Fifth Wheel Lube Plate -- Who uses one?

[TenOC]

I am new to 5th Wheel. How many of you use a Lube Plate on the 5er? I got one and it appears to add too much space (height) for my hitch to lock the kingpin in place without some effort on my part.

Are they necessary?

If not a lube plate what do you do?

[wrvond]

I have one, but since I tow different campers around the country I don't use it. I just use really thick grease on the saddle.

If I was towing just a single 5er, I'd put one on and leave it.

[aviator41]

Like most others here, I use one as well. I do believe that was the first thing I bought for the 5er. Took the trailer back to the dealer so they could properly secure a recliner and left it on. When I went to pick it up, the service guy told me the jack the place up with the fork lift and handed me a brand new one in the package. Apparently they see the value as well.

Sure beats the heck out of goopy, messy grease. Especially when you have the 5er unhooked. I never have to worry about getting dirty or getting anything in my bed dirty by brushing up against a nasty hitch face.

[Likes_to_tow]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Likes to tow wrote:
I found it made hitching up harder. The square front plate on the fifth wheel hits the hitch and aligns or cams it to the level position so the pin goes in easity. With the rounded front on lube plate this action never happened and I noticed the pin going in to an unlevel hitch. Took it off, problem went away.

May I ask what hitch you are using?

Reese 15K about 15 years old

[Cummins12V98]

If needed cut out the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket.

[Cummins12V98]

Likes to tow wrote:
I found it made hitching up harder. The square front plate on the fifth wheel hits the hitch and aligns or cams it to the level position so the pin goes in easity. With the rounded front on lube plate this action never happened and I noticed the pin going in to an unlevel hitch. Took it off, problem went away.

May I ask what hitch you are using?

[NorthernNeck_VA]

I bought two and keep one as a spare. Never have had to use the spare.

[TenOC]

Likes to tow wrote:
I found it made hitching up harder. The square front plate on the fifth wheel hits the hitch and aligns or cams it to the level position so the pin goes in easity. With the rounded front on lube plate this action never happened and I noticed the pin going in to an unlevel hitch. Took it off, problem went away.

I am not sure I understand. Does any one cut off the rounded front of the lub plate so it is square with the front plate?

[Dave_H_M]

I think in theory the lube plate is a god idea.

In reality I have never seen the need for one.

Seemed like it took forever to even wear thru the black paint.

I usually hit my hitch with a shot of whatever stuff from the aerosol can and go.

There is no end to the aftermarket gizmos .

BTW i hug my DW not my hitch. :h It stays hanging on the king pin. :W

[Campinfan]

Add me to the list of users.

[Likes_to_tow]

I found it made hitching up harder. The square front plate on the fifth wheel hits the hitch and aligns or cams it to the level position so the pin goes in easity. With the rounded front on lube plate this action never happened and I noticed the pin going in to an unlevel hitch. Took it off, problem went away.

[2112]

I use a lube plate and grease my pin and jaws.

[lmpres]

I always use one, and keep a spare in the cargo area in case it falls off when sitting, or someone decides to swipe it....

[Halmfamily]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Halmfamily wrote:
On our second one, killed our first one when it slid down a little and I didn't notice until I nearly bent it in half while hooking uo.

Easy fix if it does not stay up in place. Lay on hard surface. Hit the edges of the hole with a hammer. This will decrease the diamiter and make the plate stay in place.

I didn't even think about that, thanks for the tip.

[edatlanta]

Durb wrote:
Most lube plates are 1/4" thick. They do make 1/8" thick plates if needed. In my mind they are a lot better than dealing with grease, certainly cleaner.

Yep. Mine has been in service since 2010. They last forever.