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.
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. 17.2.
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. 17.3.
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. 17.4.
When the kingpin is locked securely, the fifth
wheel release handle moves to the locked posi-
tion. Make sure that the safety latch is down over
the release handle to hold the release handle in
the locked position (the safety latch will only ro-
tate down if the control handle is fully retracted in
the locked position).
10/28/2010 f311124
A
B
C
D
A. Fifth wheel must lift
trailer
B. Adjust trailer height
C. Ramps tilted down
D. 4 to 8 inches
Fig. 17.2, Trailer Connection Point, Standard Fifth
Wheel
09/10/2010 f311125
A
B
A. Adjust trailer height B. Ramps tilted down
Fig. 17.3, Trailer Connection Point, Low-Lube Fifth
Wheel
09/10/2010 f311126
AB
A. No gap between trailer
and fifth wheel
B. Kingpin inside lock
Fig. 17.4, Coupling Inspection
Fifth Wheels
17.2
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