ProPride component.

Can I use general-purpose automotive grease for maintenance?

You can, but specialized hitch or trailer greases perform better under heavy load and weather exposure. Choose a grease designed for metal-to-metal towing contact points for maximum protection and durability.