Hitch maintenance

I am just wondering what everybody does for maintenance on their hitch. Should I grease the pin itself? Also what type of lube or grease do you use. Lately I am noticing creaking upon stopping and starting. I think that is normal, is it? My hitch is a Pullrite super fifth (16k)
Thanks

I am not sure about the Pull Rite, as that is a different animal, but what I do for my Reese 16K is ever so often, (about yearly), I spray the surfaces that I normally would use grease on, (jaws, slider rollers, etc.) with a solvent (WD 40), then clean it good with my pressure washer. Blow everything out good with the air compressor, let it dry, then touch up non-contact surfaces with black paint. Having done that, I use a good white lithium grease (spray can) on all the moving and contact parts, except the plate itself. I then use white lithium grease (tube type) on the pin. I actually put this on the pin throughout the year, as needed. Then I examine the teflon disc and replace if necessary. I am five years into my current hitch with no problems so far. I also paint the bottom ring on my pin with flourescent orange, and the external edges of the jaws with white paint, helps in a visual on checking for the jaws being locked properly. Works for me!!!!!!

EZ, I like the idea of painting the pin with flourescent/blaze orange. I'll have to give that one a try!

TC

ezrider6298 wrote: I also paint the bottom ring on my pin with flourescent orange, and the external edges of the jaws with white paint, helps in a visual on checking for the jaws being locked properly. Works for me!!!!!!

Me to. I always check with a flashlight to make sure the jaws are closed around the pin; the paint helps to see it.

ezrider6298,
Thanks for the info. My biggest concern was, should I grease the pin? I think doing that should quiet down the creaking that I am hearing. Man I have so much to learn about these things, but it is a lot of fun
thanks again
Jim

kwf904 wrote:ezrider6298,
Thanks for the info. My biggest concern was, should I grease the pin? I think doing that should quiet down the creaking that I am hearing. Man I have so much to learn about these things, but it is a lot of fun
thanks again
Jim

I have heard of some who do not grease their pin, but what I call "sheer walking around sense" tells me that without grease, the wear of the metal surfaces would be increased. I don't think I have ever seen an OTR driver that did not grease their trailer pin. But then, I have never seen a teflon disc for an OTR tractor either! I do not use any grease on my plate, but usually before leaving on a trip I spray the teflon disc and plate with a teflon/silicone spray.

The super glide hitch is much different animal then regular hitches the pin does not rotate inside the fifth wheel capture area the entire plate assembly moves backward or forward when turning. Pullrite recomends a light coating of WD-40 or other simular lubricant on the king pin. If your pull rite is a newer unit the way tubes should have slip plate applied about every 1000 miles. ( I check mine every trip, if I see bare metal on the way tube I recoat it, have not had any problems) Also you should check the turntable cam arm if it is loose and the turn table is moving when you stop it could be squeaking. You can find the latest info on pullrites web site

Hi Rich117,
I don't have a super glide. I have the super fifth which is for long beds. I did look on the web site for maintenance recommendations but did not find anything.
Jim

My Bad, try this link http://www.pullrite.com/pdfs/Super%205th%20Owners%20Manual%20%205-3-07.pdf page 6 has the maintenance items you are looking for. Hope this helps.

Rich5117,
Thanks a lot for that link. Between that and the info above I think I have what I need.
Jim