The information contained in this publication was correct at the time of release.In the interest of continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications, design or equipment at any time without notice or obligation.No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means without our written permission.Errors and omissions excepted.
Copyright © 2024 Ford Motor Company
Fifth Wheel Operation
Before hook-up, make sure:
WARNING:
Failure to follow the fifth wheel manufacturer’s instructions for hooking and unhooking as well as sliding the fifth wheel could result in an accident, personal injury or death.
WARNING:
When the tractor and trailer are parked unattended, the trailer brake hand control should never be used to apply the brake, since air may leak from the system, allowing vehicle movement, resulting in possible property damage, personal injury or death. |
Before hook-up, make sure:
- The fifth wheel jaws are fully open.
- The fifth wheel is fully tilted back to prevent body damage when the tractor is backed under a trailer.
- You block the trailer wheels and adjust and apply the trailer spring brakes. Never chase a trailer.
- The brake hoses and light cords are clear of the fifth wheel.
Hook-up
- Back the tractor squarely under the trailer, engaging the fifth-wheel jaws on the kingpin. Always back up slowly; make sure the trailer is neither too high nor too low. Avoid backing under the trailer from an angle.
- Connect the service and emergency brake hoses and trailer light connector.
- Inspect the jaws of the fifth wheel to be sure they have fully closed on the trailer kingpin and the trailer plate is resting securely on the fifth wheel.
- Make sure the coupler release lever is in the locked position.
- Charge the trailer brake system. Set the trailer brakes, with either the hand valve or tractor protection valve. Pull against the trailer for an extra check of proper hook-up. Do not pull hard enough to damage or strain the equipment.
- Set the tractor parking brakes and fully raise the trailer landing gear.
- Check the operation of all trailer lights and correct any lights that may be faulty.
Un-hook
- Try to keep the tractor and trailer in a straight line.
- Apply the parking brakes.
- Lower the trailer landing gear, making sure it is on solid, level ground. The weight of the trailer is to be on the landing gear.
- Block the trailer wheels.
- Disconnect the brake hoses and light cords. Be sure hoses and cords are clear.
- Pull coupler release lever to disengage the fifth wheel jaws.
- Release the tractor parking brakes.
- Pull out from the trailer slowly, allowing the landing gear to take the load gradually.
Thank You For Your Feedback