Slip Plate is no longer recommended for Pullrite Superglide hitches manufactured November 2009 or newer. From the manual:
http://www.pullrite.com/pdfs/4100_4400_SG_OM.pdf
The SuperGlide hitch was designed to allow the Turntable cam arm assembly to “glide” along two metal tubes, called the Way Tubes. Since it’s release in 1998, we have made several advancements in the design, strength, and durability of these components. This section on lubrication spans several releases and design changes. It is imperative that you read each section and determine which SuperGlide hitch you purchased, and how to care for it. There have been three major lubrication changes to the SuperGlide hitch:
1. Prior to april 2008, Way Tubes were assembled with either a conventional, quality grade grease or none at all
2. In april 2008, we started coating the Way Tubes with a graphite-based spray lubricant called SlipPlate™
3. november 2009 brings a new innovation from PullRite Towing Systems with the use of plastics. The Turntable cam arm assembly is now equipped with Plastic Wear Plates (see Parts List Illustration beginning on Page 15)
Depending on when your hitch was manufactured, the Way Tubes of your new SuperGlide hitch will meet one of the above criteria. Each application listed requires some level of maintenance, so it is important that you read the following instructions carefully, choosing which application you have, and adhering to the lubrication instructions as follows: It is good practice, to check the lubrication on your Way Tubes during stops, checking for any areas that may need additional lubrication. Failure to properly lubricate the Way Tubes, as directed in this section, will eventually cause galling between the metals of the Way Tubes and Cam Arm Assembly, which will result in hitch failure. Destruction of various hitch parts is also likely, as well as truck and/or trailer damage, and will not be covered under the Manufacturer’s Warranty.
Conventional Grease (prior to April 2008)
If your hitch was manufactured prior to December 2006, and grease is present, you must clean off all factory grease from the Way Tubes (WD-40 works well as a cleaning agent) and reapply a liberal coat of either a medium duty grease or SlipPlate™ graphite lubricant spray. It is essential that you use a medium duty grease on the top and inward facing sides of the Way Tubes (WD-40 or silicone spray is NOT sufficient) before towing. When applying SlipPlate™ to Way Tubes that have been previously greased with another lubricant, it is imperative that all grease residue has been removed, otherwise, the SlipPlate™ will not adhere to the metal. Hitches manufactured after December 2006, were not shipped with factory grease on the Way Tubes. You can elect to use either a conventional, quality grade grease or SlipPlate™.
SlipPlate™ (april 2008 - October 2009)
Hitches shipped after april 2008, have already been coated with Slip Plate™ and will appear dark gray in color. This initial coating will give you enough lubrication for a short trip, plan on inspecting the Way Tubes after a short time so you can become visually familiar with the characteristics of how the Slip Plate™ is wearing. During trailering, there will be areas on the Way Tubes that show more wear from the Turntable/cam arm sliding over the top and inside faces of the Way Tubes. Reapply a light coat of Slip Plate on those worn areas each time you trailer.
Every few hundred miles, you should apply a coating of Slip Plate™ over the full length of the Way Tubes, both on the top and inward facing sides. The frequency of coating depends on personal trailering habits, trailer weight and road conditions such as the number of curves and turns experienced during a period of trailering.
Plastic Wear Plates (December 2009 - current)
The Plastic Wear Plates of the SuperGlide’s Turntable cam arm assembly were designed to glide along the surfaces without the need for lubrication. However, to protect against rust and to enhance the ease of turning on the Way Tubes, a light oil (WD-40 or a 3-in-1 oil) must be applied to the Way Tubes’ top and inward facing sides. You will find with use, that the Plastic Wear Plate will wear the shiny zinc coating off the Way Tubes in areas, creating “bare” areas of the metal, as well as light scoring marks in areas of repeated use. This is normal, but should be protected with a coating of a light oil. If your hitch is unused for more than a day or it is in storage, rust can form quickly in these areas. If rust does form, simply use steel wool or lightly sand those areas. Never let your tubes become pitted with rust, as it may cause the plastic to tear away or catch on rough areas. The Plastic Wear Plate has a long life expectancy, but depending on how often, and what terrains you are traveling, the plastic will eventually, wear down in time. If the 1/4” plastic plate wears down to 3/16”, it should be replaced. Warning: Do not use any lubrication other than a light oil on the Way Tubes of your SuperGlide hitch. Using other lubricants, such as those with a silicone base, will create a residue and may hinder the functionality of the Turntable cam arm assembly. buildup of old oil and dirt can also create a residue over time and needs to be kept clean.
Note: a retro-kit is available for users without Plastic Wear Plates. (16K – Part# 4107 / 18K – Part# 4411)
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