Are Lube Plates Required with the Use of a Sidewinder

Question:

Hello, can the existing lube plate be transferred over to the RP34FR king pin instead of using lube grease to allow hitching to Reese 18K slider hitch on truck? 2006 Chevy HD diesel with Allison transmission, crew cab with 6-1/2 foot bed with Reese 18K manual sliding hitch. Thanks,

asked by: Thomas W

Helpful Expert Reply:

A lube plate such as the Reese # RP83004 isn't necessary for a Reese Sidewinder because it won't be turning. Our representative at Reese stated you will only need to grease the king pin and wedge and you will be good to go.

Since they are not necessary, lube plates were not designed to work with Sidewinders.

With the Sidewinder part # RP34FR you wouldn't have to try and transfer over your lube plate at all from your slider hitch.

You should note that you can use a slider hitch with a Sidewinder, but you will have to leave the hitch in the forward most position at all times.

expert reply by: Jameson C