Fontaine
®
Fifth Wheel
No-Slack
®
Instructions
• Pre-service and operation
• Coupling instructions
• Inspection & maintenance
6000
7000
E7000
H7
7000CC
E7000CC
Read before mounting or operating fifth wheel.
After fifth wheel is installed these important
instructions must be permanently retained in the
tractor glove box.
WARNING! Failure to follow these instructions could
cause a hazardous operating condition resulting in
serious personal injury or death.
FOR YOUR SAFETY USE ONLY GENUINE
FONTAINE SERVICE PARTS. USING PARTS
THAT DO NOT MEET FONTAINE
SPECIFICATIONS WILL VOID WARRANTY.
2
Introduction
WARNING! The visual inspection is required by law. Some
improper couplings can pass a “tug test” and sound is
not reliable to verify proper coupling. The coupling
procedure is not complete without a visual inspection. It
is necessary to get out of the tractor and look. Incorrect
coupling could cause the trailer to disconnect, possibly
resulting in serious personal injury or death.
WARNING! When coupling, the fifth wheel must lift the
trailer. Always inflate the tractor suspension air bags
prior to coupling. Coupling should not be attempted with
the tractor suspension air bags deflated. Inflating the
tractor suspension air bags while positioned underneath
the trailer may result in damage to and incorrect
coupling of the fifth wheel, possibly resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
WARNING! Do not use any fifth wheel that has damaged
components or fails to operate properly.
WARNING! Failure to follow these specifications will void
the warranty and could affect product performance.
WARNING! Air cylinder(s) should not be disassembled as
contents are under pressure.
WARNING! Under no circumstances should a sliding fifth
wheel be repositioned while the tractor and trailer are in
motion. This could result in personal injury or death.
WARNING! Do not use a lube plate (high-density
polyethylene) on top of the fifth wheel or kingpin bolster
plate in lieu of grease without prior approval by Fontaine.
Warning!
3
Introduction
HOW TO TELL IF THE FIFTH WHEEL IS PROPERLY LOCKED –
No Slack
®
Verify secure coupling with a “tug test”, by easing the
tractor forward, with the trailer brakes on, to feel
resistance of the load. Set the parking brakes on the
tractor and trailer and get out of the tractor and visually
inspect, using a flashlight if necessary, that the fifth wheel
is properly closed.
The locking jaw and wedge must be fully across the
throat of the fifth wheel, there must be no gap
between the fifth wheel and the trailer plate, and the
pull handle must be within 1” or less from the skirt of
the fifth wheel. All three areas of the fifth wheel must
be inspected to ensure that the fifth wheel is properly
coupled.
Below are three critical areas of visual inspection that
drivers must perform after every couple.
If the visual inspection indicates that you failed to
obtain a proper couple, open the fifth wheel, inspect
for damaged components, and repeat the coupling
sequence.
Locking jaw
and wedge
must be fully
across the
throat of the
fifth wheel
Kingpin
Wedge
Fifth wheel throat
No gap
between
trailer
bottom and
fifth wheel
1"
Skirt
Pull handle
Gap between
pull handle
and skirt of
wheel less
than 1”.
4
For over 60 years, Fontaine has been passing customer
performance tests by building fifth wheels with
innovative technology, uncompromising quality, and
features designed to ensure cost-efficient performance.
This handbook provides instructions and recommended
procedures to ensure optimum performance from your
new Fontaine
®
No-Slack
®
fifth wheel.
Keep this handbook in the tractor glove box after
your fifth wheel has been installed.
For convenience, record fifth wheel information below:
Model number: ________________________
Serial number: ________________________
In service date: ________________________
Serial number engraved into the right side of the fifth
wheel skirt. Note: position 5 and 6 of the serial number
indicates the year built.
If you have any questions concerning your new fifth
wheel, our Customer Service Department is available to
help you at (800) 874-9780.
Introduction
New (current) style serial number (after
11/27/00). Serial number engraved directly into the
right side of fifth wheel skirt.
