The PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116: Final Thoughts from Me
My journey with towing, especially fifth-wheel setups, has been a long and often educational one. Over a decade of hauling trailers across various terrains and for different purposes has taught me to appreciate the subtle yet critical components that make the connection between truck and trailer not just functional, but reliable. It was a specific scenario, involving a particularly tight maneuver on a busy campground road, that highlighted a recurring frustration: the sheer effort and awkwardness of hitching and unhitching a fifth wheel, especially when precise alignment is paramount. This need for a smoother, more streamlined process brought me to the PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116. On first impression, its design is straightforward, focusing on simplifying a complex mechanical interface. The materials feel robust, hinting at durability without being overly heavy. While I briefly considered other quick-connect systems, many seemed to be proprietary or required extensive modifications, making this Lippert 1116-compatible plate an appealing option for its apparent ease of integration with existing popular king pin boxes. My initial reaction was one of quiet optimism; this piece of equipment promised to alleviate a tangible pain point in my towing routine.
Real-World Testing: Putting PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116 to the Test
First Use Experience
I first put this Quick Connect Capture Plate to the test in my own driveway, which has a moderately sloped surface, a common challenge when trying to align a fifth-wheel trailer. The installation was notably less involved than I had anticipated. The plate simply slips over the king pin, and the set screws are easy enough to manage. Once I backed the truck up to the trailer, the hitch mechanism engaged with a satisfying thud, significantly quicker than my usual process. I performed a series of slow-speed turns in a large, empty parking lot, simulating tight campground or gas station maneuvers. The trailer tracked smoothly behind the truck, and the SuperGlide hitch system seemed to operate with its characteristic fluidity, likely a testament to how well the capture plate guides the king pin.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple trips, including a longer haul with varied road conditions, this capture plate has proven its mettle. It has held up consistently without any signs of loosening or degradation. I’ve encountered dusty construction zones and a light drizzle, and the plate has remained functional without any noticeable performance drop. Cleaning is as simple as a quick wipe-down, and storage is non-existent as it’s permanently affixed to the king pin box. Compared to the standard plates I’ve used in the past, this model feels more secure and less prone to the minor play that can sometimes develop over time. There’s a definite sense of increased confidence in the connection between my truck and trailer.
Breaking Down the Features of PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116
Specifications
The PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116 is designed to be compatible with most popular Lippert 1116 series king pin boxes, which is a crucial specification for ensuring a proper fit. Its core function is to simplify the connection process with PullRite’s SuperGlide hitches. The key feature here is the Quick Connect design, which allows the plate to simply slip up over the king pin. Once positioned, set screws are used to hold it loosely in place, a clever mechanism that allows for easy initial placement but secures it when the trailer is attached. This design directly translates to a significantly reduced installation time compared to older or more complex systems. The material appears to be a durable, coated steel, built to withstand the rigors of towing.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this capture plate is to facilitate a quick and easy connection to a SuperGlide hitch, and it excels at this. The guidance system it provides for the king pin into the hitch jaws is remarkably efficient. During turns, the way it interacts with the SuperGlide’s automatic fore-and-aft movement ensures a smooth and controlled experience, minimizing instances of binding or trailer “push” that can occur with less optimized systems. Its strength lies in its simplicity; there are fewer moving parts to fail. A potential area for improvement, though not a fault of the plate itself, is ensuring the correct king pin box model is identified before purchase, as compatibility is key to its function.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this Quick Connect Capture Plate is a clear win for practicality. Its straightforward, slip-on nature, combined with the easily accessible set screws, makes it very user-friendly. There’s no complex assembly or specialized tools required beyond what’s typically found in a basic toolkit. The finish seems to be a tough powder coating or similar, designed to resist corrosion and abrasion from road debris. It feels solid and purpose-built, without any unnecessary aesthetic flourishes. The ergonomics are essentially about how easily it mounts and then how it facilitates the hitching process, which is where it truly shines.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its role as a connection point for a heavy fifth-wheel trailer, durability is paramount, and this PullRite component appears up to the task. The robust construction and apparent quality of the metal suggest it will last for many seasons of towing. Maintenance is minimal; a periodic check of the set screws for tightness is advisable, especially after initial installation, but beyond that, it requires little attention. Cleaning is straightforward, usually just needing a wipe to remove dust or road grime. There are no obvious weak points that would suggest premature failure, making it a reliable addition to the towing setup.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular product, the PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116, is essentially an adapter plate designed to work with specific fifth-wheel hitch systems and king pin boxes. Therefore, it doesn’t come with additional accessories in the traditional sense. The primary “customization” is its compatibility with popular king pin box models, ensuring it integrates seamlessly with existing trailer setups. It’s designed to work directly with the PullRite SuperGlide series of hitches. No external accessories are typically needed to operate it; its function is singular and self-contained.
Pros and Cons of PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116
Pros
- Simplified Installation: The quick connect design drastically reduces the time and effort required for initial setup.
- Enhanced Hitching Efficiency: It significantly streamlines the process of backing up to and connecting with the fifth-wheel hitch.
- Robust Construction: Made from durable materials, it is built to withstand the demands of regular towing.
- Improved Trailer Tracking: Facilitates smoother trailer movement, especially during turns, working in concert with SuperGlide hitches.
- Wide Compatibility: Designed to work with most popular Lippert 1116 king pin boxes.
Cons
- King Pin Box Specificity: Requires accurate identification of the trailer’s king pin box model for proper fit.
- Not a Universal Solution: Primarily designed for PullRite SuperGlide hitches, limiting its use with other hitch types.
Who Should Buy PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116?
This capture plate is an excellent choice for any owner of a PullRite SuperGlide fifth-wheel hitch who also has a compatible Lippert 1116 series king pin box on their trailer. It is ideal for RV owners who frequently hitch and unhitch their trailers, particularly those who face challenging maneuvering situations like tight campgrounds or busy service stations. It would also appeal to individuals seeking to simplify their towing setup and reduce the physical effort involved in connecting their trailer. Those who value efficiency and a more streamlined towing experience will find this component to be a worthwhile upgrade.
If you are not using a PullRite SuperGlide hitch, or if your trailer features a different style of king pin box, this specific model would not be suitable. Additionally, individuals who have a permanently installed hitch that requires no adjustment or modification might not see the same immediate benefit. For those seeking a universally compatible solution across all hitch types, alternative approaches would be necessary.
Conclusion on PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116
The PullRite 331705 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Quickconnect Capture Plate Lippert 1116 delivers exactly what it promises: a more efficient and user-friendly way to connect a fifth-wheel trailer to a SuperGlide hitch. Its thoughtfully engineered design directly addresses the common pain points of hitching, making the process faster and less cumbersome. The build quality suggests long-term durability, and its performance in real-world testing has been consistently positive. For its intended audience—owners of SuperGlide hitches with compatible Lippert king pin boxes—this capture plate offers a significant improvement in ease of use and functionality. Considering the time and potential frustration it saves, the $159.99 price point represents solid value for the convenience it provides. I would confidently recommend this component to anyone looking to optimize their fifth-wheel towing experience.