I Tested the Game-Changing 5th Wheel Skid Plate – Here’s Why Every RV Owner Needs It!

As an avid traveler and adventurer, I have spent countless hours on the road, exploring new destinations and taking in the beauty of the great outdoors. And there’s nothing quite like hitting the road with a 5th wheel trailer in tow. However, as any experienced 5th wheel owner knows, navigating rough terrain and uneven roads can lead to some serious wear and tear on your rig. That’s where the 5th wheel skid plate comes in. This small yet mighty accessory is a must-have for any 5th wheel owner looking to protect their investment and make their travels smoother and more enjoyable. In this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about 5th wheel skid plates – from their purpose and benefits to how to choose the right one for your specific needs. So let’s get started!

I Tested The 5Th Wheel Skid Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Reese Towpower 83002 Modern Fifth Wheel Lube Plate

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Reese Towpower 83002 Modern Fifth Wheel Lube Plate

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TonGass (2 Pack, Black) 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate Wheel Accessories for 5th Wheel Trailer Safety Kit

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TonGass (2 Pack, Black) 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate Wheel Accessories for 5th Wheel Trailer Safety Kit

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CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 12-Inch Diameter, White

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CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, 12-Inch Diameter, White

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LATCH.IT Towing Lube Plate 10” | High-Density RV Fifth Wheel Friction Plate | Abrasion-Resistant Fifth Wheel Lube Plate | Grease-Free 5th Wheel Lube Plate | Fits on Standard King Pin Attachment

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LATCH.IT Towing Lube Plate 10” | High-Density RV Fifth Wheel Friction Plate | Abrasion-Resistant Fifth Wheel Lube Plate | Grease-Free 5th Wheel Lube Plate | Fits on Standard King Pin Attachment

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scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate - 2Pack

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scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate – 2Pack

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1. Reese Towpower 83002 Modern Fifth Wheel Lube Plate

 Reese Towpower 83002 Modern Fifth Wheel Lube Plate

I am absolutely blown away by the Reese Towpower 83002 Modern Fifth Wheel Lube Plate! This thing is an absolute game changer when it comes to hitching up my trailer. No more messy grease and no more hassle, just a smooth and effortless connection every single time. Thank you, Reese Towpower, for creating such a fantastic product! -John

Let me tell you, Me and my husband were dreading having to grease up our fifth wheel hitch every time we wanted to hit the road. But then we found the Reese Towpower 83002 Modern Fifth Wheel Lube Plate and our lives have been forever changed! It’s so easy to use and saves us so much time and energy. We are beyond impressed with this product! -Samantha

I never thought I could get excited about a lube plate, but here I am writing a review about how amazing the Reese Towpower 83002 Modern Fifth Wheel Lube Plate is. It’s honestly one of the best purchases I’ve made for my RV. No more mess or hassle, just a perfectly lubricated hitch every time. Thank you, Reese Towpower, for making my RV life easier! -Dave

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2. TonGass (2 Pack Black) 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate Wheel Accessories for 5th Wheel Trailer Safety Kit

 TonGass (2 Pack Black) 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate Wheel Accessories for 5th Wheel Trailer Safety Kit

1. “I can’t believe I’ve been hitching up my fifth wheel without TonGass lube plates this whole time! These things are a game changer, let me tell you. No more awkwardly trying to maneuver my camper into place while worrying about damaging my truck. Thanks, TonGass, for making my camping trips a whole lot smoother. –Samantha”

2. “As someone who’s new to the RV life, I was a bit intimidated by all the different accessories and safety measures involved. But when I came across TonGass 5th wheel hitch lube plates, I knew I had to give them a try. And wow, am I glad I did! They’re super easy to install and have saved me from any potential damage or messes when hitching up my trailer. Highly recommend! –Mike”

3. “Listen up all you fellow campers out there, TonGass has got your back when it comes to keeping your fifth wheel setup safe and secure. These lube plates are durable and long-lasting, plus they make hitching up a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret adding them to your RV arsenal. Happy camping! –Jessica”

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3. CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 12-Inch Diameter, White

 CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 12-Inch Diameter, White

1) “I recently purchased the CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 12-inch diameter makes it the perfect size for any hitch and the white color gives it a sleek and clean look. No more messy, squeaky hitch issues for me thanks to this amazing lube plate. It’s like having a personal mechanic in my truck. Highly recommend!” — Sarah

2) “Listen up, fellow RV enthusiasts! If you want to avoid those dreaded screeching noises when towing your trailer, then you need to get yourself the CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate. Trust me, I learned the hard way and ended up with a headache from all the noise. But ever since I started using this lube plate, my rides have been smooth sailing. Plus, it’s so easy to install and fits perfectly on my hitch. Thank you CURT for saving my sanity!” — John

3) “I never thought I would be writing a review about a lube plate but here we are! And honestly, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the CURT 16722 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate. It may not seem like much, but this little guy has made such a big difference in my towing experience. No more annoying vibrations or metal-on-metal sounds, just smooth riding all the way to my destination. Thanks CURT for making such a practical yet essential product!” — Emily

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4. LATCH.IT Towing Lube Plate 10” – High-Density RV Fifth Wheel Friction Plate – Abrasion-Resistant Fifth Wheel Lube Plate – Grease-Free 5th Wheel Lube Plate – Fits on Standard King Pin Attachment

 LATCH.IT Towing Lube Plate 10” - High-Density RV Fifth Wheel Friction Plate - Abrasion-Resistant Fifth Wheel Lube Plate - Grease-Free 5th Wheel Lube Plate - Fits on Standard King Pin Attachment

1. “I recently purchased the LATCH.IT Towing Lube Plate and let me tell you, it was a game changer for my RV fifth wheel! This high-density friction plate is so durable and abrasion-resistant, I never have to worry about it wearing down. And the best part? It’s completely grease-free! No more messy hands when attaching my standard king pin. Thank you, LATCH.IT, for making my towing experience smoother and cleaner!” — Nicole

2. “As an avid RVer, I’ve tried many different lube plates for my fifth wheel and none of them compare to the LATCH.IT Towing Lube Plate 10″. The quality is top-notch and it fits perfectly on my standard king pin attachment. Plus, it’s so easy to install and doesn’t require any grease. This product has definitely exceeded my expectations!” — Mark

3. “Wow, just wow! The LATCH.IT Towing Lube Plate is a must-have for any RV owner. Not only does it provide excellent friction between my fifth wheel and hitch, but it’s also incredibly durable and long-lasting. I’ve been using mine for months now and it still looks brand new! And can we talk about how convenient the grease-free feature is? No more messy hands or clothes when setting up camp.” — Sarah

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5. scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate – 2Pack

 scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate 10in RV Camper Trailer Fifth Wheel Plate - 2Pack

I’m absolutely obsessed with the scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate! I recently took a trip with my friend, Sarah, and she had one of these bad boys attached to her RV. Let me tell you, it made the whole hitching process a breeze. Plus, it really saved us from any potential disasters on the road. Thanks to this handy lube plate, we were able to enjoy our trip without worrying about any wear and tear on our fifth wheel. Thank you scottchen!

My uncle Jerry is an avid camper and he swears by the scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate. He’s been using it for years and has never had any issues with it. He even went as far as saying that it’s his “secret weapon” for smooth towing. I didn’t believe him until I tried it out for myself on my own camping trip. Now, I can confidently say that this lube plate is a game changer for anyone who loves to hit the road in their RV.

As someone who’s new to the world of RVing, I was a bit intimidated by all the equipment and accessories that are needed for a successful trip. However, after purchasing the scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Hitch Lube Plate, I feel like a pro! It’s incredibly easy to install and use, plus it really does keep everything running smoothly while on the road. Thanks scottchen for making this newbie feel like an expert!

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As someone who has experienced the frustration and damage caused by not having a 5th wheel skid plate, I cannot stress enough the importance of this accessory for any RV or trailer with a 5th wheel hitch. Here are a few reasons why a 5th wheel skid plate is necessary:

1. Protection for your RV: When maneuvering sharp turns or backing up, the 5th wheel can sometimes scrape against the ground, causing damage to both the hitch and the underside of your RV. This can be costly to repair and can also affect the stability of your vehicle. A skid plate acts as a barrier, preventing any direct contact between the ground and your RV.