No-Slack
®
right side view
Old style serial number (before 11/27/00). Serial
number located on small rectangular tag on front
of top plate.
XXXXXXXXX
No-Slack
®
front view
Note: For warranty information go to:
http://www.fifthwheel.com
Choose “Support” menu and select
"Warranty information.”
For installation information go to:
http://www.fifthwheel.com
Enter LT-181 in search field.
5
Contents Pages
Section I – Pre-service and operation ......5-9
Section II – Coupling instructions .......10-20
Section III – Inspection and maintenance . 20-23
Section I –
Pre-service and operation
Always check for damage due to improper handling or
delivery practices prior to starting recommended pre-
service procedure.
A. Fasteners
Make sure all nuts and bolts are in place and
properly tightened.
Check to see if both bracket pins are in place and
secured by retainer pins and cotter pins (see FIGURE 1).
Bracket pin
Retainer pin
Cotter pin
Pre-service and operation
FIGURE 1
6
B. Lubrication
1. Tilt the top plate forward (front of the fifth wheel down)
and apply grease to each bearing area through the zerk
fitting (
No-Slack
®
6000/7000/7000CC/E7000/E7000CC/
H7 located on each side of the top plate just to the front
of the bracket pins. Continue to apply grease until it is
coming out of the back of the bearing. It may be
necessary to raise the rear of the fifth wheel with a pry
bar to open up the pocket slightly and allow the grease to
flow through. A substantial amount of grease may be
required initially to fill the reservoir. Tilt the wheel to the
rear (rear of the wheel down) and repeat the procedure.
Rock the top plate back and forth several times to spread
the grease over the bearing surface. If you have a no lube
bracket liner, do not grease.
Inspect the trailer kingpin plate and top surface of the
fifth wheel to make sure each is properly greased. A
liberal coating of grease should be applied to the
complete surfaces of both the trailer kingpin plate and
the top surface of the fifth wheel. A paddle or brush
will make this job easier.
Do not use a lube plate (high density polyethylene) on top
of the fifth wheel or on the kingpin in lieu of grease
without prior approval by Fontaine Fifth Wheel. The
additional thickness of this material can prevent the
proper operation of the fifth wheel and can cause a
dangerous condition.
2. Lubricate the fifth wheel prior to opening and closing.
Referring to (see FIGURES 2-5 on next pages), grease the
jaw and wedge on top and bottom. Separate the jaw and
wedge with a large screwdriver and distribute the grease
along the full length of the jaw and wedge mating
surfaces. Open and close the fifth wheel several times to
further distribute the grease.
Fontaine suggests the use of a lithium complex lubricant
such as: Nanomech: Ultra Red Trucking Grease, Mobil:
XHP320 Mine, XHP321 Mine or equivalent when applying
lubricant to the locking jaw and wedge.
Lightly oil other moving parts in the fifth wheel. (Areas or
regions that experience extreme and/or prolonged freezing
temperatures should consider using a less viscous
lubricant such as: Mobil SHC-007, 90 weight gear oil, ect.
Pre-service and operation
7
Fontaine suggests contacting your specific lubricant
manufacturer for guidelines on mixing compatibility of
any lubricant). In cold weather applications please refer
to technical bulletin TB-008 and LT-203. Technical
bulletins are available at
fifthwheel.com under the support menu.
3. For sliding fifth wheels, lightly oil the locking mechanism.
Operate the mechanism (air or manual) several times to
ensure it is functioning properly.
4. Grease the top plate. Spread grease all over the mating
surface of the top plate. Be sure the grease pockets
built into the top plates are full of grease.
C. Operation
1. Fontaine’s No-Slack
®
6000/7000/7000CC/E7000/
E7000CC/H7 & retractable handle fifth wheels shown
in open by a straight pull on the release handle
which releases the secondary lock automatically as
the mechanism opens (see FIGURE 2 and 3).
