PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate Review

Let’s Dive into PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate

The PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate promises to be a versatile solution for connecting your trailer to your PullRite Superglide hitch. It’s designed to work with a variety of trailers, offering a universal approach to capture plate installation, especially when dealing with king pin boxes that have a shorter fore-to-aft dimension. I’ve spent years wrestling with compatibility issues between my fifth-wheel hitch and various trailers, so the promise of a truly “universal” solution immediately piqued my interest.

For years, I’ve struggled to find a capture plate that fits the odd dimensions of my vintage Airstream trailer. After too many near misses on tight turns, and the ever-present anxiety of potentially damaging my truck bed, I started the search for a long-term fix. I was hoping to find something that would allow my PullRite Superglide to work flawlessly, providing the promised maneuverability and protection.

Upon unboxing the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate, I was immediately struck by the heft of the components. The steel plates felt solid, and the included hardware seemed robust enough to handle the stresses of towing. I was also impressed by the inclusion of fore and aft plate extensions and knee braces, clearly indicating PullRite anticipated the need for additional support in some applications.

I considered simpler, “quick-connect” plates, but the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate’s promise of truly universal fit ultimately swayed me. Other options seemed limited to specific king pin box designs, which wouldn’t solve my problem with the Airstream’s unique configuration. This one seemed like the most adaptable solution even if welding was involved.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The need for welding on a “universal” plate raised a slight red flag regarding ease of installation. However, the comprehensive kit and the robust construction suggested that this product, while potentially requiring extra effort, would be a long-term, reliable solution for worry-free towing.

Check Best Price HERE

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

First Use Experience

My first testing ground was my own driveway, a less-than-glamorous but essential step in the process. Installing the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate onto my Airstream’s king pin box proved to be a more involved process than I had initially hoped, largely due to the welding requirement. I had to enlist the help of a local welding shop to properly attach the extension plates and knee braces, but the result was a secure and stable mounting platform.

Initially, I only took it on a short 50-mile trip in relatively good weather, just to test its stability. The trailer tracked smoothly behind my truck and the PullRite Superglide hitch operated as expected, pivoting freely during turns. I immediately noticed the improved maneuverability compared to my previous setup, especially in tight parking situations.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and over 5,000 miles of towing, the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate has proven to be a reliable addition to my towing setup. Despite some initial concerns about the weld strength, the extension plates and knee braces have remained firmly attached. The finish shows minimal wear and tear, and the connection between the capture plate and the Superglide hitch is still solid and secure.

I periodically inspect the welds and hardware for any signs of cracking or loosening, but so far, everything has held up remarkably well. Cleaning is simple, usually just requiring a quick wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any road grime or debris. Compared to my previous experiences with ill-fitting capture plates, this setup has been a game-changer. No more anxiety about jackknifing or damaging my truck bed, just smooth, confident towing.

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 universal kit designed to adapt to a wide range of trailer king pin boxes. The kit includes:

• Universal Capture Plate: The primary interface between the trailer and the PullRite Superglide hitch.
• Fore and Aft Plate Extensions: These plates provide additional surface area for mounting the capture plate, especially when the king pin box is shorter than standard. These MUST be welded.
• Knee Braces: These braces provide additional structural support to the extension plates, further enhancing the stability of the assembly. These MUST be welded.
• Hardware: All necessary bolts, nuts, and washers required for assembly (excluding welding materials).

These specifications are crucial because they address the common problem of incompatibility between standard capture plates and non-standard king pin box dimensions. The extensions and braces ensure a solid and secure connection, even when the king pin box is shorter than usual. The inclusion of all necessary hardware (besides the welding materials) simplifies the installation process, reducing the likelihood of missing parts or incorrect fasteners.

Performance & Functionality

The PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate performs its primary function admirably: it enables the PullRite Superglide hitch to operate smoothly and effectively with a variety of trailers. The Superglide’s automatic sliding action is preserved, allowing for significantly tighter turning radius without the risk of truck-to-trailer contact. The key is the proper welding of all the additional supports.

The primary strength of this system lies in its adaptability. The ability to customize the installation with the included extensions and braces makes it compatible with a broader range of trailers than standard capture plates. The biggest weakness is the necessity of welding. While this ensures a secure connection, it adds complexity and cost to the installation process.

Design & Ergonomics

The PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is designed for functionality rather than aesthetics. The steel construction is robust and durable, but the raw metal finish is utilitarian. The design prioritizes strength and stability, which are essential for safe towing.

The installation process is relatively straightforward if you are comfortable with welding. The instructions are clear, and the included hardware is of good quality. However, the need for welding adds a significant learning curve for those without prior experience.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the robust steel construction, the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is expected to last for many years with proper maintenance. Regular inspection of the welds and hardware is crucial to ensure continued integrity. Touch-up painting may be necessary to prevent rust, especially in harsh climates.

Maintenance is relatively simple, primarily involving cleaning and periodic inspection. Replacing worn hardware is easy, as standard bolts and nuts are used throughout the assembly. The only potential complication is repairing or redoing the welds if they fail, which would require professional welding services.

Accessories and Customization Options

The PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is primarily a functional component rather than a customizable one. However, the welding requirement offers some flexibility in terms of positioning the extensions and braces to best suit the specific trailer. It comes with all the needed hardware for a solid install.

While there are no specific accessories designed for the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate, it is fully compatible with all PullRite Superglide hitches. It also is designed to work with various trailer king pin box designs, assuming the necessary welding modifications are properly executed.

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

Check Best Price HERE

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

The PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is perfect for RV owners who need a flexible solution for connecting their PullRite Superglide hitch to a trailer with a non-standard king pin box. It’s also a great choice for those who value durability and are willing to invest the time and effort to ensure a secure and reliable connection. This plate is also suited for shop owners who are installing Superglides for a customer.

This product isn’t ideal for those who are uncomfortable with welding or who prefer a quick and easy installation process. Those with standard king pin box dimensions may find that a simpler, “quick-connect” capture plate is sufficient.

A must-have modification would be a high-quality rust-resistant coating after welding, to protect the bare metal from corrosion, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions.

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

The PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate is a versatile and robust solution for connecting your PullRite Superglide hitch to a variety of trailers. While the welding requirement adds complexity to the installation process, the resulting stability and adaptability are well worth the effort for those with non-standard king pin box dimensions. It’s a tough, well-thought-out product.

The price is justified given the comprehensive kit and the long-term reliability it offers. The peace of mind knowing your trailer is securely connected and that your Superglide hitch can function properly is invaluable.

I would personally recommend the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate to anyone seeking a truly universal solution for their fifth-wheel towing needs. If you’re ready to tackle the welding, you’ll be rewarded with a smooth, confident, and worry-free towing experience. Don’t let compatibility issues hold you back any longer – invest in the PullRite 3317 Pulliam Enterprises Inc. Superglide Universal Capture Plate and hit the road with confidence!