For a standard fifth wheel plate, the trailer
should contact the fifth wheel approximately 4 to
8 inches (10 to 20 cm) behind the fifth wheel
pivot. See
Fig. 20.3.
For a low-lube fifth wheel plate, the fifth wheel
must slide freely under the trailer, and the trailer
should contact the fifth wheel at the pivot. See
Fig. 20.4.
6.
With the fifth wheel lock opening aligned with the
trailer kingpin, back the tractor slowly toward the
trailer. After sliding under the trailer, STOP to
prevent from hitting the kingpin too hard, then
resume backing slowly until the fifth wheel locks.
On a standard fifth wheel, the fifth wheel must lift
the trailer.
On a low-lube fifth wheel, do not lift the trailer as
this may damage the fifth wheel plate.
7.
Apply the tractor parking brakes.
WARNING
A visual inspection is required by law. Some im-
proper couplings can pass a pull test. Sound is
not reliable. Get out of the cab and look. Incor-
rect coupling could cause the trailer to discon-
nect, possibly resulting in serious personal injury
or death.
8.
Perform a coupling inspection, checking that
there is no gap between the bottom of the trailer
and the fifth wheel, and that the kingpin is se-
curely locked. See
Fig. 20.5
When lockup has occurred, the fifth wheel con-
trol handle moves to the locked position. Make
sure that the safety latch is down over the lock
control handle to hold the control handle in the
locked position. (The safety latch will only rotate
down if the operating rod is fully retracted in the
locked position.) See
Fig. 20.1 for Fontaine fifth
wheels. See Fig. 20.2 for Holland fifth wheels.
9.
Release the tractor parking brakes. Test for king-
pin lockup slowly inching the tractor forward, pull-
ing on the trailer against the chocks.
f31044704/19/2017
1
1
2
3
1. Safety Latch
2. Operating Rod (locked)
3. Operating Rod (unlocked)
Fig. 20.2, Holland Simplex SE Locking Mechanism
f31112404/28/2017
A
B
C
D
A. Fifth wheel must lift
trailer
B. Adjust trailer height
C. Ramps tilted down
D. 4 to 8 inches
Fig. 20.3, Trailer Connection Point, Standard Fifth
Wheel
f31112504/28/2017
A
B
A. Adjust trailer height B. Ramps tilted down
Fig. 20.4, Trailer Connection Point, Low-Lube Fifth
Wheel
Fifth Wheels
20.2
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