Pre-service and operation
FIGURE 2 – No-Slack
®
6000/7000/7000CC/E7000/
E7000CC/H7
Pull
handle
A
A
FIGURE 3 – No-Slack
®
6000/7000/7000CC/E7000/
E7000CC/H7
Retractable handle
8
FIGURE 4 – No-Slack
®
6000/7000/7000CC/E7000/
E7000CC
Pre-service and operation
2. Fontaine’s air actuated No-Slack
®
6000/7000/
7000CC/E7000/E7000CC air-actuated fifth wheel
(see FIGURE 4) open with a release valve located on
the dash or in a lock box mounted on the rear of the
cab. To open, set the tractor parking brake and pull
the release valve. Hold the valve open until the
locking mechanism is locked in the open position.
The pull valve will not activate the air cylinder unless
the tractor parking brakes are set.
3. Close the locking mechanism using a test kingpin
(Fontaine part number KITKPT). Repeat several times
making sure that all moving parts have adequate
lubrication.
4. The pull handle should always be free of grease or
any substance which could prevent a firm grip,
causing the handle to slip and resulting in injury.
FIGURE 5
Separate
jaw and
wedge.
Grease full
length.
Jaw
9
Pre-service and operation
D. Wedge stop rod setting
Wedge stop rod adjustment is not required as part of
the pre-service procedure. It is set during the final
assembly inspection at our manufacturing facility. At
the first recommended P.M. (90 days or 30,000 miles
whichever comes first) and every 90 days or 30,000
miles there after, the wedge stop rod should be
adjusted per technical Bulletin TB-012.
Note P.M. intervals are recommended based on stan-
dard duty applications. Applications more severe than
standard duty may require different P.M. intervals to
ensure peak performance.
This wedge stop rod can also be used to release
a tight wedge (hard to pull handle) by tapping the
rod with a hammer to release the wedge.
E. Knock-out rod
The knock-out rod requires no adjustment (See
Figure 7) and is used to release a tight wedge (hard
to pull handle) by tapping the rod with a hammer.
FIGURE 6 – No-Slack
®
6000/7000/7000CC/E7000/
E7000CC/H7
Wedge
Wedge stop rod
FIGURE 7
Knock-out rod
10
Coupling instructions
Section II –
Coupling instructions
COUPLING PROCEDURE:
1. Prior to coupling, inspect the fifth wheel to ensure a
proper operation.
• Examine the mounting assembly for securely fas-
tened bolts.
• Tilt the fifth wheel up and down to make sure that it
moves freely. Rest the fifth wheel in the proper posi-
tion by tilting it to the rear of the tractor and resting
it on the stops.
• Check the surface for a liberal coating of grease.
The indented pockets on top of the fifth wheel act as
a grease reservoir for the top surface and should be
filled with grease.
• If the tractor is equipped with an air sliding fifth
wheel, actuate the air cylinder and check for air
leaks. WARNING: AIR CYLINDER DISASSEMBLY
SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED.
• The fifth wheel should be in an unlocked position.
When unlocked, the handle should be extended (see
FIGURE 8) and the fifth wheel throat unobstructed. If
the fifth wheel is equipped with a retractable handle,
the handle will not be fully extended. DO NOT TRY TO
COUPLE TO A CLOSED FIFTH WHEEL.
FIGURE 8 – No-Slack
®
6000/7000/7000CC/E7000/
E7000CC/H7
11
2. The trailer kingpin should also be inspected prior to
coupling. The kingpin plate should be fully reinforced
and of sufficient size to completely cover the fifth
wheel. If the kingpin plate is too narrow, the uncov-
ered portion of the fifth wheel will collect dirt and
foreign matter. This material may work into the fifth
wheel locking mechanism, causing wear and occa-
sionally difficult uncoupling. This material can also
cause galling of the fifth wheel and/or kingpin plate.
If the trailer kingpin plate is not fully reinforced, dis-
tortion can result causing:
• Non-uniform loading
• Variation in kingpin length
• Cutting and galling of the fifth wheel or kingpin
plate
If the trailer kingpin plate is distorted enough to
cause any of the conditions listed above, we recom-
mend that a new plate be installed.
The trailer kingpin plate must be properly greased.
