Holland Hitch of Canada
Holland Hitch of Canada announced new lube plate and coating designs for its 3500 series fifth wheels that eliminates the need for lubrication of the top plate, locks, or brackets.

The design, called “NoLube,” replaces the company’s “LowLube” urethane top plate inserts with a new, stronger polyethylene insert material that forms a better bond with the structural steel plate, can handle more compressive weights, and performs more consistently across a wide range of temperatures than other materials, explains NoLube project manager Dave Pernesky. A strong, consistent bond between the lube plate and the internal structural plate is critical to resisting the “buckling, folding, and tearing that is common to other approaches to creating a lube-free surface,” he added.

Furthermore, Holland introduced a new manufacturing process for its lock jaw material that incorporates new alloys and binding materials. The company’s proprietary Laser Induced Surface Improvement (LISI) coating requires no lubrication and is highly resistant to wear and chipping. Dry film compounds provide a lube-free coating on the yoke, yoke shaft, cam plate, lock pins, and other mechanical components that typically require greasing.

Holland said the NoLube option will be available for its 3500 series fifth wheels starting in September. It is available for on-highway applications only, and carries a six-year/600,000-mile warranty against defects workmanship. In addition, the lube plate inserts are warranted for two years/200,000 miles.