Fifth Wheel Lube Plate ????

[TenOC]

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.

[Likes_to_tow]

I had one on my previous 5th wheel and it caused me to have problems while trying to hitch up.. The straight edge on the front of the trailer (just in front of the king pin) should contact the truck hitch and pivot it level for proper alignment. It "cams" the pivoting hitch to proper alignment. With the round teflon pad on there, it would sometimes not allow the Reese to pivot level and thus cause problems. I would sometimes get a "high hitch situation" where the king pin would end up on top of the jaws. I took it off and NEVER had any further issues. Don't use one on my new 5th wheel either.

[danrclem]

Order two and keep one as a spare. They're cheap on da bay.

[TenOC]

Dave H M wrote:

My hitch either hangs on the king pin when in storage

My FW will be stored outside. Is it necessary or only a good idea to cover the hitch when hanging from the king pin. Will the hitch rust when exposed the the weather for a number of months. Can I simply wrap it in a plastic sheet or do I need something that will let air in but not rain. That is some type of "breathable" material. I do not think I can use a store bought hitch cover when the hitch is attached to the king pin.

[Dave_H_M]

I got a good one for the OP. He should now ask if he needs a diesel dually. :B

Heck yeah, it is a good idea if you got the clearance!

My hitch either hangs on the king pin when in storage or resides in the truck when in use. Thus the logic of why i will never have the slippery hitch imprint on my beer belly.

[ckwizard777]

Helmsey wrote:

C.B. wrote:
Just a word of caution. If you use a Pullrite hitch DO NOTuse a lube plate.

Tolerances are to tight.

C.B.

I don't have any issues on mine. I have the 20k ISR hitch and use the same lube plate I've been using for a couple years now.

You are correct it is tight but there is plenty of room.
I have used one on my Super Fifth for the last 10 years with no issue.
You just have to come in slightly high when hitching up so that you are lifting the trailer as you hitch up. Also eliminates high hitching.

[thirtydaZe]

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.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 ! ! !

mine gets torn up if i try to hitch with the pin box to low.

[Sonora108]

I've been using a Reese 83002 Lube Plate which is 3/16" and it works fine with my B&W Companion, have no problems hitching up.
Yes - definitely do use a Lube Plate unless you like grease on your clothes.
Bill

[Cummins12V98]

If you buy a B&W hitch I advise getting the Hensley 1/8" thick lube plate.

[Helmsey]

C.B. wrote:
Just a word of caution. If you use a Pullrite hitch DO NOTuse a lube plate.

Tolerances are to tight.

C.B.

I don't have any issues on mine. I have the 20k ISR hitch and use the same lube plate I've been using for a couple years now.

[C_B_]

Just a word of caution. If you use a Pullrite hitch DO NOTuse a lube plate.

Tolerances are to tight.

C.B.

[Norskeman]

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.

[ReneeG]

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.

[RollandB]

Grease only if you want grease on your clothes. Went to a lube plate over 20'years ago and never looked back

[jffnkrn]

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 ! ! !