Fontaine Fifth Wheels are designed and manufac-
tured for use with all trailer kingpins that conform to
SAE specifications, SAE J700, February 1993 and
subject to the wear limits of SAE J2228, June 1993.
These specifications cover SAE 2" kingpins only.
The SAE standard kingpin can be checked using the
dimensions given below (see FIGURE 9).
Coupling instructions
12
Coupling instructions
3. Proper tractor/trailer alignment is critical to obtain a
secure coupling and to avoid equipment damage.
Set the trailer brakes and raise the trailer to the
proper height by extending the landing legs. If the
trailer is positioned too high, the kingpin may jump
the fifth wheel throat and locking mechanism alto-
gether. Resulting damage may include: scoring the
fifth wheel, bending the handle thus preventing the
fifth wheel from properly locking to the kingpin,
bending the kingpin, and other significant damage to
the tractor cab.
Coupling should not be attempted if the trailer is too
low. Costly damage may be incurred to the trailer,
the kingpin, the kingpin plate, the fifth wheel, and the
entire tractor drivetrain (see FIGURE 10).
Fifth wheel
needs to lift up
trailer.
Slowly back into
the trailer until
resistance is felt.
FIGURE 9 SAE standard king-pin
(SAE J700, FEB 93)
2.875 ± .005
1.328
1.250
2.782
2.704
3.354
3.256
2.812 ± .015
2.000 ± .005
13
Coupling instructions
4. To couple the fifth wheel to the kingpin, be sure the
fifth wheel is positioned so that it tilts down at the
rear and is resting on the stops.
Align the kingpin with the throat of the fifth wheel
and ease the tractor toward the trailer. The trailer
should strike the fifth wheel just at the top of the
approach ramps. The fifth wheel will level with the
kingpin plate and the kingpin should slide up the fifth
wheel throat.
Coupling is complete when the fifth wheel locking
mechanism snaps closed behind the kingpin.
Verify secure coupling with a "tug test," by easing
the tractor forward, with trailer brakes on, to feel
resistance of the load. If the coupling feels secure,
visually inspect the fifth wheel. The jaw and wedge
must be locked in place behind the kingpin, com-
pletely across the throat of the fifth wheel, and the
pull handle must be retracted and securely latched in
the secondary lock.
14
Coupling instructions
WARNING! When coupling, the fifth wheel must lift
the trailer. Always inflate the tractor suspension air
bags prior to coupling. Coupling should not be
attempted with the tractor suspension air bags
deflated.
Inflating the tractor suspension air bags while
positioned underneath the trailer may result in
damage to and incorrect coupling of the fifth wheel,
possibly resulting in serious personal injury or death.
The visual inspection is required by law. Some improper
couplings can pass a “tug test” and sound is not reliable
to verify proper coupling. The coupling procedure is not
complete without a visual inspection. It is necessary to
get out of the tractor and look. Incorrect coupling could
cause the trailer to disconnect, possibly resulting in
serious personal injury or death.
Warning!
15
Coupling instructions
HOW TO TELL IF THE FIFTH WHEEL IS PROPERLY LOCKED –
No Slack
®
Verify secure coupling with a “tug test”, by easing the
tractor forward, with the trailer brakes on, to feel
resistance of the load. Set the parking brakes on the
tractor and trailer and get out of the tractor and visually
inspect, using a flashlight if necessary, that the fifth wheel
is properly closed.
The locking jaw and wedge must be fully across the
throat of the fifth wheel, there must be no gap
between the fifth wheel and the trailer plate, and the
pull handle must be within 1” or less from the skirt of
the fifth wheel. All three areas of the fifth wheel must
be inspected to ensure that the fifth wheel is properly
coupled.
Below are three critical areas of visual inspection that
drivers must perform after every couple.
If the visual inspection indicates that you failed to
obtain a proper couple, open the fifth wheel, inspect
for damaged components, and repeat the coupling
sequence.
Locking jaw
and wedge
must be fully
across the
throat of the
fifth wheel
Kingpin
Wedge
Fifth wheel throat
No gap
between
trailer
bottom and
fifth wheel
1"
Skirt
Pull handle
Gap between
pull handle
and skirt of
wheel less
than 1”.
