Fifth wheel lube plates help reduce friction, extend hitch life, and keep towing cleaner by eliminating the need for grease. This guide reviews five top-rated options, highlighting fit, material, and maintenance considerations so you can choose a plate that matches your trailer and truck setup. All products below offer a no-muss approach to lubrication, with durable polyethylene surfaces and varying diameters to accommodate most standard hitches.
| Product | Brand | Diameter | Material / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| REESE Towpower 83002 Fifth Wheel Lube Plate | Reese | 10 inches | 3/16 inch thick; white polyethylene finish |
| CURT 16722 5th Wheel Lube Plate | CURT | 12 inches | Wear-resistant, self-cleaning grooves |
| Buyers Products FWD32 Fifth Wheel Lube Disk | Buyers Products | Unknown (typical disk size) | Durable poly material; reduces wear |
| scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate – 2Pack | scottchen PRO | 10 inches | White polyethylene; two-pack for backups |
| Threlaco 2 Pack 5th Wheel Plate – 10 Inch | Threlaco | 10 inches | 3/16 Inch Thick; white |
REESE Towpower 83002 Fifth Wheel Lube Plate
The REESE Towpower 83002 offers a 10-inch diameter with a 3/16-inch thick profile, delivering a broad contact surface to minimize wear on the hitch head and kingpin connection. Constructed with a nylon lube plate and a white polyethylene finish, it provides robust protection against friction during long pulls and rough-road conditions. This model emphasizes a clean towing experience by eliminating grease mess, which is a common complaint with traditional lubrication methods. The combination of a large surface area and durable material helps reduce operator maintenance, making it a solid choice for frequent travelers.
Key advantages include no-grease operation, which lowers maintenance tasks and environmental concerns at the campsite. The plate’s material composition is designed to resist wear, extending the service life of the fifth wheel components. If you tow a higher-load trailer or navigate uneven terrain, this plate can help maintain smoother articulation between the trailer and truck. Installation is typically quick, relying on standard fitment schemes compatible with many fifth-wheel hitch heads.
CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate
The CURT 16722 plate is a 12-inch diameter option designed to cover a broad kingspin interface during towing. Its wear-resistant surface forms a lubricating buffer between the hitch head and the kingpin box, reducing metal-to-metal wear and the need for grease. Self-cleaning grooves help shed debris and maintain consistent performance in varied climates. The larger diameter provides ample coverage for most standard 5th wheel configurations, and the plate is compatible with standard kingpins, with inside tabs to ensure a secure, flexible fit. This plate is well-suited for heavy-haul applications and extended trips where reliability is essential.
Considerations for CURT include its size and material choice, which balance protection with ease of cleaning. While it avoids grease mess, owners should verify compatibility with their specific hitch model and ensure the gross towing weight remains within recommended limits for the plate’s dimensions. Maintenance generally centers around keeping the surface clean and inspecting for wear after extended use.
Buyers Products FWD32 Fifth Wheel Lube Disk
The Buyers Products FWD32 disk uses a durable poly material designed to reduce wear on towing assemblies while simplifying maintenance compared with traditional grease methods. This lube disk approach helps minimize roadside grease mess and provides a stable lubrication surface during long-distance hauls. The product’s placement in the fleet-grade segment reflects a focus on professional use and reliability across a range of trailer and hitch configurations. Its robustness makes it a solid option for frequent travelers and commercial operators who prioritize a consistent, low-maintenance lubrication solution.
Key considerations include ensuring compatibility with your hitch head and kingpin box. The poly composition is resistant to cracking and deformation, but users should inspect for surface wear over time and replace the disk when the surface shows signs of reduced protection. This option pairs well with other maintenance routines, keeping the fifth wheel connection dependable even after harsh weather or gravel roads.
scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate – 2Pack
This 2-pack from scottchen PRO provides two 10-inch lube plates made from white polyethylene, designed to shield the 5th wheel hitch head from friction and wear. The dual-pack setup is ideal for users who want a ready replacement or want to carry a spare during long trips. The plates emphasize a no-grease approach, helping avoid the messy, greasy residue associated with traditional lubrication methods. The high-density polyethylene offers wear resistance, contributing to a longer service life for the hitch assembly while maintaining smooth articulation between the kingpin and plate.
Considerations include whether a two-pack aligns with your trailer’s usage pattern and how often you inspect the plate for wear. The white polyethylene surface tends to show dirt, so regular cleaning helps preserve performance. As with other plates, verify compatibility with your hitch model and ensure proper seating to prevent movement during towing.
scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate – 2Pack, Black
This 2-pack from scottchen PRO comes in black, offering similar protective benefits as the white variant. The 10-inch diameter keeps a wide coverage area to shield the hitch head and kingpin interface from wear. The white or black color choice mainly reflects aesthetic preferences, while the underlying polyethylene material delivers durability and a low-friction surface for smoother towing. The two-pack format supports multi-vehicle setups or a backup for extended trips, ensuring uninterrupted protection against friction-induced wear.
Threlaco 2 Pack 5th Wheel Plate – 10 Inch, White
The Threlaco 2 Pack 5th Wheel Plate emphasizes both practicality and longevity. Supplied as two pieces, these 10-inch plates feature a 3/16-inch thickness and a white finish, pairing durability with ease of maintenance. The plates are designed to minimize friction and wear between the hitch head and kingpin box, supporting a cleaner towing experience by reducing grease handling. The two-pack format helps users maintain backups for long trips or multiple trailers, ensuring ongoing protection even after one plate shows signs of wear.
Buying Guide: Key Factors for Selecting a Fifth Wheel Lube Plate
- Diameter and coverage: Larger plates often provide more protection against wear but may not fit every hitch head. Verify compatibility with your 5th wheel model and kingpin box.
- Material and durability: Most plates use high-density polyethylene for wear resistance and low friction. Look for self-cleaning grooves that help shed debris and maintain performance in varied conditions.
- Thickness and load distribution: A thicker plate can offer better load distribution but ensure it does not interfere with hitch articulation. Typical thickness is around 3/16 inch for standard applications.
- Mess-free operation: One of the main benefits is eliminating grease. Consider how easy the plate is to clean and whether it reduces campsite mess.
- Pack size: Single plates suit occasional users; multi-pack options are advantageous for frequent travelers or fleets, providing backups during long trips.
- Maintenance needs: Regular inspection for wear, cracking, or deformation helps maintain optimal performance. Replace worn plates promptly to protect hitch components.
- Compatibility notes: While these plates are designed to fit most standard kingpins, always confirm fit with your specific hitch model and trailer configuration.
- Cost of ownership: Compare expected lifespan and replacement frequency to determine long-term value, considering how often you tow on backroads or arid climates where abrasion is higher.