5th wheel grease

A greased fifth wheel is priceless when road conditions get crappy.

 

Just a suggestion based on experience, a Moly lube, the Moly has a purpose, as the oily base goes away, the Moly stays, same with chassis componants. Also, I have witnessed, over so many years folks lube the top plate and disregard the jaws, quite important, plastic plates for tractor or trailer are great IMHO, yet again, don't forget the jaws. Take care.

 

Every time I drop and hook, I used a large putty knife and remove excess grease on side of 5th wheel plate and reapply. If more needed, I have grown partial to Schaeffer Silver Streak in spray can. Nice low power stream of grease where I need it. Surprisingly tacky and stays put well. It is moly based, as is most all of Schaeffer products. As has been mentioned, a well lubed 5th wheel is essential in nasty cold weather.

 

You can also harvest it from the 5th wheel plate of the trailer you just dropped. Usually 15 minutes after applying same. Must be some properties that creates a mystical connection that makes dispatch understand it was applied to the 5th wheel and somehow must get rid of such a luxury it's increases in pay has afforded to the driver.

 

They aren't exactly greaseless, just low lube. The kingpin still needs grease.

My 5th wheel has a teflon plate but I went back to lightly greasing it anyway. Not slippery enough for my tastes. Caused the truck to wander bigtime.

 

I grease the bolster plate and kingpin on the trailer instead of the 5th wheel. Saves on grease and it stays where it needs to be.