If you want a rugged, American-made pulling tool built for heavy lifting and durability, choose Bulldog Metalworks 5th; if you need a clean, grease-free towing solution that protects your kingpin and keeps your truck bed spotless, choose scottchen PRO 5th. These two products solve entirely different problems for the same type of vehicle owner, which is why comparing them requires looking past simple specs and focusing on what each actually does in the real world. One is a mechanical aid for moving heavy trailers, while the other is a protective interface for the hitch itself. Understanding this distinction is the only way to make the right call, especially for teen drivers who are just learning the ropes of towing and need equipment that matches their specific skill level and safety priorities.
• Bulldog Metalworks 5th: Strengths lie in its massive 24-inch length and signature J-hook design for superior leverage; the trade-off is that it is a single-purpose manual tool with no lubrication features. This pick is for anyone needing to physically pull or maneuver a heavy 5th wheel trailer into tight spots.
• scottchen PRO 5th: Strengths include its ability to eliminate messy grease entirely and its easy, tool-free installation on standard kingpins; the trade-off is that it is a consumable accessory requiring periodic replacement rather than a permanent mechanical device. This pick is for weekend campers and full-time RVers who value cleanliness and want to prevent metal-on-metal wear.
The Bulldog Metalworks 5th Wheel Hitch Puller is a piece of hardware designed for raw mechanical advantage. At 24 inches long, it provides significant leverage when you need to move a heavy load manually. The large 5-inch by 1-inch handle offers a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during those moments when a trailer needs to be nudged into position. The most critical feature here is the signature J-shaped hook. This isn't just a random curve; it is engineered specifically to grab directly onto the handle of a 5th wheel puller system, creating a secure connection point that prevents slippage under tension.
This tool is made in the USA from solid steel, which speaks to its intended lifespan and strength. It weighs just over a pound, making it light enough to toss into a toolbox without adding unnecessary bulk, yet dense enough to withstand the forces required to shift a heavy trailer. The matte black finish is practical, hiding scratches and dirt that inevitably accumulate during towing operations. If you find yourself struggling to align a trailer because of wind, uneven ground, or limited space, this 24-inch lever arm gives you the physical reach and power needed to get the job done safely.
You should buy the Bulldog Metalworks 5th if your primary challenge involves the physical movement of the trailer. It is ideal for situations where you need to slide a trailer forward or backward by hand, perhaps to avoid a tight corner or to line up a hitch ball that is slightly off-center. However, if your goal is simply to tow the trailer once it is connected, or if you are looking for a product that reduces friction during travel, this is not the right choice. It does nothing for noise reduction, lubrication, or protecting the metal surfaces of your hitch while you are driving down the highway. It is strictly a maneuvering aid for when the trailer is stationary or being moved slowly.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-11-05 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
The scottchen PRO 5th Wheel Lube Plate addresses a completely different set of concerns: cleanliness, protection, and ride quality. Instead of helping you move the trailer, this product helps you protect the connection between your truck and the trailer while you are on the road. It is constructed from high-density white polyethylene, a material chosen specifically because it is tough but not brittle. Unlike cheap plastic discs that might crack under stress, this 3/16-inch thick plate is built to withstand over 5,000 miles of towing. It covers a substantial contact area of 78.5 square inches, ensuring that the pressure is distributed evenly across the kingpin.
The standout benefit here is the elimination of petroleum-based grease. Traditional setups require applying thick, messy grease to the hitch plate, which constantly flings onto your truck bed, clothes, and hands every time you hitch or unhitch. This white disc acts as a self-lubricating surface, allowing the kingpin to glide smoothly without any mess. It fits standard 2-7/8 inch kingpins, which cover the vast majority of fifth-wheel trailers on the road. Installation takes seconds because it relies on serrated inner teeth to grip the pin securely, meaning there is no drilling, bolting, or hammering required. You can have it installed in moments and be ready to go.
This product is perfect for teen drivers who are nervous about making a mess or damaging expensive equipment. It absorbs vibration and reduces squeaking noises during turns, leading to a smoother, quieter ride that builds confidence behind the wheel. Since the package includes two plates, you always have a spare on hand for backup or rotation, ensuring you never get stranded with worn-out equipment. You should buy the scottchen PRO 5th if your priority is keeping your truck clean, extending the life of your hitch components, and improving the comfort of your drive. However, if you do not own a 5th wheel trailer or if your kingpin size differs significantly from the standard 2-7/8 inch measurement, this product will not fit your setup. It is an accessory for the journey, not a tool for the setup.
• Best for manual maneuvering → Bulldog Metalworks 5th: If you need to physically pull a heavy trailer into a tight parking spot or align it with a hitch ball, the 24-inch leverage of the Bulldog tool is unmatched.
• Best for cleanliness and maintenance → scottchen PRO 5th: If you hate the smell and mess of grease and want to keep your truck bed spotless, the scottchen lube plate is the clear winner.
• Best for durability of materials → Bulldog Metalworks 5th: Made from USA steel, this tool is built to last a lifetime without wearing out, whereas the scottchen plate is a consumable part that eventually needs replacing.
• Best for ride comfort and noise reduction → scottchen PRO 5th: The polyethylene disc absorbs vibration and eliminates squeaks, making the towing experience much more pleasant than a traditional metal-to-metal contact.
• Best for ease of installation → scottchen PRO 5th: No tools are required; you simply press it onto the kingpin, whereas the Bulldog tool is used as-is and requires no installation but also has no "setup" phase.
• Best for preventing hardware damage → scottchen PRO 5th: By preventing direct metal-to-metal friction, the scottchen plate protects both the kingpin and the hitch plate from premature wear and tear.
• Best for heavy-duty leverage → Bulldog Metalworks 5th: The J-hook design and 24-inch length provide the mechanical advantage needed to move loads that are too heavy to push by hand.
• Best for beginners and teens → scottchen PRO 5th: The simplicity of the installation and the reduction of messy tasks make this a safer, less intimidating option for new drivers learning to tow.
I would personally recommend the scottchen PRO 5th for most modern towing scenarios, particularly for teen drivers who are just starting their journey into RV ownership. While the Bulldog Metalworks 5th is an excellent tool for the rare occasion when you need to muscle a trailer into place, the daily reality of towing involves thousands of miles of friction, noise, and potential mess. The scottchen plate solves these everyday headaches instantly, keeping the truck clean and the ride smooth without any effort. It transforms a potentially greasy, noisy task into a clean, quiet operation, which is exactly what a new driver needs to feel confident and in control. If you are torn between buying a tool you might use once a month versus an upgrade that improves every single trip, the scottchen PRO 5th is the smarter investment for long-term satisfaction.
No, the Bulldog Metalworks 5th is a mechanical pulling tool designed for leverage and movement, not for cleaning or lubricating the hitch interface. It does not interact with the kingpin or reduce friction during travel.
According to the manufacturer's guidance, the scottchen plate should be replaced every 6 to 24 months depending on how frequently you tow, as it is a wear item designed to absorb friction over time.
The standard 10-inch version fits 95% of trailers with a 2-7/8 inch kingpin. If you have an oversized kingpin, you may need to verify your measurements or look for the larger 12-inch version mentioned in the product details.
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