What kind of grease should I use on a fifth wheel hitch?

Use a dedicated fifth wheel grease or plate lube. The hitch makers are specific: B&W calls for automotive chassis grease and CURT prefers a high-pressure wheel bearing grease (Lucas X-Tra Heavy Duty Grease is one example). A plastic lube plate can replace the grease entirely; stay within your manual's size limit (Reese says no thicker than 3/16 inch). Avoid motor oil or WD-40 on the plate — they don't provide adequate lubrication for the weight and friction involved.

How do I inspect my fifth wheel hitch for wear?

Check the hitch jaws for cracks, excessive wear, or looseness. Inspect the skid plate for deep grooves or uneven wear patterns. Verify the locking mechanism engages and releases smoothly. Check all mounting bolts for proper torque. Look at pivot points and pins for wear. Do the full inspection at least twice a year, but check bolt torque far more often: CURT says re-torque after the first 500 miles, then every 1,000 miles and before each use; Reese says every 1,000 miles and Demco at least every 2,000. And work the handle before every trip to confirm the jaws open and close freely.

What parts of a fifth wheel hitch wear out first?

The skid plate and the jaws take the most wear: the plate from the trailer's kingpin plate turning on it, and the jaws that grip the kingpin — they can develop play over time. Bushings and pivot points on the head also wear. Most wear parts are replaceable without buying a new hitch.

Fifth Wheel Hitch Maintenance

Q: How often should I grease my fifth wheel hitch?

Apply grease to the hitch plate before every trip or every time you hook up, whichever is more frequent. A thin, even coat of fifth wheel grease on the skid plate reduces friction, prevents noise, and protects against wear. It takes 2 minutes and makes a noticeable difference. Two exceptions: a lube plate replaces the grease (use one or the other), and some hitches take no grease on the plate at all. Reese says not to use chassis grease on the R20, which ships with a plastic lube plate, CURT says its PowerRide's built-in wear plates eliminate the need for grease, and PullRite says a SuperGlide needs neither grease nor a lube plate. Check your manual.

Q: How should I store my fifth wheel hitch in the off-season?

Clean off old grease and road grime, inspect for wear or damage, apply a fresh coat of grease to all metal surfaces, and cover the hitch or store indoors if possible. If leaving it in the truck bed, a hitch cover prevents rain and snow from causing rust. Many removable hitches (puck-mount especially) are easy to take out and store in a garage.

Q: How do I clean my fifth wheel hitch?

Use a degreaser or brake cleaner to remove old grease and grime. A wire brush helps with stubborn buildup. Rinse with water, let dry completely, then apply fresh grease. For rust spots, sand lightly and apply a rust-inhibiting primer before regreasing. Clean your hitch at least twice a year.

Written by a towing industry expert Updated September 2026

The short answer: A hitch that's not maintained is a hitch waiting to fail. Here's what to check and how often.

The Basics

Fifth wheel hitches are built tough, but they still need attention. Regular maintenance prevents noise, wear, and that awful moment when something doesn't work right at the campground.

How Often Should I Grease My Fifth Wheel Hitch?

The most important maintenance

Hitch Plate / Skid Plate

This is where your trailer's pin box slides and pivots. It needs to be slick.

What to use:

• Fifth wheel grease (best)
• Lithium grease
• Or a plastic lube plate instead of grease (not both)

How often:

Before every trip, and every 1,000 miles on a long haul (CURT's schedule).

Jaw / Locking Mechanism

The jaws need to move freely to lock and release.

What to use:

• Light machine oil
• Spray lubricant (Demco and PullRite both name WD-40 for the lock mechanism)
• Grease on pivot points

How often:

Before every trip (CURT, Reese and PullRite all say so), and whenever the mechanism feels stiff.

Slider Rails (If Applicable)

Sliders need to slide smoothly, but slider lube varies by brand more than anything else on the hitch, so go by your manual.

What to use:

• Grease or Teflon lube, only if your manual calls for it (Reese, Demco)
• Light oil only (WD-40 or 3-in-1) on a current PullRite SuperGlide; none at all on a B&W Companion Slider

How often:

Test that it slides freely before every trip. Re-lube on your manual's schedule (Reese and Demco say monthly; PullRite says light oil each day of use).