Lube Plate

[McIntraveler]

We're picking up our trailer in 3 weeks and I need a lube plate. I see 10" and 12" plates are available. What size is everyone buying? Thanks.

[tdsxt51]

My kingpin slider hitch says not to use a lube plate with it, but I think this is because of the slider. Since I don't use that feature, I use a 10" lube plate. Works great; no problems so far. Any comments? Is this okay to do? Thanks.

[Campinfan]

I had the 12 inch but it cracked right away where it over hung the front of the pin box. I put on a 10 inch and its been there for three years now.

[kennethwooster]

12" works great.

[tinner12002]

If its weakened and falling off, go buy a new one, only $12-$14!!! I've never had one just fall off. I carry a spare in the truck so if I need one I have it, but I would never attach one to the pin box, kinda takes away the purpose. I don't think the size matters on those.

[rhagfo]

lostdog wrote:

attuco wrote:
I use the 12 inch. Install it, trim if necessary. I also countersink a screw ans drill and tap the box to keep the lube plate from turning.

I believe the entire reason for having a "lube" plate was to reduce friction. It needs to be able to turn to accomplish this.

No it doesn't screwing it to the pin box will keep it from falling off. The plastic is the slippery surrface.

[F-TROUP]

I believe they make different size king pins so buy the right lube plate to fit the pin, standard size is 2 7/8".

[padredw]

I have used nothing but the "lube plate" since they became available, and have always had Reese hitches. But I just bought a new Chevrolet, diesel Duramax/Allison, which came equipped with a Curt hitch already installed.

Someone said above that the lube place cannot be used with a Curt

The owner's instruction with the Curt explicitly recommend the lube plate, and a brand new lube plate was included with the hitch.

I hope the Curt serves me as well as every Reese hitch I've had has done.

[Durb]

I have to use two lube plates; 1/4" thick combined with another 1/8" thick. With just a 1/4" plate my upper kingpin ridge rides on my hitch jaws and did not compress the lube plate making it worthless. I would think kingpins would be of standard specification but apparently not. It took some trial and error to get the jaws centered in the kingpin groove. Just something else to think about, if I recall the Companion has some thick jaws.

[McIntraveler]

Thanks for all the input - some good information was posted. I see eTrailer recommends 10" for my B&K Companion. Guess I'll go with that.

3 weeks until retirement. Down to nut cutting.

[avvidclif1]

shadows4 wrote:
To those of you who say the fingers won't hold the plate on the king pin any more. Mine did this also, I don't remember who told me this but take the plate and lay it on concrete or pavement. Then you just take a hammer and bang the fingers a few times. I guess this flattens them and lengthens them a bit. Works for me. I also use the 12" one.

And when that doesn't hold any more you buy the o-ring. Been there done that.

[azjeffh]

My hitch manufacturer suggests 12", so that's what we use.

[shadows4]

Oops!!! Double post. Sorry.

[shadows4]

To those of you who say the fingers won't hold the plate on the king pin any more. Mine did this also, I don't remember who told me this but take the plate and lay it on concrete or pavement. Then you just take a hammer and bang the fingers a few times. I guess this flattens them and lengthens them a bit. Works for me. I also use the 12" one.

[Nicholsfamily05]

We ordered the 12" one from amazon. Nice price came with 2 day shipping. We had it for 4 years and it was great then we upgraded to a new hitch that has it built in so no longer needed.