PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate Review

Was the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate Worth It?

As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with equipment across dusty workshops, sterile labs, and rugged fields, I’ve learned to appreciate components that just work. The PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate promised a straightforward solution for a common RV towing headache: king pin box compatibility. My specific issue stemmed from a recently acquired fifth-wheel trailer with a remarkably short king pin box, which left standard trailer hitches with very little margin for error. This necessitated a more robust and adaptable mounting system.

After receiving the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate, my initial impression was one of sturdy practicality. The kit felt substantial in hand, with no obvious cheap-feeling plastic or flimsy metal. It’s designed to be a foundational component for a specific towing setup, and the initial feel suggests it’s built for that purpose. I had briefly considered universal adapter plates that required significant custom fabrication, but the promise of a more integrated solution from PullRite was compelling. Ultimately, seeing the comprehensive hardware included offered a sense of immediate relief, hinting at a well-thought-out product.

Real-World Testing: Putting PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate to the Test

My testing grounds for this particular piece of equipment were, naturally, my driveway and the open road. The primary scenario involved the installation process on my trailer’s king pin box and then a series of towing tests across varied terrain. I specifically chose routes that included gradual inclines, sharp turns, and some moderately uneven pavement to simulate real-world stress.

First Use Experience

The installation took place in my garage, under the typical conditions of fluorescent lighting and the faint scent of motor oil. The critical test was how easily the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate integrated with my trailer’s existing king pin box, especially given its short dimension. Thankfully, the inclusion of the Fore and Aft Plate Extensions and Knee Braces proved invaluable. These components allowed for a secure and robust connection despite the king pin box’s limited length, which was a significant hurdle I’d anticipated.

The process of attaching the various plates and braces required careful alignment, but the provided hardware was well-matched to the task. No specialized tools beyond standard socket wrenches and a drill for pilot holes were needed. There were no immediate surprises or quirks; the fit and finish of the components were consistent, and the instructions, while needing careful study, were clear enough for a competent DIYer to follow.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months and hundreds of miles of towing, the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate has held up admirably. My daily tasks involve hitching and unhitching for weekend trips, and the system has consistently performed without any signs of degradation. I’ve encountered everything from sudden downpours to dusty gravel roads, and the materials have shown no adverse effects.

Durability has been excellent; there are no cracks, no stiffness in the articulation points (where applicable for the Superglide mechanism itself, though this review focuses on the capture plate), and absolutely no signs of performance drop. Maintenance has been minimal. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after exposure to significant dust or mud is usually sufficient, and a light application of grease on the hitch mechanism’s moving parts is recommended by the manufacturer and has been easy to perform. Compared to some generic hitches or older, less adaptable systems I’ve used, this particular capture plate feels significantly more robust and built for longevity.

Breaking Down the Features of PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate

Specifications

The PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is a comprehensive kit designed to provide a universal fit for various trailer king pin boxes, especially those with limited fore-to-aft dimensions. The kit INCLUDES: Universal Capture Plate, Fore and Aft Plate Extensions, Knee Braces, and Hardware. The Universal Capture Plate itself is constructed from heavy-gauge steel, ensuring it can withstand the considerable forces experienced during towing. The Fore and Aft Plate Extensions and Knee Braces are similarly robust, providing critical structural support where the standard king pin box might be too short to adequately anchor a traditional fifth-wheel hitch head.

These specifications are crucial because they directly address the core problem of king pin box length. Without the extension plates and knee braces, a short king pin box could lead to inadequate support for the hitch head, potentially compromising towing stability and safety. The universal nature means it can adapt to many trailer brands, reducing the need for trailer-specific modifications. This adaptability is key for owners who might switch trailers or purchase used units with varying king pin box designs.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is to serve as a secure and adaptable mounting platform for a compatible fifth-wheel hitch. Its performance in this regard is exceptional. The true strength lies in its ability to facilitate proper hitch engagement and disengagement even when king pin box dimensions are challenging. The fore and aft extensions provide the necessary reach, while the knee braces add crucial stability, preventing any undue stress on the trailer frame or the hitch mechanism.

