What Size Lube Plate Do I Need

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Later purchasing our starting time 5th wheel RV, it took us a while to get comfortable with the fine art of hitching up. Once we understood the basics, we wondered what else we needed to know to make the process smoother. What is a 5th wheel lube plate, and is it really needed? Perhaps you're asking the same questions nosotros did.

A 5th wheel lube plate is a relatively small piece of flat machinery that you lot place inside your hitch mechanism to keep it properly lubed upwardly and reduce friction.

When hitching and hauling your 5th bicycle over long distances, it really does make sense to invest in accessories that will protect your RV. While pulling your fifth wheel, friction causes the metal to metal contact of the kingpin on the 5th wheel hitch which tin damage these parts. It's necessary to lubricate all pivot points where the hitch head meets the hitch.

Lubricating can be washed with lithium grease, however, most owners notice information technology much simpler to buy a kingpin lube plate. Using a lube plate to protect your hitch machinery is a convenient way to continue your 5th wheel maintained and functioning smoothly.

You lot may however have questions about how to choose the right 5th wheel lube plate and how to install information technology. The process is actually quite straight-forrard and simple. Since we've already done this with our new 5th bike, I'm happy to depict in detail everything I call back yous need to know.

Greasing the parts

For years, fifth bicycle owners used lithium grease to keep their kingpin and hitch lubricated. This procedure involves greasing the bottom of the pivot box, the kingpin, and whatever point where metallic contacts metallic. It may too require the owner to remove the hitch from the bed of the truck, so all parts of the hitch can be easily accessed.

Greasing your hitch is not a hard process, only tin exist messy and it also takes time. Grease too can attract dirt, which will demand to be cleaned later on. Furthermore, the greasing method of lubrication will need to exist performed on a regular basis, depending on how much you're using your 5th wheel. Using lithium grease to lubricate the kingpin and hitch system notwithstanding works, simply at that place is a newer, cleaner and more time-efficient solution.

The 5th wheel lube plate

In 1989, patents were published in the United states of america that conceptualized a 'cocky-lubricating' organization for towing. The lube plate was invented, and public demand continues to push newer and better products onto the market.

Installing a 5th cycle lube plate eliminates the need for greasing the hitch system. The lube plate creates a buffer between the bottom of the pin box and the area of the hitch. Since the metallic is not grating confronting metal, this protects your hitch system without the use of messy grease. Almost people are happy to use this inexpensive pick instead of taking the time and effort to employ grease to all the moving parts.

Cost

5th cycle lube plates that attach to the pinbox are relatively cheap, between $x-25 per plate. This makes information technology an extremely affordable style to maintain the hitch, fifty-fifty if the plate needs to be replaced a few years down the road.

Lube plates that are applied straight on top of the hitch are more than expensive to buy. From $65-$250, these accessories are more heavy-duty. The installation is slightly more involved also, requiring screws to attach pieces onto the hitch.

Materials

Well-nigh fifth bicycle lube plates are constructed out of a sturdy polyethylene. This high-density textile stands up to the friction created on the kingpin and hitch while pulling the 5th bike.

Some newer products also claim to contain and release graphite onto the surface of the hitch. This type of product should create fifty-fifty more lubrication benefits to the hitching arrangement.

Which size lube plate do I need?

More often than not speaking, the two sizes that lube plates come up in are 10-inch and 12-inch. While there is not a huge difference in the 2 sizes, it'due south important to get the best fit. If the lube plate is too large for your hitch, it will stick out and can rub or pause when the pin box moves against the hitch plate.

Lube plates besides vary in thickness. It is widely assumed that the thicker the lube plate, the more durable it should exist. However, users report differences in this as well. You lot can consult consumer reviews to go a amend thought of how the thickness of different plates holds up over time.

If yous have questions nearly which lube plate is the right size for your fifth wheel, you should consult the hitch manufacturer or possessor's manual. You can also refer to the hitch company'south website, and search for your hitch's brand and model to notice the recommended lube plate size.

Examples of mutual lube plates

Hither are a few examples of lube plates on Amazon.com that are pop models with adept reviews.

Reese Towpower 83002 Fifth Wheel Lube Plate

This highly rated 5th bicycle lube plate here is 10-inch round and is iii/sixteen inch thick with a limited 2-year warranty. This lube plate is made of durable polyethylene. It is like shooting fish in a barrel to install and corrosion-resistant.

Cheque out this product here.

Curt 16721 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate

Curt is another brand that turns out quality RV accessories. This 5th wheel lube plate has a 10-inch bore and is also available in a 12-inch diameter. It features cocky-cleaning grooves to maintain good lubrication.

