What Demco Autoslide do I Need for My 2014 F-350, and Do I Need a Lube Plate?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Dan,

Thanks for writing in, I'm glad you found us!

Yes, it is recommended to use a lube plate with the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch # DM8550038, even with the auto-sliding feature. The lube plate helps protect the hitch head’s skid plate and your pin box from unnecessary wear, and it also makes coupling and turning smoother overall. The # DM8550038 is going to be a great fit for your 2024 Ford F-350 with OEM Prep Package.

Demco specifically advises using either a lube plate or applying grease to the skid plate surface. Most people prefer a lube plate because it’s cleaner and easier to maintain. If you go that route, you’ll want to stick with one that is no thicker than 3/16 inch so it doesn’t affect how the king pin sits in the hitch. A great option is the Curt Lube Plate # C16722, which is 12 inches in diameter and gives full coverage across the skid plate. That extra coverage helps ensure even protection compared to smaller plates.

Once installed, the lube plate just stays on your king pin and rotates with it, so there’s no extra setup each time you hitch up. If you ever notice squeaking, binding, or uneven movement while turning, that’s usually a sign the plate is worn down or missing, so it’s a quick thing to check.

If you’d rather use grease instead, you can apply a thin, even layer directly to the hitch head surface, but keep in mind it can get messy and needs to be reapplied periodically.

Have you been able to test out the Demco Autoslide? What kind of hitch were you using before?

expert reply by: Kate F

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Demco Autoslide Installed
(click to enlarge)