Abstract: A low-friction plastic covering on the fifth wheel bearing plate of a tractor is protected from damage during tractor/trailer coupling by a pair of elongated metal "skip" plates. Such plates are preferably rectangular in shape and are positioned in the interior region of the plastic covering, one on each side of a tapered slot adapted to receive the kingpin of a trailer's fifth wheel tongue attachment. The size, shape and position of such skip plates minimize wear on the trailer's bolster plate, and minimize any tendency for tearing of the plastic covering during tractor/trailer coupling and normal use of the tractor-trailer. Preferably, the skip plates are welded to the tractor's fifth wheel bearing plate through counterbored slots in the plastic covering, whereby the skip plates additionally function as retainers for attaching the plastic covering to the underlying bearing plate.