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.
2.
The kingpin lock mechanism must be fully open,
the fifth wheel plate must be completely lubri-
cated with chassis grease. For lubrication in-
structions, see Group 31 of the
Columbia
®
Main-
tenance Manual
.
3.
Position the tractor so that the fifth wheel lock
opening is in line (both vertically and horizontally)
with the trailer kingpin. The kingpin should be in
a position to enter the throat of the locking
mechanism (Fig. 10.16). Adjust the trailer landing
gear to give enough alignment height for positive
kingpin lockup.
4.
With the fifth wheel lock opening aligned with the
trailer kingpin, back the tractor slowly toward the
trailer, making sure that the kingpin enters the
throat of the locking mechanism. Continue back-
ward motion until positive lockup occurs.
5.
Apply the tractor parking brakes.
6.
Make a visual and physical check for positive
kingpin lockup. When lockup has occurred, the
fifth wheel control handle will have moved to the
locked position. Make sure that the safety latch
is down over the lock control handle. See
Fig. 10.17. This will hold the control handle in
the locked position.
7.
Release the tractor parking brakes. Test for king-
pin lockup by pulling on the trailer against the
chocks.
NOTICE
Always make sure the connect-hanger/support
keeps the trailer air hoses and electrical cables
positioned so that they do not rub on anything.
Rubbing may wear through hoses or cables, re-
sulting in air leaks, or exposed or broken wires,
potentially affecting trailer brake or electrical sys-
tems.
8.
After lockup is completed, connect the tractor-to-
trailer air system lines and the electrical cable to
the trailer. Take care to prevent dirt or foreign
material from entering the air system lines.
9.
Charge the air brake system with air. Make sure
that the air connections do not leak.
WARNING
Incorrect fifth wheel lock adjustment could cause
the trailer to disconnect, possibly resulting in se-
rious personal injury or death.
10.
With the trailer wheels chocked and the brakes
set, check for clearance between the kingpin and
the fifth wheel jaws by moving the tractor forward
and backward against the locked kingpin. There
should be no slack between the tractor and the
trailer. If slack is present, uncouple the trailer.
For adjustment instructions, refer to the appli-
cable manufacturer’s service information.
11.
Retract the trailer landing gear, and secure the
ratchet handle. Remove the chocks from the
trailer tires.
1
1
2
2
10/26/2010
f310110a
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. 10.17, Fontaine Fifth Wheel, Locking and
Unlocking
Fifth Wheels and Trailer Couplings
10.13
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