Y'all can find this lube plate here.

EAZ Lift 10 or 12" fifth Wheel Lube Plate

This product is as well known nether the brand Camco, and customers have been using it for years. As well every bit protecting the 5th wheel from friction it also eliminates vibrations and racket. It's piece of cake to install and stands up to the test of time.

Detect this product on Amazon hither.

Reese 83003 Lube Plate F/R16 5th Cycle Hitch

This last example I've included so you lot can run into that a lube plate looks like that attaches to the hitch itself. The other 3 lube plate pictured above are all applied to the kingpin box. The office of this lube plate is the aforementioned every bit the others, but it'south installed in a different place. It is a more expensive lube plate, than the others, and isn't as popular on Amazon every bit the less expensive choices.

Find this production on Amazon.

How to install

After looking at the 4 different products above, you lot tin see that there are different ways to install. All of them are fairly straightforward and can be done without the assist of a professional.

Use to kingpin box

Remove all grease from the pinbox

Using a good degreasing production, clean the kingpin and pinbox area well.

Locate the right side

The lube plate will indicate which side should exist facing the pin box

Slide the lube plate into place over the kingpin

One time you've pushed the lube plate effectually the kingpin, it should fit snugly. Slide information technology upward to the flat surface of the pinbox, where it will stay. That's information technology!

When you hitch upwardly your 5th cycle for the first time with the new lube plate, check to make certain the jaws of the hitch latch securely onto the kingpin and that the thickness of the lube plate does not interfere with the mechanism.

If the size is incorrect, the lube plate may hang over the edge and rub awkwardly. If this happens, try to readjust or purchase a lube plate with a diameter that fits your hitch more accurately.

Apply to the head of the hitch

This application volition only exist used if you purchase a U-shaped lube plate that volition wait similar information technology should fit on top of the hitch.

Fit lube plate on top of the hitch

This should be adequately straight forward, equally there will be simply ane fashion information technology can sit on top of the hitch, with the correct parts facing upwardly.

Use included hardware to secure the lube plate

These lube plates will come with the needed hardware (nuts & screws) as well as a set up of instructions. Usually, there are 6 screws and basics that you'll demand to drill into identify to secure the lube plate.

Make sure the hitching system attaches smoothly

The installation is complete! As mentioned before, you want to brand sure that information technology does not interfere with the grip of the hitch onto the kingpin. If you see that the hitch does not work properly with the lube plate on, brand sure that information technology'southward fastened correctly. Check with the hitch manufacturer to make sure that the lube plate is compatible with the make and model of your hitch.

Whether your lube plate attaches to the kingpin or to the head of the hitch, it is recommended to perform a pull test earlier hauling your fully loaded 5th wheel over a long journey.

How long will a lube plate last

This is a difficult question to answer since it really depends on how oftentimes you are hauling your 5th wheel and over what distances. The terrain of the road and the weight of your 5th bicycle are factors as well.

Some users use their lube plate for a season or two before replacing it, while others say they've used theirs for many years.

It'southward wise to bank check your lube plate from time to fourth dimension and if you lot see uneven wear or any tears, then it's fourth dimension to replace information technology. Sometimes information technology helps to clean any debris that is getting between the plate and the pinbox or the plate and the hitch. Either style, utilize common sense and replace it when it seems like it's wearing out.

Other hitch maintenance tips

The fifth wheel lube plate will go a long fashion to forestall damage to your hitch. All the same, there are a few other tips that can help to maintain the efficiency and safety of your fifth cycle hitch.

Regularly inspect the hitch

Before leaving on a trip, be certain to inspect the hitch and check for whatever loose nuts or bolts. Bank check to make certain there are no parts missing or coming loose.

Check the torque

Use a torque wrench to make certain there is a tight connexion between the hitch and the rails in the truck bed. Y'all practise not want anything coming loose while you're towing your 5th wheel

Examine the breakaway cable and lock

Audit the breakaway cable to make certain that information technology isn't frayed or compromised in any way. This connection is what will concur your rig together in the result that the trailer does detach on the route.

Nosotros hope that these tips have helped you learn what you demand to do to keep your 5th bike hitch in good shape. Using a high-quality lube plate, as well every bit following our other maintenance tips will give you peace of heed as you fix out on your 5th bicycle adventures.

Written by Kristen Co

Fulltime RVing with my family of 5 since July 2018. Our 34-pes Grand Design 5th wheel is our home while nosotros travel beyond the U.s.a. and back once more.