Imagine you’re on a long road trip, hauling a heavy load with your fifth wheel. Suddenly, you hear an awful squeak and a grinding noise from the connection between your truck and trailer. That’s the sound of a fifth wheel plate that needs grease! A properly greased fifth wheel plate is super important for a smooth and safe ride. Without it, you can have a lot of problems, like extra wear and tear on your equipment, and even a scary situation on the road.
But choosing the right grease can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. There are so many different kinds out there, and it’s hard to know which one is best. Do you need something thick or thin? Does it have to be special for high temperatures? These questions can make your head spin! That’s why we’re here to help. We want to make choosing the perfect grease for your fifth wheel plate easy peasy.
By reading on, you’ll learn all about what makes a good fifth wheel grease. We’ll break down the important stuff so you can pick a grease that keeps your fifth wheel running smoothly and safely. Get ready to say goodbye to those annoying squeaks and hello to confident towing!
Our Top 5 Grease For Fifth Wheel Plate Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Grease For Fifth Wheel Plate Detailed Reviews
1. REESE Towpower 83002 Fifth Wheel Lube Plate
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of messy grease when you hook up your fifth wheel trailer? The REESE Towpower 83002 Fifth Wheel Lube Plate offers a clean and simple solution. This 10-inch round plate, just 3/16 of an inch thick, provides a smooth surface that protects your fifth wheel hitch from wear and tear. It’s designed to make towing easier and cleaner.
What We Like:
- It gives your fifth wheel maximum protection. The nylon plate with its white polyethylene finish stops your hitch from getting damaged.
- You won’t have to deal with grease anymore. This lube plate makes hooking up your trailer much cleaner.
- It’s a good size for protection. The 10-inch round shape and 3/16-inch thickness cover a large area.
- REESE backs it with a one-year warranty. This means you can trust the quality from a brand that’s been around since 1952.
- It fits many popular fifth wheels. It works with REESE, Select Series, and Pro Series 16K & 20K hitches, making it a great addition to your fifth wheel camper accessories.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed for specific REESE hitches, users with other brands might need to check compatibility carefully.
- The 3/16-inch thickness is good, but some heavy-duty users might prefer an even thicker option for extreme conditions.
This lube plate is a smart upgrade for any fifth wheel owner. It simplifies the towing process and keeps your equipment in great shape.
2. Counteract Premium 5th Wheel Grease (CBB-5WG8oz)
Rating: 8.6/10
The Counteract Premium 5th Wheel Grease (CBB-5WG8oz) is a powerful lubricant designed to keep your fifth wheel hitch running smoothly. Its special mix of graphite and moly sticks to metal surfaces, so it won’t easily wash away. This grease is tough and stays put, even under heavy loads and in rough weather.
What We Like:
- It really sticks to metal parts. This is because of its graphite and moly mix. Many users agree it works great.
- It stays sticky and doesn’t drip off. It has 10% lubricating solids to help it hold on.
- It’s made for tough jobs. The graphite lubricant is built for heavy-duty use.
- It works well in very hot and very cold weather. It also handles difficult environments.
- You can use it on all fifth wheel hitches. It also works for regular trailer hitch balls. It’s good for all kinds of sliding and moving parts on any vehicle.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 8oz size might be a bit small for some heavy users who need to reapply often.
- While effective, the packaging could be easier to open or dispense from for some users.
This grease offers excellent protection for your fifth wheel. It’s a solid choice for anyone who needs reliable lubrication for their towing setup.
3. CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of messy grease and worn-out hitch parts? The CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate is your solution for smoother, cleaner towing. This 12-inch diameter plate creates a slick surface, making hitching and unhitching your fifth-wheel trailer a breeze. It’s designed to protect your hitch head and kingpin, reducing friction and wear, so you can tow with confidence.
What We Like:
- It’s wear-resistant and protects your hitch head.
- It’s much less messy than using grease.
- It fits any standard fifth-wheel kingpin.
- It’s super easy to install – just press it on!
- It’s made of durable polyethylene plastic for long-lasting use.
- The self-cleaning grooves help keep things tidy.
What Could Be Improved:
- The white plastic might show dirt more easily than darker options.
- While easy to install, ensure a snug fit to prevent any movement.
This lube plate offers a smart, clean way to maintain your fifth-wheel connection. Upgrade your towing experience with this simple yet effective accessory.
