Lube plate
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
I just looked at the one on our 5er and while it has a tiny bit of wear on the tabs, just minimal otherwise after 12K miles, with about 7K on a single recent trip. The spare one - and after posting earlier, is from the traded 5er (CRS problem) that the dealer retrieved for me and that one after many, many miles and years, even less wear.
Looking at the photos, it almost looks more like vibration/chucking back and forth (British roads?
) or possibly a slightly loose pin box
Looking at the photos, it almost looks more like vibration/chucking back and forth (British roads?
) or possibly a slightly loose pin box
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 25
No such thing as a metric pin they are all the same size. I would check to see if you have any fore and aft play between pin and the hitch jaws. I have over 30K on mine (1/4 in. thick white) with no noticeable sign of wear other than circular scratches from turning corners. Friend wore one out is less than 2500 miles because of slop in hitch jaws, it doesn't take much.
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,381
Likes: 193
From: Cambs, England
As said the pin size is international & both the trailer & the hitch came from the USA anyway, the hitch was a used item so I have no idea how much use it has had, I know the pin is good as I bought the trailer from a friend who owned it for 6 years & all the time he used it with a gooseneck adapter. There is nothing visibly worn with the jaws but I'm thinking that as they are a relatively low cost part I will get some anyway.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 2
From: Southern Cal
My trailer came with one too but as others have noted, when they drop down or you try to attach when too low, they get crumpled. I've never gone back to CW to pick another one up so I just clean and grease my plate regularly.
Not mentioned above, but I make it a point to grease the pin and jaws at the same time.
Kind of like forgetting to lube a tow ball...grinding and clunking is not a good thing!
Not mentioned above, but I make it a point to grease the pin and jaws at the same time.
Kind of like forgetting to lube a tow ball...grinding and clunking is not a good thing!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 12
From: Ford, WA
My trailer came with one too but as others have noted, when they drop down or you try to attach when too low, they get crumpled. I've never gone back to CW to pick another one up so I just clean and grease my plate regularly.
Not mentioned above, but I make it a point to grease the pin and jaws at the same time.
Kind of like forgetting to lube a tow ball...grinding and clunking is not a good thing!
Not mentioned above, but I make it a point to grease the pin and jaws at the same time.
Kind of like forgetting to lube a tow ball...grinding and clunking is not a good thing!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,644
Likes: 4,733
From: Itinerant
Nothing worse than getting grease on your cloths or anything else in the back of the truck, I'll stick with the lube plate.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
X2.
Been there with the grease - wont go back to that mess. On top of that, you do have to clean that grease off with a putty knife a few times a year, getting that dirt covered crud off so you can replace it so more dirt can collect then you can start all over again. For 8 to 12 bucks - a lube plate is worth it to me plus is paid for vs. a couple tubs of grease in a couple years.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 7
From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
No grease for me either... The lube plate I have is easily 1/8" thick - maybe 3/16".. I make sure that when I disconnect I have just a hairline crack of air between the lube plate and the 5th wheel hitch. I try for the same when hooking up too.. That may be one of the reasons I have so much trouble with the Reese HD hitch to release.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,379
Likes: 1,862
From: Frederick, MD
No grease for me either... The lube plate I have is easily 1/8" thick - maybe 3/16".. I make sure that when I disconnect I have just a hairline crack of air between the lube plate and the 5th wheel hitch. I try for the same when hooking up too.. That may be one of the reasons I have so much trouble with the Reese HD hitch to release.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,899
Likes: 12
From: Upstate NY
X2 with Scott's reply. I generally lift the trailer just so it comes free of the hitch. Also, If you back in, you will be putting pressure on the jaws which will make it difficult - at least with a B&W hitch. Usually what I do is chock the trailer wheels both ways to prevent the 5er from rolling and leave the truck without the E-brake engaged then pull the release. If it's wedged against the jaws, the truck can move just a little and release the pin. Also, not sure with a Reese, but one brand recommends that you don't use a lube plate. Dumb, yes, but it may be that you have one of those hitches. Regardless, I really like one of those pant savers and will always use one
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 6,801
Likes: 7
From: DFW, TX-GoldCanyon, AZ
