Answering the needs of RV owners seeking cleaner, quieter, and longer-lasting hitch connections, this guide highlights top fifth wheel skid plates (also known as lube plates) that reduce friction without messy grease. Best for frequent travelers, commercial haulers, and weekend campers alike, these plates protect your hitch head and kingpin while cutting down on maintenance. Each option below is evaluated for fit, material quality, and practical trade-offs.
| Product | Diameter | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threlaco 2 Pack 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 10 Inch, White | 10 inches | Budget-conscious collectors; frequent travelers | Two-pack gives back-up protection |
| scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10 Inch Black | 10 inches | Mess-free, low-friction towing | No-grease solution with noise reduction |
| CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 12-Inch Diameter | 12 inches | Longer coverage for larger hitches | Self-cleaning grooves; standard-fit |
| scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 12 Inch White | 12 inches | Quiet towing; universal fit | No-grease, reduced wear and noise |
| Threlaco 2 Pack 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 12 Inch, White | 12 inches | Extra-large surface protection | Two-piece pack for continuous protection |
Threlaco 2 Pack 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 10 Inch, White
The Threlaco 10-inch lube plate provides a large surface area to cushion the kingpin and hitch head, reducing metal-on-metal wear. Its polyethylene construction is designed for durability and resistance to tear, supporting long trailer runs. The package includes two plates, giving you a spare for continuous protection during long trips. Best for buyers who want a simple, cost-effective two-pack solution and easy cleanup without grease.
Best for: frequent travelers who value redundancy and a mess-free towing experience. Limitation: 10-inch coverage may be smaller for some oversized pin boxes; measure your surface to confirm fit.
scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10 Inch Black
This 10-inch, 3/16″ thick HDPE disc acts as a robust, no-grease barrier between the kingpin and hitch, reducing friction and dampening vibrations. The design emphasizes quiet towing by minimizing chucks and road noise. It fits most standard 5th wheel hitches and avoids the mess of grease, offering a cleaner maintenance routine. Best for: owners who want a clean, maintenance-free solution with strong noise reduction. Caution: verify pin box surface size; if larger, consider the 12-inch option.
CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 12-Inch Diameter
CURT’s 12-inch lube plate offers broad coverage for larger or high-clearance hitch setups. It features self-cleaning grooves and is marketed as a standard-fit option compatible with most standard kingpins. By providing a lubricating buffer, this plate helps reduce wear and eliminates grease messes. Best for: buyers with bigger hitch heads who want comprehensive protection. Limitation: ensure your pin box diameter aligns with the 12-inch plate for full coverage.
scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10 Inch Black – 1 Pack
This is a no-grease, 10-inch option with the same HDPE composition and low-friction performance as its two-pack sibling. It emphasizes a clean towing experience with reduced noise and wear, designed for standard kingpins. Best for: buyers needing a single-plate solution with quiet operation. Caution: only 10-inch diameter; for larger pin boxes, consider the 12-inch version.
Threlaco 2 Pack 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 12 Inch, Black
With a larger surface, this 12-inch Threlaco option provides expansive coverage for hitch heads, offering strong protection from friction and wear across longer trips. The two-piece pack ensures you always have a backup available. Best for: buyers who tow with bigger hitches or want maximum surface protection. Limitation: larger diameter requires checking pin box compatibility to ensure full coverage.
Threlaco 2 Pack 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 12 Inch, White
This white 12-inch plate offers a broad protective surface and a two-pack option for uninterrupted hitch protection on long journeys. The material is polyethylene, chosen for durability and wear resistance. Best for: travelers needing maximum surface coverage and a ready spare. Caution: confirm pin box compatibility with the 12-inch diameter before ordering.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Fifth Wheel Skid Plate
- Fit and diameter: Most plates come in 10 or 12 inches. Measure your pin box surface and kingpin hole to ensure a proper match.
- Material and durability: Look for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar durable plastics. A thicker plate generally offers better cushioning but must still fit your hitch.
- Mess-free operation: No-grease designs reduce maintenance and protect clothing and hands from grease stains.
- Coverage area: Larger plates provide more protection for the hitch head but may not fit compact hitch boxes.
- Versatility: Some options are available in 2-pack sets for redundancy during long trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a fifth wheel skid plate used for?
A skid plate provides a clean, low-friction interface between the fifth wheel hitch head and kingpin, reducing wear and eliminating grease mess.
- Do I need a specific diameter for my plate?
Yes. Most standard hitches use 10-inch or 12-inch plates. Measure your pin box and verify the kingpin hole size before ordering.
- Is a no-grease plate better than a grease-filled one?
No-grease plates keep hands and equipment cleaner and typically reduce maintenance, while grease-based plates may require more cleanup after towing.
- Can a larger plate cause fit issues?
Yes. A plate that is too large may not sit properly on the pin box, leading to improper engagement or slippage.
- Should I buy more than one plate?
Two-pack options offer a backup, ensuring continuous protection for long trips or when one plate is being cleaned or replaced.
- Are these plates compatible with all fifth wheel hitches?
Most 5th wheel lube plates are designed to fit standard kingpins, but always verify compatibility with your specific hitch model.