Fifth Wheels, General
Information
WARNING
Do not use any fifth wheel that fails to operate
properly. Doing so may cause loss of vehicle
control, possibly resulting in severe personal in-
jury or death.
Fifth Wheel Lubrication
WARNING
Keep the fifth wheel plate lubricated to prevent
binding between the tractor and trailer. A binding
fifth wheel could cause erratic steering and loss
of vehicle control, possibly resulting in personal
injury or death.
The standard fifth wheel plate must be kept well lu-
bricated with chassis grease to prevent friction and
binding between the tractor fifth wheel plate and the
trailer.
For a low-lube fifth wheel plate, inspect the condition
of the low-lube pads. There should be no damaged
or missing pieces. Slight puckering at the outside
edges is normal.
For lubrication instructions, see Group 31 of the ve-
hicle Maintenance Manual.
Fifth Wheel Coupling
Fifth wheel coupling is activated with the lock control
handle located on either the right side or left side of
the fifth wheel. Coupling has successfully occurred
when the kingpin has been forced into the jaws and
the lock control handle has moved to the locked
position.
NOTICE
Some fifth wheels may be mounted on sliding
rails. Before attempting to couple a trailer to a
sliding fifth wheel, the slide feature must be
locked to prevent the top plate from sliding rap-
idly forward or rearward, causing damage to the
fifth wheel or kingpin.
Fontaine and Holland Fifth Wheels
Coupling
1.
Chock the front and rear of the trailer tires to
prevent the trailer from moving.
2.
Ensure the fifth wheel jaw is fully open and the
operating rod is in the unlocked position. See
Fig. 20.1 or Fig. 20.2.
3.
Make sure the fifth wheel top plate is tilted so the
ramps are as low as possible.
4.
Position the tractor so that the center of the fifth
wheel is in line with the trailer kingpin. The king-
pin should be in a position to enter the throat of
the locking mechanism.
NOTICE
Attempting to couple at the wrong height may
cause improper coupling, which could result in
damage to the fifth wheel or kingpin.
5.
Adjust the trailer height if required.
f310110a04/06/2017
1
1
2
2
A
B
NOTE: Make sure the safety latch is down when the
control handle is locked.
A. Unlocked B. Locked
1. Safety Latch 2. Lock Control Handle
Fig. 20.1, Fontaine Locking Mechanism
Fifth Wheels
20.1
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