Forum Discussion

TenOC's avatar
TenOC
Nomad
Jul 18, 2017

Fifth Wheel Lube Plate ????

I am in the process of moving from a TT to a FW. Is a lube plate necessary? or is grease better? . . . . :h

Are all lube plates the same or is one brand better than another.
  • Go with the lube plate - have used one for the last 14 years. I do put a little grease in the pin to reduce friction between the hitch jaw and the fifth wheel pin.
  • jffnkrn wrote:
    We use a Lube plate. upgraded for tt to fw 2 years ago. never had an issue. others may claim they tear theirs up when hitching and don't use them any longer. Just make sure you have a bit of clearance when hooking up and you will be happy. And - like earlier said, doesn't take away from needed lubrication on the inside of the hitch, and leaves no mess to deal with. We also added a cover to our hitch when not in use. Keeps dust, dirt and water out of inside. Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !


    Same with us. They come in different thicknesses. We had to get the thinner one. Also learned a trick and I think it was on here - after awhile the plate won't stay on the pin when you're trying to hitch up. The problem is the teeth (on the inner circle of the plate) have worn down. So, you place the plate on a flat surface (I use an old cutting board we keep in the garage) and using a hand held sledge hammer, pound away at the inner teeth which extends them. Voila! It again stays up when placed on the hitch pin.
  • Grease only if you want grease on your clothes. Went to a lube plate over 20'years ago and never looked back
  • We use a Lube plate. upgraded for tt to fw 2 years ago. never had an issue. others may claim they tear theirs up when hitching and don't use them any longer. Just make sure you have a bit of clearance when hooking up and you will be happy. And - like earlier said, doesn't take away from needed lubrication on the inside of the hitch, and leaves no mess to deal with. We also added a cover to our hitch when not in use. Keeps dust, dirt and water out of inside. Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !
  • Lube plate.
    As name implies.......it replaces grease (on hitch head/pin box plate). Still need grease on king pin, pivot points, jaws etc BUT no greasy mess

    10" and 12" (just measure hitch head surface)
  • Lube plate for sure They are maint free and last a good amount of time, with no mess. I believe they make two different sizes, just measure your king pin.