16
Coupling instructions
A
A
Fifth wheel closed
Fifth wheel
not closed
FIGURE 11
Note: Lock indicator is extended
and exposed visually indicating
the fifth wheel is locked.
Note: Lock
indicator is
retracted and
not exposed
visually indicating the fifth
wheel is NOT locked.
No-Slack 7000 Series with Retractable Handle
and Visual Lock Indicator
7000 Retractable series fifth wheels are equipped with a
retractable handle and an additional lock indicator. The
retractable handle allows the handle to return to the edge
of the skirt after opening. The visual is also available
without the retractable handle.
When coupling the visual lock indictor (see FIGURE 11)
needs to be included in the visually inspection and tug
test as outlined on page 15 to complete the coupling
procedure.
17
Coupling instructions
No-Slack E7000/E7000CC series LST (Lock
Sensing Technology)
E7000/E7000CC Series fifth wheels are equipped with
internal sensors to detect components in the fifth wheel
that confirm a proper couple. When installed and
powered, a visual indicator on either a display box or
integrated into the dash shows the status of the fifth
wheel lock.
The dash indication provides an extra check to
supplement the driver's visual inspection and pull
test as outlined on page 15.
When the fifth wheel is ready to
couple the “unlocked” indicator is
illuminated in red (see FIGURE 12.
If this is flashing, check to make
sure fifth wheel is open prior to
attempting couple.
When coupled a “locked” indicator
(see FIGURE 13) in green illuminates
and now can be verified with a “tug
test” and visual inspection (refer to
previous page).
For all other troubleshooting, refer to
TB-062 or the operator’s manual for
the integrated instrumentation.
Logic box
Sensors
FIGURE12
FIGURE 13
FIGURE 14
18
SLIDE ADJUSTMENT
Under no circumstances should a sliding fifth wheel
be repositioned while the tractor and trailer are in
motion. This could result in serious personal injury or
death.
Do not attempt to slide the fifth wheel until all
persons are clear of the vehicle.
Note: The fifth wheel must be in the locked position
when changing slide positions.
To position an air sliding fifth wheel:
1. Set the trailer brakes.
2. Unlock the cab control air valve and allow the air
cylinder to retract the locking wedges.
3. Ease the tractor forward or backward to move the
fifth wheel to the desired position.
4. Lock the air valve.
After the fifth wheel is properly positioned, inspect
the locking wedges to ensure that they are fully
engaged in the slide rail pockets. (see FIGURE15)
Warning!
FIGURE 15
Wedges through rail
Coupling instructions
19
UNCOUPLING PROCEDURE:
1. Prior to uncoupling, set the trailer parking brakes.
Back the tractor gently against the trailer. This will
release the load on the fifth wheel locking
mechanism.
IF THE TRUCK HAS AN AIR SUSPENSION, DO NOT
DUMP THE AIR BEFORE OPENING THE FIFTH
WHEEL. DOING SO MAY CAUSE A HARD TO OPEN
SITUATION.
2. Block the trailer wheels. If poor ground conditions
exist you may have to provide a base for the trailer
landing gear.
3. Lower landing gear until it contacts the ground. Give
extra turns to reduce load on fifth wheel. DO NOT
RAISE TRAILER OFF OF THE FIFTH WHEEL.
4. Disconnect air lines and open the fifth wheel.
5. Slowly drive tractor from under trailer.
Coupling instructions
Section III –
Inspection and maintenance
procedures
WARNING! Do not use any fifth wheel that has
damaged components or fails to operate properly.
Fontaine recommends that preventative maintenance be
performed after 90 days or 30,000 miles, whichever
comes first and every 90 days or 30,000 miles thereafter.
Note: P.M. intervals are recommended based on standard
duty applications. Applications more severe than standard
duty may require different P.M. intervals to ensure peak
performance.
Using a suitable solvent, degrease the fifth wheel and
mounting brackets and inspect for:
1. Cracks in the fifth wheel assembly, mounting brackets,
and mounting parts.
