Why Is a 10" Lube Plate Recommended for a B&W Companion Instead of 12"

Question:

I have a B and W companion hitch in my truck. I see that you recommend a 10 inch disc in answer to others questions. I am curious why you don’t recommend a 12 inch since the bearing surface is almost 13 inches across? My pin box on my new RV will be a road armor shock absorbing pin box. Thanks

asked by: Glenn H

Expert Reply:

The recommendation for the 10" diameter lube plate on a B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer has come from the manufacturer of the fifth wheel hitch, B&W. The Lube Plate for Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches part # RP83002 will work just fine and it's what I recommend using. The diameter of the lube plate has more to do with the skid plate surface area on the pin box rather than the skid plate surface area on the fifth wheel hitch.

I don't think there would be an issue using a 12" lube plate like part # RP83001 but there wouldn't really be any benefit over the 10" plate.

expert reply by: Conner L