Forum Discussion

Fisher_Bill's avatar
Fisher_Bill
Explorer
Jul 09, 2021

5th wheel pin lubricate

So I moved from a truck camper to a fiver and while the truck was ready for a hitch I didn't have one and my buddy had an extra that's older but seems to do the job, I noticed some wear on the top of the receiver where the pin rides and it looks like it's taken about a 1/16th ridge off the top.
I mentioned this to said buddy and he said I should have a pin lubricating disc, I asked if it would be a Teflon type of washer and he said yes and sent me a link.

Wondering if I'm the only one who didn't know about this as I like to keep things maintained but relatively new to the 5er game, even though I've read several posts since changing over (4yrs or so) I must have missed any mention of the plastic washer that fits up on the pin.

Do Y'all have this on yours?

FB
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Jul 09, 2021
    We all had to learn. But most who have owned a 5er any length of time use a Teflon/plastic disc.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jul 09, 2021
    Been using one since late 1990's first on a small 5th wheel and then in 2006 on our new larger 5vr

    Grease the hitch pivots point and smear some grease on/around the king pin

    Lube Plate takes care of the Pin box/hitch head contact areas
    Clean, no messy grease on head plate etc
    Only thing is.......wash/rinse down plate to remove dirt/grit so it doesn't get embedded in plate
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jul 09, 2021
    Fisher Bill wrote:
    I just ordered one, probably be looking for a newer hitch...


    I think getting a new, or newer quality hitch, will benefit your towing experience. There are lots of choices, but my recommendation would be a Patriot from B&W. These are well built, user friendly hitches, that are designed to be safe, quiet, and built to close tolerances.

    Jerry
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Jul 09, 2021
    Using a lube plate (teflon disc is very common).
    I would imagine most 5'er owners are using a plate.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Jul 09, 2021
    Before the plastic disc came out we used any type of grease on the top plate. Boy what a mess.
    Who ever invented and first marketed the plastic disc was a hero. No more mess.

    We have several top brands of rv type 5th wheel hitches and can't go wrong with any of them....
    Reese has different price range hitches. Much to choose from.
    Curt probably is the top seller especially on haulers websites.
    B&W is anther top rated hitch with rv folks.
    PullRite has a conventional style and a GN ball type
    Andersen ...is another GN ball type 5th wheel hitch.

    Check each mfg website especially the Andersen and PullRites GN ball type hitch and see their vids on how they work. Do your homework.
  • Sagebrush's avatar
    Sagebrush
    Explorer
    Jul 09, 2021
    I use an old white plastic lube plate that stays on the trailer/kingpin, I also lightly use a lithium based grease on the hitch plate for rust prevention. Any wheel bearing grease can be used though, put the grease on the king pin and it will lube the hitch jaws too.

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