What works exceptionally well is the engineered solution for short king pin boxes – it genuinely solves a problem that could otherwise require costly trailer modifications or limit hitch choices. Its main weakness, if one can call it that, is that it’s a component within a larger towing system; its performance is intrinsically linked to the hitch it’s paired with. However, as a component designed for enhanced compatibility, it performs its function reliably, meeting and exceeding expectations for a part designed to overcome specific fitment challenges.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of this capture plate system is purely functional, prioritizing strength and stability above all else. The materials used are thick-gauge steel, which conveys a sense of industrial-grade sturdiness. The finish is a utilitarian, tough coating, designed to resist corrosion in outdoor environments, though it’s not the most aesthetically refined. The overall feel is one of a heavy-duty piece of equipment.

Ergonomically, the design is straightforward. Once installed, it becomes part of the trailer’s structure, and its direct usability is limited to the hitching and unhitching process. The Knee Braces and Extension Plates are designed to be unobtrusive once bolted into place, minimizing any impact on trailer clearances or aesthetics. There’s no real “learning curve” to the capture plate itself, as its function is to provide a stable mounting point; the ergonomics are tied to the hitch head that interfaces with it.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from heavy-gauge steel and robust hardware, the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is built for the long haul. I anticipate it will last the lifetime of my current trailer, and likely many more if transferred to another. Its design, essentially thick metal plates and sturdy bracing, leaves little room for catastrophic failure under normal towing loads.

Maintenance is commendably simple. Occasional checks of the mounting hardware are recommended to ensure bolts remain tight after repeated road vibrations. Cleaning involves little more than a wipe-down to remove dirt or road grime, and periodic checks for any signs of corrosion are prudent, especially in coastal or heavily salted road environments. While there are no user-replaceable parts on the capture plate itself, its robust construction means failure points are unlikely to occur through wear and tear, but rather through improper installation or extreme overloading.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary “accessory” included with the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is the comprehensive kit itself: the Universal Capture Plate, Fore and Aft Plate Extensions, Knee Braces, and all necessary Hardware. This is not a system designed for extensive cosmetic customization. Its strength lies in its functional adaptability.

Compatibility with other brands is inherent in its “universal” design, meaning it’s intended to work with PullRite’s Superglide hitch head and, by extension, to provide a mount for that hitch. There are no specific “aftermarket” parts commonly associated with this type of component, as its role is to provide a standardized interface for a specific hitch model. The hardware provided is generally standard grade, meaning replacements could be sourced if lost, but the specific lengths and types are often optimized for the kit’s intended fit.

Pros and Cons of PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate

Who Should Buy PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate?

This PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is an absolute must-have for any fifth-wheel trailer owner experiencing issues with a short king pin box, particularly when using a PullRite Superglide hitch. It’s ideal for individuals who are comfortable with moderate DIY trailer modifications or who want to ensure a proper, secure fit for their hitch without resorting to custom fabrication. This product is perfect for those who prioritize safety and functionality over aesthetics.

Anyone looking for a quick, universal adapter for a different brand of fifth-wheel hitch should probably look elsewhere. Similarly, if your trailer’s king pin box has ample fore-to-aft dimension, this specific kit might be overkill and a standard mounting system would suffice. For those who do purchase it, ensuring you have the correct tools and a solid understanding of trailer frame mechanics is advisable. If welding is required for the extensions, professional installation is highly recommended for safety and structural integrity.

Conclusion on PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate

The PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is a highly effective and robust solution to a common problem for fifth-wheel trailer owners. Its thoughtful design, incorporating extension plates and knee braces, ensures a secure and stable mounting point even on trailers with unusually short king pin boxes. The build quality is excellent, promising long-term durability and reliable performance.

At its price point of $232.99, the value proposition is strong, especially when considering the potential costs of custom fabrication or the compromise of using an ill-fitting hitch. This capture plate kit provides a purpose-built, reliable answer that enhances towing safety and compatibility. I wholeheartedly recommend this PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate to any owner facing king pin box length limitations who is using or planning to use a compatible PullRite Superglide hitch. It’s a component that delivers on its promise, simplifying a complex fitment issue with solid engineering.