Last week we took the van to Karuah which is only a bit over an hours run up the highway from where we live in Lake Macquarie. When i picked it up from the storage yard I noiticed when travelling a loud creaking and groaning coming from the hitch area. As we leave the van on the foot path on the night before we leave so we can load up, get the fridge cold etc. I took the opportunity to spray all the joints towball/WDH etc.with a WD40 dry lube silicon spray. It seemed to do the trick but by the time we arived at the CP it was creaking and groaning quite loudly especially when turning or over bumps. Before we left the CP this morning for the return leg I again lubricated everthing but this time with some Lanox oil - by the time we got back it was doing it again.. I got a friend to guide me when I returned it back to the storage yard and he said that the groaning was coming from the torsion bars on the WDH especially when I turned. I have dragged that van with the same tug all the way to Queensland and back only a few months ago and never heard a sound. Does anyone have any suggestions on what lubricant I should use (I was thinking I will just get a tube of grease) or if it's not lubrication thoughts on what else maybe causing it to groan like this..
Cheers
BB
-- Edited by The Belmont Bear on Saturday 9th of February 2019 10:02:59 PM
I checked out the torsion bars when I took them off today and they both have the paint worn off and shiney marks on them where the they pass through the hole in the yoke at the towball end. I also have the chains hooked up with 2 spare links but I need to put a fair bit off effort into pulling them up - I might try backing them off a link or even 2. I wouldn't bother using the WDH at all ecxcept Jeep tells me that I have to over a certain weight. I already decided to give the grease a go so I'll pick up a tube from the big green shed the next time that I'm down that way.
It says to use silicon but I personally use grease which works well.
I carry a one inch cheap paint brush and a small tub of HTB grease and apply the grease to the trunnion ends with the brush.
I also ensure I wipe any old grease and dirt from the services before applying new grease.
When we picked up our new van the dealer advised that they do not grease the hitch. It wasnt long before I lubed mine as it was squeaking like a honeymooners bed.
I acknowledged the requirements of the manufacturer but stated what I, and many others actually do.
For those who want to follow HRs recommendations use this.
As has been stated above ordinary WD40 or even the wet type silicon sprays wont cut it but each to their own.
I have used both the spray and the grease as explained above and the spray works great if you apply it daily But if you are travelling and not unhitching then the grease is good for up to 5 days depending on rain etc.
Why are some on here so rude at times?
I dont participate often but I have observed that those who make the most noise about WDH and some other equipment dont actually use or have any experience with that same equipment.
Thanks Rob, I had the choice of buying either the WD-40 PTFE (Teflon) base spray that you pictured or the WD-40 silicon based spray after reading both cans and tossing a coin I went with the silicon base. Being an old railway fitter on pins or slow moving pivot points like these we would have painted on graphite grease but it could be a little messy when handling parts like the bars on a WDH. So you believe that the PTFE spray would have been the better option even though they both say similar things about their application on the can - what chance have I got of winning lotto I can't even win when it's a 50/50 chance
I use a dry lube grease stick. They have been around for years and are used in areas which attract dust, car door hinges etc, and are available from auto accessories stores. When hitching up I lightly coat the contact areas of the WDH with the stick and have had no problems. Minimal dust is attracted and it is reasonably clean to work with.
Yes dry lube and / or common candle stick wax , its about the same thing, ease to put on and done regular you wont hear any noise
grease is just too messy
I have been towing vans for 40 plus years now, and yes I have a few grey hairs; but, this is my thoughts on WDH.
For those who are active on the GN site, they may remember that I built my van.
IMO, if the van is perfectly balanced. You do not need a WDH. This statement will possibly generate replies. Sorry.
I`m a fitter by trade and later graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, however this does not include caravan building.
So, if you research the basics of trailer/van building(available on the net) and build the van to specks; it should have minimal down force on the tow ball.
I have seen a lot of vans that are drawbar heavy, (hence the need for a WDH) and tugs that are not to suited to the vans.!!!!!!!!! Another topic.
Possibly over loaded. but the good old "salesperson gets his commission".
Tugs and vans is another topic
I weighed every part of my van during the build and have a van weight of 2200 kg`s. I have 110kgs on the towball and no WDH. Tows straight and true.
I have been towing vans for 40 plus years now, and yes I have a few grey hairs; but, this is my thoughts on WDH.
For those who are active on the GN site, they may remember that I built my van.
IMO, if the van is perfectly balanced. You do not need a WDH. This statement will possibly generate replies. Sorry.
I`m a fitter by trade and later graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, however this does not include caravan building.
So, if you research the basics of trailer/van building(available on the net) and build the van to specks; it should have minimal down force on the tow ball.
I have seen a lot of vans that are drawbar heavy, (hence the need for a WDH) and tugs that are not to suited to the vans.!!!!!!!!! Another topic.
Possibly over loaded. but the good old "salesperson gets his commission".
Tugs and vans is another topic
I weighed every part of my van during the build and have a van weight of 2200 kg`s. I have 110kgs on the towball and no WDH. Tows straight and true.
Just thought some input may help.
Regards.
Hetho
Thanks Hetho, I also have the same trade and engineering background as you and although I don't disagree with most of what you have said if Jeep tells me that I need to use a WDH then I am inclined to take their word for it. The van is 2280kg empty and usually around 2800kg (ATM 3200kg) loaded inc.full water tanks, the GCs maximum towball download is 350kg, when the water tanks are full the weight by the towball scales is 220kg (180kg when the tanks are empty). Personally I don't think that the vehicle is unsuited to pull this size van and judging by the number of people using Grand Cherokees and doing the same thing I'm not alone in that. The recomendation that I have been going by is to try and have around 10% download on the towball and by my calculation I am sitting just under 9%.
Yeah ... wot wood the manufacturer know. 
