I have always used a 10" diameter lube plate on all my standard Lippert pins. I just got a Trailair Air Ride kinpin and the plate around the pin looks a lot larger that the standard pins, should I go to a 12" lube plate on the Trailair? The plate on the Trailair hits the hitch head and scrapes it a couple of inches before it actually starts riding onthe 10" lube plate. I have a B&W hitch.

We had a 2008 fiver with a Trailair and at that time they suggested we use a 12" lube plate, in fact I still have one in my garage. The hitch I use now calles for a 10" plate but it needs to be thinner than standard so I still need to order then from the factory.

I have the same pin box and hitch. I use the Hensley 1/8" thick disk, it makes un hitching easier. The B&W jaws are 1 1/8" thick and with a 1/4" plate there is very little space to see when the weight has been removed so you can unhook.Not sure why you are getting scrapes.Do not have the kingpin ride up on the hitch set the kingpin so the bottom is the same height as the top of the hitch and back into the hitch and lock the handle closed.

I don't think it really matters what size the lube plate is as long as it covers the kingpin plate completely all the way around.

I have had two 5ers over the past 11 years. I have never used a lube plate. I spray with WD-40 each time I hitch up. Just sayin'.............

AlabamaTraveler wrote:I have had two 5ers over the past 11 years. I have never used a lube plate. I spray with WD-40 each time I hitch up. Just sayin'.............You must not tow very much.

Lube plate for Trailair 5th. wheel pin? | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

TheAmRheins
Explorer
Jul 01, 2013
I use the slip plate that is permanently attached to the hitch,never had a problem with it.
Likes_to_tow
Nomad
Jul 01, 2013
When I purchased this current 5th wheel it came with lube plate. All of a sudden I'm having trouble hitching up because the pivoting head of my 5th wheel hitch not being positioned properly. I finally figured out that the square front end of my king pin box now has the rounded end of the lube plate sticking out. As I positon my king pin box 1/2 inch below the plate of the hitch as per proper hitching instructions, it now contacts the lube plate first, and a rounded edge does not cam or position the pivoting head. I would have someone hold the hitch level to the king pin box as I backed under it. Finally I removed the lube plate and I have no more problems hitching, even on non level sites. So word of caution about lube plates, you may not want to use it or if you do I would suggest trimming the front of it off so it's flat in the front.
sparky660
Explorer
Jul 01, 2013
butchfuzion wrote:
This is a common misconception - WD 40 is not a lubricant!

You might want to let WD-40 in on this secret. Their website states that it can be used as a lubricant in various situations.
butchfuzion
Explorer
Jun 30, 2013
This is a common misconception - WD 40 is not a lubricant!
AlabamaTraveler
Explorer
Jun 28, 2013
PennyPA wrote:
Maybe Alabama has stock in the company that makes WD-40. One would think a grease would work better than WD-40, though. Cheaper to use a lube plate.

Yes, you're right. That 5 second spray of WD40 has cost me a small fortune.
AlabamaTraveler
Explorer
Jun 28, 2013
Cummins12V98 wrote:
AlabamaTraveler wrote:
I have had two 5ers over the past 11 years. I have never used a lube plate. I spray with WD-40 each time I hitch up. Just sayin'.............

You must not tow very much.

Check my signature map. That's a hint about how much towing I do.
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Jun 15, 2013
I made one out of the bottom of a five gallon bucket. Works great. The hensley plate is over priced.
Lantley
Nomad
Jun 15, 2013
Slip plate is more of a slippery paint than a grease. It seems to dry in minutes. Once it dries it provides a slippery coating on the hitch. It won't attract a lot of dirt because it provides a paint like surface when dry.

I spray it again every other month or so. I still have the original spray can. The coating last a long time. Try it out the can is not real expensive
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jun 15, 2013
Lantley wrote:
I was not able to latch jaws with the skid plate in place . I even ordered the 1/8" plate.
However I learned of Slip Plate which is a spray designed to coat things and reduce friction.
Works great. I strongly recommend it in lieu of a friction disk

Slip Plate

I see it says it won't attract dirt. I am in the Palm Springs area a lot, I wonder what all the sand in the air will do?
wandering1
Explorer
Jun 15, 2013
If you want the facts measure the plate around the kingpin and contact trailair and ask. I am sure they have the answer since they made the product. I don't think they are a member of this forum.