Lucky Mr H
Creston, IA
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Joined: 07/29/2008
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OK....so I finally got a teflon plate so I don't have to lube up the 5er hitch. It's fantastic, and I like it a lot.
However, I've been looking and none of the big rigs use the teflon plate. Do they know something I don't. Why wouldn't the big guys use a teflon plate too?
I realize there is a HUGE difference in the weights they are hauling compared to my little 5er, but wouldn't a plate alievate them greasing there hitch plate, too?
I've just been looking for a little while, but I still do not see a big rig using a plate.
Do they know something I don't? Should I go back to the grease?
I know there is somebody on here who can explain it to me. So, I thank you in advance!
Steve
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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Joined: 09/25/2007
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JMHO, it is because of the pin weight. They are a lot heavier than 1500-2000 lbs, would probably flatten out a Teflon plate.
Papa Bob
1* DW "Granny"
1* 2008 Brookside by Sunnybrook 32'
1* 2002 F250 Super Duty 7.3L PSD
Husky 16K hitch, Tekonsha P3,
Firestone Ride Rite Air Springs, Trailair Equa-Flex, Champion C46540
"A bad day camping is better than a good day at work!"
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Zomar
TEXAS
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Joined: 12/09/2008
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Convenience. Truckers don't EVER remove their hitch or carry anything near the hitch that shouldn't get grease on it. And because of the wieght factor the T-plate just would last very long. IMO
Me, DW, & Pogo the bouncing Rat Terrier
'99 F250 7.3 Super Duty ext. cab Firestone air bags, Bilstien shocks
2003 Artic Fox 24-5 5th wheel
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BB_TX
McKinney, Texas
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Joined: 04/04/2005
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Truckers frequently change trailers. Not going to move their plate every time they change. And not going to buy a new one for someone else's trailer.
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Lucky Mr H
Creston, IA
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Joined: 07/29/2008
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I guess I didn't put my question well enough. Is it okay to use a teflon plate with my trailer and not have to worry about the hitch?
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Big Bruce
Anthony Fl.
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Joined: 01/03/2004
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Yes, use it and enjoy !
Big Bruce
2006 Dodge, Dually, CTD, Quad Cab, 4 X 4, Automatic/ 2006 31' Cougar F/W
Hauling (1) 2009 Harley Heritage Classic and (1) 2009 Softail Deluxe.
Or Gone Fishing - 17' Carolina Skiff with Yamaha 75Hp 4 Stroke.
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Likes to tow
Huntington WV
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Joined: 01/13/2006
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Just removed my teflon plate! The dealer put it on the day I picked up my 5th wheel. I did not use one on the old 5th wheel and thought well if he wants to put it on why not. The price is right, free always seems to work for me.
Since then I noticed that I seem to have trouble hitching up. If the hitch is not perfectly level or aligned to the king pin plate, the teflon plate does not align it for me as I back under it. The protruding part of the teflon is round not square. So as I hit the plate slowly, it does not push and align the rotating head of the hitch. I took it off last week and the first time I hitched up I noticed a major difference in how easily the hitch came into alignment with the king pin plate. The square front of the king pin plate pushed the hitch right to the alignment it needed and it jumped right into the jaws!!! No more teflon for me, grease keeps it from rusting when it sits for a while also.
Since the hitch has a four way pivot, it needs the square hitch pin plate to push it to the correct position!!
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sailor53
Anywhere, USA
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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Likes to tow wrote:Just removed my teflon plate! The dealer put it on the day I picked up my 5th wheel. I did not use one on the old 5th wheel and thought well if he wants to put it on why not. The price is right, free always seems to work for me.
Since then I noticed that I seem to have trouble hitching up. If the hitch is not perfectly level or aligned to the king pin plate, the teflon plate does not align it for me as I back under it. The protruding part of the teflon is round not square. So as I hit the plate slowly, it does not push and align the rotating head of the hitch. I took it off last week and the first time I hitched up I noticed a major difference in how easily the hitch came into alignment with the king pin plate. The square front of the king pin plate pushed the hitch right to the alignment it needed and it jumped right into the jaws!!! No more teflon for me, grease keeps it from rusting when it sits for a while also.
Since the hitch has a four way pivot, it needs the square hitch pin plate to push it to the correct position!!
I have a 4-way pivot hitch and the teflon plate has NEVER been an issue. I guess I'm missing something here.
DW Barbara for 12 yrs
08 Ford F350 Lariat, PSD 6.4L, Ext Cab, 4X4, Line-X, DrawTite Signature 18K hitch, RDS 40 gal. Tank/Tool Box Combo, Garmin 7200 GPS
09 Montana 3000RK, 10th Anniversary Add.,Mor/Ryde suspension/pinbox, Spendide 2100XC W/D 
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Dennis M M
Geneva, IL
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Joined: 11/06/2004
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Some teflon plates are thicker than others, some hitches are more sensitive to the thickness. If it is an issue try cutting it down with a belt sander.
'99 Volvo VNL610 - 425 HP Volvo; Super 10 Spd
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smsage999
Humble, Texas
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Joined: 05/29/2009
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I absolutely love my teflon plate and will not go back to grease for anything, and I have never noticed any king pin alaignment issues. The only think i have noticed is that if i do not have my fiver high enough, my hitch plat will gouge the teflon a bit.
Steve , Michele, and Austin
07 Dodge 2500 Mega Cab 4X4 6.7 Cummins(6spd manual)
09 Cougar 320SRX
Mikey- Golden Retriever
Chuey- Dachsund
Raisin- Mini-Dachsund
Max- Cockerpoo
It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!
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