4. Zquljeton 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate – Stop Squeaky Fifth Wheel Hitch Noise
Rating: 8.7/10
Tired of that loud squeaking sound every time you turn your RV? The Zquljeton 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate is here to save your ears and your equipment. This third-generation upgrade is designed to stop those annoying noises and protect your hitch from damage. Plus, it gets rid of the messy grease that usually comes with fifth-wheel towing.
What We Like:
- It has a new design with special chambers and grooves. These capture dirt and keep it away from your hitch.
- It cuts down squeaks by 80% in just 3 seconds. No more embarrassing sounds when you arrive at the campground!
- You don’t need to use grease anymore. This means no messy hands or dirty RV.
- It’s made of strong, military-grade plastic. This protects your hitch from wear and tear.
- It snaps on easily in just 10 seconds. No tools are needed, and it fits most hitches.
- The large 10-inch size covers more of your hitch. This gives extra protection and prevents early wear.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the material is durable, some users might prefer a metal option for perceived extra strength.
- The “snap-on” installation is tool-free, which is great, but ensuring a truly “secure fitment across major hitch brands” might require checking compatibility for less common hitch models.
This Zquljeton lube plate offers a clean, quiet, and protective solution for your fifth-wheel towing needs. Enjoy smoother, more peaceful journeys with this smart upgrade.
5. scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in Black RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate – 2Pack
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of messy grease and worn-out fifth wheel hitches? The scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate is here to make your RV towing experience much smoother. This 10-inch black plate, sold in a convenient 2-pack, acts as a shield for your fifth wheel hitch. It stops friction and wear, keeping your hitch in great shape for all your adventures. Plus, it’s a cleaner alternative to traditional greasing methods.
What We Like:
- It protects your fifth wheel hitch from friction and wear.
- It’s a much cleaner way to protect your hitch compared to using grease.
- The plate is made of strong, white Polyethylene that lasts a long time and resists wear.
- Installation is super easy – just press it onto the kingpin. No tools or drilling are needed!
- The 10-inch size covers a good area for extra protection.
- It’s 3/16 inch thick, making it tough and durable for towing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The serrated construction for installation might be a bit tight for some kingpins, requiring a bit of force.
- While it’s designed to fit a standard kingpin, users with slightly non-standard kingpins might find it a less perfect fit.
This lube plate is a smart buy for any RV owner. It keeps your fifth wheel hitch working well and saves you from a greasy mess.
Grease Up Your Ride: The Ultimate Fifth Wheel Plate Buying Guide
When you’re hauling a heavy load, your fifth wheel plate works hard. It’s the connection point between your truck and trailer, and it needs the right grease to stay smooth and strong. Choosing the best grease for your fifth wheel plate keeps things moving safely and prevents wear. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Why Fifth Wheel Plate Grease Matters
Your fifth wheel plate experiences a lot of friction. As you turn corners and maneuver, the metal surfaces rub against each other. Without proper lubrication, this friction can cause:
- Squeaking and squealing: Annoying noises that can make your drive unpleasant.
- Increased wear and tear: Metal parts can grind down over time, shortening their lifespan.
- Sticking and binding: This can make it hard to connect and disconnect your trailer, and even affect steering.
- Rust and corrosion: Moisture can get into unprotected parts, leading to damage.
Good fifth wheel grease protects these vital parts, ensuring a smooth, quiet, and safe connection.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for fifth wheel plate grease, keep these important features in mind:
- High Load Carrying Capacity: This means the grease can handle heavy weights without being squeezed out. Look for greases designed for high-pressure applications.
- Water Resistance: Your fifth wheel plate will be exposed to the elements. A good grease repels water to prevent rust and maintain its lubricating properties.
- Temperature Stability: The grease should work well in both hot and cold weather. It shouldn’t get too runny in the heat or too stiff in the cold.
- Adhesion: The grease needs to stick to the metal surfaces. It shouldn’t drip off easily, even when the plate is tilted or moving.
- Corrosion Protection: Beyond water resistance, the grease should actively protect the metal from rusting.
Important Materials and What They Mean
Fifth wheel greases are made from different base oils and thickeners.
- Base Oils: These are the liquids that do the actual lubricating. Common base oils include:
- Mineral Oils: These are widely available and generally affordable. They offer good lubrication for many applications.
- Synthetic Oils: These are engineered for superior performance. They often offer better temperature stability, longer life, and higher load-carrying ability.
