Whilst tucked away and through lack of use... 

 

 

Edited 18 February, 20197 yr by silver1011

I usually smear mine with grease before I put them away 
OOh Err

Ours is used solely for carrying a bike rack, which precludes using grease. (Un)fortunately it gets used so often that other than an occasional quick rub with wet and dry paper, it never gets to look as nasty as that one. I did wonder though - is the ball a cheaply replaceable part on the Skoda towbar?

silver1011's got a mouldy ball. Looks like the skins been rubbed off too.  Just sayin, not judging.

 

There's a lesson in this for all of us - be careful what you do with your balls when a Bear is involved. 

You'll be glad it's not my ball! 

 

I use mine for a bike rack, but only during the summer, so it's currently greased up and in hibernation!

Wow! So when long no used, need some grease to protect.

I think it`s protected first but towing will tear the protection off.