Hello all,I am still new to fifth wheel towing and I had a question regarding the use of a lube plate and a Companion. I currently run the Companion with the standard 1/4 inch Lube plate, My question is should I be running the 1/8 inch lube plate instead. The reason I ask is the jaws on the hitch are pretty much the same size as my pin. Sometimes it doesn't want to unhitch real easy and I was wondering if that is the cause. If you have a Companion do you use a lube plate? Standard thickness or the thin one? Ever have trouble unhitching sometimes?Thanks

I use the standard lube plate with no issues. If there is any pressure on the pin it can be touchy to get the hitch to disengage the jaws. I have had to move the truck to release some pressure from the hitch before I could get the hitch to release. Do you have an aftermarket pin? Like a Mor-Ryde or one of the air pins?

fj12ryder wrote:I use the standard lube plate with no issues. If there is any pressure on the pin it can be touchy to get the hitch to disengage the jaws. I have had to move the truck to release some pressure from the hitch before I could get the hitch to release. Do you have an aftermarket pin? Like a Mor-Ryde or one of the air pins?No aftermarket pin, just the lippert that came with the hauler. I probably just need to get used to it and find the sweet spot for it to let go. Thank you!

Same here- standard pin and regular lube plate.

Make sure that the last motion with the truck is in reverse, if you have pulled forward it will put pressure on the jaws making it hard to unhitch.

bogart661 wrote:Make sure that the last motion with the truck is in reverse, if you have pulled forward it will put pressure on the jaws making it hard to unhitch.Exactly so.

B & W Companion Lube Plate use question | Good Sam Community

nremtp143
Explorer
May 02, 2013
1/4" lube plate and standard pin box. No problems.
Sturgeon-Phish
Explorer
May 02, 2013
Standard plate with the Companion; no problems. I do go to neutral after blocking the trailer tires before unhitching.
Jim
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 02, 2013
57 Panhead wrote:
Cummins12V98 wrote:

Do you have a standard pin box?

Yes, a Dexter pinbox that came with the trailer.

Steve

The reason I asked is with a solid pin box it is easier to see when there is a gap between the pinbox and hitch plates. Mine is harder to see because the pinbox is a Trailaire air ride box and sits at a bit of an angle. The 1/8" plate just made it easier to see the gap.
FlatBroke
Explorer II
May 02, 2013
Cummins12V98 wrote:
ChopperBill wrote:
Just got done butchering a five gallon bucket. Is even thinner than the Hensley and seems real flexible. Looks like I am good to go.

You can send me $5 for the tip!

I have my "bucket slip plate" in my tool box as a backup.

The first time you use it if you don't like the way it does not stay tight to the bottom of the kingpin plate use some construction adhesive then hook up and go. I have not tried this but it should work.

I made one a few years back but never tried it as I did make the hole too big and just ordered the Hensley. Today's economy makes me a little more frugal.
57_Panhead
Explorer
May 02, 2013
Cummins12V98 wrote:

Do you have a standard pin box?

Yes, a Dexter pinbox that came with the trailer.

Steve
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 02, 2013
57 Panhead wrote:
I use a standard plate with our companion and never have any problems hitching or unhitching. You should not have any problems what so ever unhooking with a companion. I have hooked and unhooked in many different situations, angles and surfaces and never had a problem. One of the nicest features of the companion is its problem free hooking and unhooking.

Steve

Do you have a standard pin box?
57_Panhead
Explorer
May 02, 2013
I use a standard plate with our companion and never have any problems hitching or unhitching. You should not have any problems what so ever unhooking with a companion. I have hooked and unhooked in many different situations, angles and surfaces and never had a problem. One of the nicest features of the companion is its problem free hooking and unhooking.

Steve
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 02, 2013
ChopperBill wrote:
Just got done butchering a five gallon bucket. Is even thinner than the Hensley and seems real flexible. Looks like I am good to go.

You can send me $5 for the tip!

I have my "bucket slip plate" in my tool box as a backup.

The first time you use it if you don't like the way it does not stay tight to the bottom of the kingpin plate use some construction adhesive then hook up and go. I have not tried this but it should work.
FlatBroke
Explorer II
May 01, 2013
Just got done butchering a five gallon bucket. Is even thinner than the Hensley and seems real flexible. Looks like I am good to go.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
May 01, 2013
I did buy the Hensley 1/8" plate because it was hard to tell when the pressure was off so I could release the handle. It does work much better.

If you want to save some money cut the bottom out of a 5 gallon bucket and the center ring on the bottom is the correct size to cut out along the circle.

The Hensley did not fit tight and kept slipping down so I laid it on a hard surface and hit the edge of the hole in the middle of the plate with a hammer and now it fits tight and works great.

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