Greasing 5th wheel with gear oil

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by mitmaks, Aug 13, 2021.

  1. skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    It does ok in the middle of winter.
     
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  3. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    I had looked for an image to add to my post, then forgot to do it LOL. The image came from Advance Auto Parts, on sale for $8. They do have this stuff in the store from time to time, but I never seem to need it when I'm there. The trick to use with Advance is they always offer 15-20% off online orders. I've actually been inside the store and ordered for pickup on my cell phone. I've already got enough or I'd have ordered some when I made that post.

    That said, I usually pick up a few bottles when I'm in Truck Pro buying something else. Usually $10 from them and always in stock.

    Pro tips: You'll be tempted to cut the tip on the funnel cap and use it like an axle lube bottle. That works ok in the summer. Save time by just unscrewing the lid and pouring it. It's a little messy, especially tiny spider-web like streamers in the wind, so be careful, stay upwind, and don't overdo it. Tip enough to start the pour, then adjust the speed to form a bead about 1/4-1/2" wide. I usually put 2-3 beads on each surface. Then like some others mention, drop the air before backing in and raise up just in front of the kingpin to reduce scraping it off.

    In the winter time at places I have to drop the trailer, I'll take the bottle inside the cab and put it in front of the bunk heater outlet a few minutes, up on a box or something before using. Put it in a grocery bag to keep things clean inside the cab.

    This is the image I forgot to add:

    Lucas-5th-lube.jpeg
     
  4. skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    Yeah, you don't want that bottle to tip over. It will leak and isn't easy to clean up.
     
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  5. RedForeman

    RedForeman Momentum Conservationist

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    Worth mentioning: Not cutting the tip on the lid (pour straight out of the bottle to apply) also keeps that lid sealing better, whether you're keeping it in the tool box or warming it up inside.
     
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  6. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    deleted...it is about oil on the 5th wheel. Not how to grease it....
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2021
  7. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Use to run local grocery distribution, four five trailers a night. When it was really cold out, -24 or lower, the grease on the fifth wheel made it really difficult to pull away from under a trailer. We put diesel fuel on the fifth wheel, worked great to keep it slippery in the cold, just had to grease it back up when the weather warmed up.
     
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  8. TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    That interesting. I've never heard of diesel fuel on the 5th wheel before...It may come handy.
     
  9. dirthaller

    dirthaller Road Train Member

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    Good, I just installed my teflon disc yesterday. Will get tested Monday!
     
  10. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    Usually the cheap 99 cent Moly when Atwoods puts it on sale.
     
  11. John E.

    John E. Light Load Member

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    I have a spray bottle with automatic transmission fluid, I just spray the 5th. wheel with a few shots. No mess and quick to apply.
     
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