Choosing the right 5th wheel lube plate can reduce friction, prevent grease mess, and extend hitch life. This guide compares popular options designed to protect your hitch head while delivering clean, reliable towing. Below are five top picks with clear advantages, materials, and fit notes to help you decide which plate best fits your trailer setup.
Summary of Selected Products
- Reese Towpower 83002 Fifth Wheel Lube Plate, 10 Inch Round, 3/16 Inch Thick
- CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 12-Inch Diameter
- CURT 16721 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 10-Inch Diameter
- scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate – 1Pack
- scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in Black RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate – 2Pack
Note: All products are designed to minimize grease mess and reduce wear between the kingpin and hitch head, while using durable polyethylene or similar materials for long-lasting protection.
Reese Towpower 83002 Fifth Wheel Lube Plate
Brand: Reese
The Reese Towpower 83002 Fifth Wheel Lube Plate offers maximum protection with a nylon lube plate finished in white polyethylene. It protects the fifth wheel from wear and tear during towing and eliminates the need for grease lubrication, thanks to its large surface area and durable construction.
This 10-inch diameter plate (3/16 inch thick) provides ample coverage for most standard fifth wheels and creates a clean, low-maintenance towing experience. The design focuses on reducing grease mess and simplifying maintenance, making it a popular choice for long trips and frequent hitch use.
CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 12-Inch Diameter
Brand: CURT
Wear-resistant and designed to protect the hitch head, CURT 16722 features a self-cleaning groove design and a standard fit for most 5th wheel kingpins. Its 12-inch diameter provides broad coverage, helping to minimize metal-to-metal contact and reduce maintenance efforts.
The plate is presented as a mess-free alternative to traditional grease lubrication. It works well for heavier trailers where wear protection and long-lasting performance are important, while maintaining compatibility with standard kingpins.
CURT 16721 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 10-Inch Diameter
Brand: CURT
This 10-inch CURT lube plate provides wear resistance and a clean lubrication alternative to grease. It features self-cleaning grooves and standard fit for compatibility with most standard 5th wheel kingpins. The design emphasizes less mess and straightforward installation, with tabs that help secure a firm but flexible fit around the hitch head.
The diameter is well-suited for a broad range of 5th wheel hitches, offering reliable protection while maintaining a relatively compact footprint compared with larger plates.
scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate – 1Pack
Brand: scottchen PRO
Designed to protect the fifth wheel against friction and wear from towing, this plate emphasizes a cleaner towing experience by avoiding greasy residue on the hitch surface. It uses white polyethylene material, offering high density and wear resistance for long-lasting protection.
The 1-pack option provides straightforward protection for a single installation and is positioned as a practical solution for preventing the mess associated with traditional lubrication methods. The plate is compact enough for standard 5th wheel setups while delivering solid coverage.
scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in Black – 2Pack
Brand: scottchen PRO
This two-pack option mirrors the 1-pack concept with a focus on long trips or multi-hitch setups. It retains the same functional benefits—protection from friction and wear, reduced grease mess, and durable polyethylene construction. The black finish offers a different aesthetic while maintaining high-density, wear-resistant properties.
With two plates, you can ensure continuous protection across alternating trailers or have a spare on hand for quick swaps during travel, helping to minimize towing downtime and maintenance tasks.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
Material and Wear Protection
Most plates use polyethylene or similar polymers designed to minimize friction and wear on the hitch head. High-density materials offer better longevity and resistance to UV exposure, heat, and repeated hitching cycles. When choosing, prioritize plates with durable finishes and proven wear resistance, especially if you tow heavy trailers frequently.
Size and Coverage
Diameter options range from 10 to 12 inches. Larger plates provide more coverage and can protect a broader surface area, which is beneficial for bigger kingpins and heavier loads. Consider your trailer and hitch head dimensions to ensure full coverage without interference with the kingpin or surrounding components.
Mess Reduction and Maintenance
Traditional grease lubrication can create messy drips and stains. Lube plates are designed to reduce or eliminate grease mess. Look for self-cleaning grooves or designs that minimize residue and simplify cleanup after towing sessions.
Installation and Fit
Look for standard-fit plates with secure tabs or quick-install designs that fit most 5th wheel kingpins. A firm but flexible fit helps prevent movement during towing and reduces noise or vibration. Check compatibility notes for your specific hitch head model to ensure proper alignment.
Quantity and Value
Some sellers offer single packs while others provide multi-packs. If you tow frequently or manage multiple trailers, multi-pack options can offer better value and ensure you always have a spare ready. Compare price per plate and shipping terms when evaluating multi-pack options.
Overall, selecting a 5th wheel plate involves balancing coverage, durability, and convenience. The options highlighted here provide a mix of sizes, materials, and pack configurations to suit different towing needs, from single-vehicle setups to multi-trailer fleets.