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Safely and efficiently coupling and uncoupling semi-trailers is a crucial element of working as a truck driver.Whether you’re a new driver or have been driving for years, it’s always good to review the essential steps in the process. Keep reading for our all-encompassing guide on how to couple and uncouple a tractor-trailer.

facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonlinkedin sharing buttonemail sharing buttonsharethis sharing buttonThis Tech Tip is the first in a series to be issued by SAF-Holland. The following steps are recommended by SAF-Holland for coupling and uncoupling your fifth wheel. However, we recommend that you follow your specific fifth wheel manufacturer’s instructions.

Safely and efficiently coupling and uncoupling semi-trailers is a crucial element of working as a truck driver.Whether you’re a new driver or have been driving for years, it’s always good to review the essential steps in the process. Keep reading for our all-encompassing guide on how to couple and uncouple a tractor-trailer.

To operate a tractor-trailer safely, proper coupling and uncoupling techniques are essential. Any driver who is unfamiliar with the correct coupling and uncoupling techniques is asking for disaster. Improper connection may lead to cab and freight damage, litigation, penalties, fallen trailers, damaged air, and electrical lines, and other significant repercussions. These effects may always be avoided. To ensure that the operation is always carried out in the same precise order, every time, experienced drivers are expected to be knowledgeable about safe coupling and uncoupling procedures. Before trying a coupling or uncoupling technique, be familiar with the protocols and the risks.

Some of the differences between gooseneck hitches and 5th wheel hitches are the coupling mechanism, the level of invasiveness in the truck bed, overall cost and the types of trailers typically pulled by each hitch.Despite these difference, gooseneck hitches and 5th wheel hitches have many similarities. Both are used for towing heavy-duty trailers, and both require a pickup truck for installation, mounting into the truck bed, over the rear axle.

A fifth wheel is a part that almost anyone in industrial trucking is familiar with. We know it works to connect the semi truck tractor and trailer, and if you’ve been in the business for a while, you might even be familiar with a few of the key features that are nice to have in top-of-the-line models.But when there are so many options to choose from on the market today, it can be helpful to know what you truly need to have and what options are add-ons. Since all fifth wheels are manufactured a little differently, we’re going to dive into the 5 essential parts of a fifth wheel. This should give you the information you need to find the best fifth wheel for your unique application.

The biggest pro associated with the fifth wheel is the maneuverability that comes with a free front axis. This feature that the fifth wheel hitch offer allows you to turn your car or truck while your trailer follows swiftly behind you.This design makes transportation through cities and highways much less nerve-racking since you are not dealing with a massive, wide-turning vehicle.In terms of backing up, neither the motorhome or trailer proves uniquely entertaining. Both bring their own sets of problems. A motorhome is massive and wide turning, while a trailer goes the opposite way you want it.

The fifth wheel part that most commonly requires repair is the top plate. The top plate is a horseshoe-shaped plate that’s attached to the main frame of the vehicle. It offers trailers and cargo a secure connecting point for heavy loads. Why is the top plate the most common fifth wheel repair? It’s under intense stress while in use. This high stress can damage the plate and normal wear can break down internal, smaller components like lock jaws and cushion ring inserts, bushings, release handles, and more to the point of replacement. You may also struggle with fifth wheel top plate troubles if your coupling attempts aren’t in compliance with JOST’s Operating Instructions or the industry standard TMC RMP-654.All of these possibilities show why following standards and being proactive about inspections and maintenance is key.

The fifth wheel part that most commonly requires repair is the top plate. The top plate is a horseshoe-shaped plate that’s attached to the main frame of the vehicle. It offers trailers and cargo a secure connecting point for heavy loads. Why is the top plate the most common fifth wheel repair? It’s under intense stress while in use. This high stress can damage the plate and normal wear can break down internal, smaller components like lock jaws and cushion ring inserts, bushings, release handles, and more to the point of replacement. You may also struggle with fifth wheel top plate troubles if your coupling attempts aren’t in compliance with JOST’s Operating Instructions or the industry standard TMC RMP-654.All of these possibilities show why following standards and being proactive about inspections and maintenance is key.

The passenger side landing jack on our Keystone Cougar fifth wheel suffered a major failure last week. I was in the process of jacking the trailer off the truck when I heard and felt a loud clunk. In fact, my wife who was inside setting things up immediately looked out the window and ask “What the heck was that?”. “Not sure” I replied, but I knew something was not right with the jacks.I decide to retract them again and that’s when I saw the passenger side landing leg was not lifting up!  Luckily I was still hooked to the truck so I set to work removing the faulty landing leg to try and determine the issue. Removing the trailers landing leg was pretty straight forward involving undoing just a few bolts, its foot pad and locking pin assembly. In no time I had the whole leg out.

Yes, you can repair landing gears on your fifth wheel with an inexpensive rebuild kit. No, in the interest of full disclosure, I did not do this…yet. But as promised in my last post about how to fix fifth wheel legs, I can provide step by step instructions. And I have plenty of photos. How? Because I tore apart my seized landing gear leg to see how it works. I identified how all the parts are put together. As a result, I figured out just how easy it is to repair landing gears. If I ever need to do that on our own fifth wheel, that is. so…

Once you decide to set on a journey with a fifth wheel, this additional vehicle will become your best company. You won’t be thinking about the accommodation or looking for a decent place to eat, since you will have everything with you at once. Nevertheless, your fifth wheel is also a mechanical device and therefore needs regular maintenance and repair if needed. Several occasions may harm your fifth wheel during your trip. The fifth wheel hitch is most susceptible to receiving these potential damages. This is because it is the essential unit that connects your tow vehicle and the 5th wheel, directly exposed to the towing force. As a result, most mechanical problems, detachments, and disjunctions occur on the fifth wheel hitch. But no worries, here we have prepared a 5th wheel hitch repair guide that provides you with the necessary information about how to deal with these problems. Just get your tool kit and leave the rest to your deft hands!

A fifth wheel inspection is a process of carefully examining your vehicle and its components and systems. This checklist usually takes about 15 minutes to complete and is required by the Federal government. WHY ARE FIFTH WHEEL INSPECTIONS IMPORTANT?If you’re a semi-trailer driver, you know that the job comes with a lot of responsibility, which isn’t as easy as it looks. Performing fifth wheel inspections before trips is essential for many reasons, including:Safety – Driving a semi-trailer can be dangerous. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, drivers of heavy trucks and tractor-trailer trucks suffer fatal accidents more than any other occupation. Making sure all your equipment is in proper working order can be the difference between a safe trip and getting into an accident.Maintenance – Performing the checklist allows you to find minor issues before they become serious. This can save you money on maintenance by solving problems before your trucks get on the road.Compliance – Pre-trip inspections keep you in compliance with the Department of Transportation regulations. In the case of an audit, the DOT may review your pre-trip inspection checklist to ensure they have been filled out correctly. 

Your beloved fifth wheel is designed to provide you with durable and convenient transportation and accommodations for all of your outdoor adventures and inner-city travels. However, in order to keep it working properly, you do need to perform some regular repairs. Many fifth wheel repairs are fortunately very easy to make at home, so there isn’t a need to always bring your RV into a repair shop when you have a problem. Here are some of the issues you can easily address at home.