Coupling Preparation Fithy Weel
Coupling Preparation Fithy Weel
1. Prior to coupling, you MUST inspect the fifth wheel and mounting. Perform and verify the
following:
If its a sliding fifth wheel, make sure both plungers are fully engaged.
Make sure fifth wheel is in appropriate position for weight distribution on the tractor. For
proper positioning of the wheel, refer to manufacturers instructions.
2. Make sure coupling area is flat, level, and clear of persons and obstacles.
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7. If both of these conditions exist, the fifth wheel will still be able to be coupled even though the
lock jaws appear closed. The movement of the kingpin into the fifth wheel jaws will allow them
to open and successfully couple.
If either above conditions do not exist, repeats Steps 4 6.
Coupling
1. Chock trailer wheels.
2. Position the tractor so the center of the fifth wheel is aligned with the kingpin.
3. Traveling in a straight line, slowly back tractor to trailer. STOP the tractor before making
contact with the trailer.
4. Set tractor parking brake and place into neutral.
5. Completely exhaust air from tractor suspension, ensuring that the fifth wheel is below the
contact surface of trailer.
6. Exit the cab and make sure the fifth wheel is below the upper coupler plate. Verify proper fifth
wheel height. If trailer is too low, use landing gear to raise the trailer height.
NOTE: For proper operation of landing gear, follow the landing gear manufacturers
instructions.
7. Slowly back up, using lowest gear possible. Stop when fifth wheel is under the leading edge of
the trailer.
8. Set tractor parking brake. Place in neutral. Exit cab and verify proper fifth wheel to kingpin
alignment.
9. Adjust tractor suspension to ride height. The fifth wheel plate face MUST make contact with
the upper coupler plate and raise the trailer. If fifth wheel does not make contact with the upper
coupler plate, use the landing gear to lower the trailer until fifth wheel makes contact.
IMPORTANT: If trailer is too high, the kingpin will not properly connect with the lock jaw.
WARNING: Failure to couple with the trailer at the proper height could result in improper
coupling, allowing tractor and trailer separation, which if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
IMPORTANT: Never inate the tractor suspension when the kingpin is above the throat of the
fth wheel.
CAUTION: Failure to avoid inflating tractor suspension when the fifth wheel is not forward of
the king pin, could result in damage to the kingpin and fth wheel.
10. Slowly back into the trailer, engaging kingpin in the fifth wheel.
Uncoupling Procedures
1. Position the tractor and trailer, in straight alignment, on firm, level ground clear of obstacles
and persons.
2. Set the trailer brakes.
3. Slowly back the tractor tightly against the trailer to relieve pressure on the fifth wheel locks.
4. Set the tractor parking brake.