The most important benefit of using Teflon disk in a fifth-wheel trailer hitch is the prevention of friction. Trailer sway is a common problem experienced by many in trailer towing, and when the trailer sways back and forth on the fifth-wheel hitch, it creates unwanted friction. While the Teflon disk does not prevent sway generation, it prevents friction buildup and thereby protects the hitch and the trailer hitch-mounting surface from damage.
Lubricate the fifth-wheel trailer plate with a light lubricant regularly. A light lubricant on the hitch pins enables you to install and install them easily but causes the above-mentioned greasiness. Keep the trailer plate clean and dirt free. Oil or lubricant buildup makes it extremely difficult to keep the plate clean, and it actually attracts road grime and dirt. A Teflon disk prevents friction easily without the need for messy grease on the fifth-wheel plate, leaving it much cleaner.
Using grease on the top plate of a fifth-wheel creates the potential for considerable maintenance trouble. Water from the road sprayed up by the wheels can wash out the grease, leaving the hitch susceptible to damage. Improper, dirty, or missing lubricant also makes it difficult to hook and unhook the hitch. When old oil buildup and dirt accumulate on the plate, the hitch's overall performance becomes compromised. The Teflon disk eliminates the use of grease completely and thereby helps the fifth-wheel hitch perform well.
Using a Teflon disk on the fifth-wheel trailer hitch can lead to long-lasting performance due to the disk's durability. Some people use low-grade lube on their fifth-wheel plate along with a plastic pad. However, this modification still requires grease, which can lead to the problems listed above. Teflon disks are slick, eliminating the trouble of safeguarding the plate from dirt accumulation, which can lead to hitch damage, corrosion and rust.