2. Wear and/or damage to moving parts.
3. Loose nuts and bolts in the fifth wheel and in the
mounting hardware.
20
Inspection and maintenance procedures
4. Securely fastened and properly working springs.
5. Check to see if both bracket pins are in place and
secured by retainer pins and cotter pins.
6. Free front to rear rock on brackets with greaseless lin-
ers. If the fifth wheel does not rock freely, remove the
top plate and inspect the bracket
liners. Replace liners that are broken or have worn
excessively. Check the bracket liner thickness at
every scheduled maintenance. Replace liners if the
thickness is less than .125" at the top of the liners.
7. Proper operation of the slide locking mechanism.
Check for air leaks in the cylinder and supply line.
8. Wedge stop rod setting: Close the fifth wheel using a
test kingpin (Fontaine part number KITKPT). Push on
the wedge stop rod.
(Extends from the side of the top plate and looks like
the head of a bolt). It should move in 1/4" with hand
pressure, then spring back. To obtain a proper setting,
turn the wedge stop rod clockwise to reduce the
dimension and counter-clockwise to increase it. Adjust
until the free travel is 1/4" (see FIGURES 16 and 17).
This will allow the automatic slack adjustment feature
of the Fontaine fifth wheel to function properly.
FIGURE 16 – No-Slack
®
6000/7000/7000CC/E7000/
E7000CC/H7
Wedge
Wedge stop rod
FIGURE 17 – Wedge stop rod setting
Wedge
stop rod
Close the
fifth wheel
on a 2"
kingpin
21
Inspection and maintenance procedures
Lubrication
Follow the instructions provided in the Pre-Service
Procedure on pages 5-9.
Periodically remove the fifth wheel to clean old grease
from the bracket grease channels to help insure an even
grease distribution of fresh grease.
Special precautions should be taken during cold weather
to ensure that the Fontaine No-Slack
®
locking
mechanisms operate freely. Ice and sludge can build up
and lubricants become thick and binding at low
temperatures. When the temperature drops below
freezing, Fontaine recommends a thorough cleaning of
the latching mechanism using a suitable cleaner or
degreaser to make sure that all moving parts operate
freely. Lubricate the fifth wheel prior to opening and
closing (see FIGURE 18 on next page). Grease the jaw
and wedge on top and bottom. Separate the jaw and
wedge with a large screwdriver and distribute the grease
along the full length of the jaw and wedge mating
surfaces. Open and close the fifth wheel several times to
further distribute the grease.
Fontaine suggests the use of a lithium complex
lubricant such as Nanomech: Ultra Red Trucking
Grease, Mobil: XHP 320 Mine, XHP321 Mine or
equivalent when applying lubricant. (Areas or regions
that experience extreme and/or prolonged freezing
temperatures should consider using a less viscous
lubricant such as: Mobil SHC-007, 90 weight gear
oil, ect. Doing so will help ensure proper movement/
lubrication of the latching mechanism. Fontaine
suggests contacting your specific lubricant
manufacturer for guidelines on coldmixing
compatibility of any lubricant.
In cold weather
applications please refer to technical bulletin TB-008
and LT-203. Technical bulletins are available at
fifthwheel.com under support menu
).
The regular performance of the routine, "90-Day/ 30,000
Mile Preventative Maintenance Procedure," is also
recommended.
22
Jaw &
wedge
Grease
fittings
Grease
fittings
Separate jaw and wedge with screwdriver
here – grease full length.
Clean oil/grease all moving parts (arrows)
FIGURE 18
Inspection and maintenance procedures
Jaw
Wedge
23
For sales and service locations,
additional copies of this handbook, or
installation instructions (LT-181) go to
www.fifthwheel.com or contact Fontaine
Customer Support at 1-800-874-9780.
©2016 Fontaine Fifth Wheel • LT-001 • September 2016
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Fontaine Fifth Wheel
7574 Commerce Circle • Trussville, AL 35173 USA
800.874.9780 • Fax 205.655.9982
www.fifthwheel.com