Greaseless Fifth Wheel plates

They're usually used by people who don't swap trailers much. The same goes for the slick discs for the trailers. I have the one for the trailer. It costs like $35. It's been on 2 years and still looking good for those that MIGHT be interested. If you're changing trailers frequently though, best to just stick to the grease probably.

 

I have the greaseless plates on mine. It's somewhat of a misnomer as the kingpin still requires grease.

I found the plates to be too grabby for my liking. Also, the bolster plate on my trailer was rusting and leaving powdered rust which probably contributed to the grabbiness.

I gave up and started greasing it again.

 

I had the kind that was imbedded in the fifth wheel. After four years they wore out. Priced replacement pads, almost $600, so I got a whole new Holland standard fifth wheel for $900 instead.

 

We used to run them on oil field vacuum trucks. They held up pretty well, removed them once a month and powerwashed everything before reinstalling.

 

Everyone puts talcum powder on before hooking up over here and the pin still needs to be greased. Skid plate needs to be completely clean of grease.

 

Does the grease actually hurt the plastic or is it just a mess?
Seems like a small amount.. small.. might help the plastic live longer. Obviously defeats the propose though except maybe not using nearly as much?

 

I don't think it hurts it. I've been greasing mine for almost three years now with no noticeable wear.