- Thickeners: These are added to the base oil to give the grease its semi-solid form. Common thickeners include:
- Lithium: A very common and versatile thickener. Lithium-based greases are water-resistant and work well in a range of temperatures.
- Calcium Sulfonate Complex: These are excellent for heavy-duty applications. They offer outstanding water resistance, extreme pressure protection, and rust prevention.
- Polyurea: Known for its excellent high-temperature performance and long service life.
For fifth wheel plates, greases with calcium sulfonate complex or polyurea thickeners are often top choices due to their robust performance under demanding conditions.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a grease better or worse for your fifth wheel plate.
- Additives: Many greases contain special additives.
- Extreme Pressure (EP) Additives: These are crucial for heavy loads. They form a protective film on metal surfaces to prevent damage when pressures are very high.
- Anti-Wear Additives: These further reduce friction and wear between moving parts.
- Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors: These chemicals actively fight off rust and protect the metal.
- Improved quality greases will have a good blend of these additives.
- Consistency (NLGI Grade): Grease is graded by its thickness, called the NLGI grade.
- NLGI Grade 2 is the most common and generally suitable for fifth wheel plates. It’s firm enough to stay in place but soft enough to spread easily.
- Too soft (lower grade) grease can drip off. Too stiff (higher grade) grease can be hard to apply and may not lubricate effectively.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands often invest more in research and development, leading to higher quality products.
User Experience and Use Cases
The best fifth wheel grease makes your life easier and your rig safer.
- Ease of Application: A grease that comes in a convenient tube or can is easy to apply with a grease gun or spatula.
- Longevity: A high-quality grease will last longer between applications. This means less frequent greasing and less mess.
- Quiet Operation: A well-greased plate means no more annoying squeaks and squeals. Your drives will be much more pleasant.
- Protection: Knowing your fifth wheel plate is protected from wear and rust gives you peace of mind, especially on long trips.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday Towing: For those who tow regularly, consistent lubrication is key to preventing premature wear.
- Heavy Hauling: If you often tow very heavy loads, an extreme pressure grease is essential.
- Seasonal Storage: Greasing your plate before storing your rig for extended periods helps prevent rust.
- Extreme Climates: If you live in an area with very hot summers or freezing winters, temperature-stable synthetic greases are a great choice.
By understanding these factors, you can confidently choose a fifth wheel plate grease that keeps your rig running smoothly and safely.
Fifth Wheel Plate Grease: Your Top 10 FAQs Answered
Q: What is the main purpose of grease on a fifth wheel plate?
A: The main purpose of grease is to reduce friction between the truck’s fifth wheel hitch and the trailer’s kingpin. This makes turning easier and prevents wear on the metal parts.
Q: How often should I grease my fifth wheel plate?
A: You should grease your fifth wheel plate every few months or after a long trip, especially if you notice any squeaking. Check your hitch manufacturer’s recommendations for specific intervals.
Q: Can I use any type of grease on my fifth wheel plate?
A: No, it’s best to use grease specifically designed for fifth wheel hitches or heavy-duty applications. Regular automotive grease might not have the right properties to handle the heavy loads and friction involved.
Q: What is the best type of grease for extreme heat or cold?
A: For extreme temperatures, look for synthetic greases. They offer better stability and won’t get too thin in the heat or too stiff in the cold.
Q: What does “NLGI Grade” mean for grease?
A: NLGI grade refers to the grease’s consistency or thickness. A Grade 2 is common and usually works well for fifth wheel plates. It’s firm but spreadable.
Q: Should I worry about water resistance?
A: Yes, water resistance is very important. It helps prevent rust and keeps the grease working effectively even when exposed to rain or washing.
Q: What are “extreme pressure” (EP) additives?
A: EP additives are special ingredients that create a protective layer on metal surfaces. This layer prevents damage when the grease is squeezed out under very heavy loads.
Q: How much grease should I apply?
A: Apply a thin, even layer of grease to the entire surface of the fifth wheel plate. You don’t need a thick glob; just enough to coat the metal where the kingpin makes contact.
Q: What are the signs that my fifth wheel plate needs more grease?
A: Squeaking, grinding noises, or difficulty connecting/disconnecting the trailer are signs that your plate needs more grease.
Q: Where can I buy good fifth wheel plate grease?
A: You can find good fifth wheel plate grease at truck stops, auto parts stores, and online retailers that specialize in RV and towing supplies.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.