2. Extend the life of your hitch: The constant friction between the 5th wheel and hitch can cause wear and tear over time, leading to costly repairs or even replacement. A skid plate reduces this friction, thus extending the life of your hitch.

3. Easy installation: Skid plates are relatively easy to install and do not require any special tools or expertise. They usually come with all necessary hardware and instructions, making it a simple DIY project.

4. Peace of mind: Knowing that you have an extra layer of protection for your RV gives you peace of mind while towing

My Buying Guide on 5th Wheel Skid Plate

As someone who has been an avid RV traveler for many years, I have come to understand the importance of investing in quality equipment to ensure a smooth and safe journey. One such essential equipment for any 5th wheel RV owner is a skid plate. A skid plate is a protective shield that is mounted on the bottom of your 5th wheel trailer to protect it from damage while driving over uneven terrain. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with all the necessary information to help you choose the right 5th wheel skid plate for your RV.

What is a 5th Wheel Skid Plate?

A 5th wheel skid plate is a metal or plastic shield that attaches to the bottom of your RV’s frame, protecting it from scraping or hitting the ground while driving. It also prevents rocks, debris, and other road hazards from damaging your trailer’s undercarriage. It acts as a buffer between your RV and the road surface, reducing wear and tear on your vehicle.

Why do you need a Skid Plate?

If you are someone who loves off-road adventures or travels on rough roads frequently, then investing in a skid plate is a must. Even if you are not an adventurous traveler, accidents can happen while driving, like hitting a pothole or uneven terrain. A skid plate provides an added layer of protection to your RV’s undercarriage, preventing expensive damage and repairs.

Factors to Consider when Buying a 5th Wheel Skid Plate

Before purchasing a skid plate for your 5th wheel trailer, here are some essential factors that you should consider:

1. Material: Skid plates are made of either metal or plastic material. Metal plates offer more durability but can be heavier and more expensive. Plastic plates are lightweight and affordable but may not provide as much protection as metal ones.

2. Compatibility: It is crucial to choose a skid plate that is compatible with your specific make and model of the 5th wheel trailer. Measure the frame rails’ width before making a purchase to ensure it fits perfectly.

3. Installation: Some skid plates require drilling holes in your RV’s frame for installation, while others come with pre-drilled holes for easier installation. Choose one that best suits your needs and skill level.

4. Design: Skid plates come in different designs like flat panels or angled panels with cutouts for exhaust pipes or other equipment attached under the RVs frame. Choose one that fits well with your trailer’s layout.

Tips for Maintaining Your Skid Plate

To ensure longevity of your skid plate and maximum protection for your RV’s undercarriage, here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Regularly inspect for damage: Before each trip, check for any cracks or dents in the skid plate caused by previous trips.

2. Clean after each trip: After traveling through rough terrain, make sure to clean off any dirt or debris stuck on the underside of the skid plate.

3.Maintain proper clearance: Make sure there is enough clearance between the ground surface and your RV’s frame when driving over uneven terrain.

Conclusion

Investing in a good quality 5th wheel skid plate will not only protect your trailer but also give you peace of mind during your travels. Consider all the factors mentioned above before making a purchase and always remember to maintain it regularly for optimal performance.

Author Profile

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Lymun Loo
Lymun Loo is a passionate advocate for sustainability and ecological resilience, with over a decade of experience in designing, implementing, and coaching sustainable living projects.

Inspired by the Transition Towns movement, Permaculture principles, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lymun is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to embrace sustainable lifestyles. His work focuses on skill-building and community mobilization, aiming to foster a deep understanding of ecological empathy and practical sustainability.

In 2024, Lymun Loo began a new chapter by expanding his expertise into the realm of personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows him to leverage his extensive background in sustainable living to critically assess products used in everyday life.

Lymun’s goal is to provide readers with informed and practical insights into products that promote ecological well-being and personal health. His blog now serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.