800-874-9780 • www.fifthwheel.com
12
©2019 Fontaine Fifth Wheel • LT-044 • 5M • January 2019 R25
What is the warranty coverage?
Fontaine’s warranty is for five years covering parts for material
and workmanship. There are a few exceptions. See our existing
warranty statement or call us at 800-874-9780 for more
information. Warranty document is at www.fifthwheel.com
(Choose "Support" and then "Warranty).
What is the recommended maintenance procedure?
Recommended maintenance is at least every 90 days or
30,000 miles. All recommended practices are located in the
Fifth Wheel Handbook supplied with every unit shipped or may
be obtained at www.fifthwheel.com (Choose "Support" and
then "Helpful information" LT-001 Instruction Handbook).
What if my fifth wheel is hard to open?
Make sure a pre-service lubrication has been completed
before unit is put in service. Make sure the driver is backing
tight against the trailer after setting the trailer brakes. This will
reduce any tension or pressure on the locking jaw and wedge.
DO NOT dump chassis air bags before uncoupling from
trailer. Make sure the wedge-stop rod is properly set to the
recommended gap. Make sure the truck and trailer are not
in a bind or twist (No daylight between top plate and trailer
plate). Check for any lower mount obstructions or interference
underneath the wheel. Check for damage to the fifth wheel.
Can I change the height of my fifth wheel?
Changing fifth wheel height can be as simple as changing
the brackets. It all depends on the type of application, style
of fifth wheel and the type of existing base. These factors will
determine just how high or low you can go.
How much wear is allowed for a kingpin?
According to SAE J2228 - Kingpin Wear Limits, if the upper
shoulder which is 2.875" new or the smaller 2" diameter is
worn more than .125 (1/8)" the kingpin should be replaced.
Does Fontaine provide a kingpin tool?
Yes! Go to "www.fifthwheel.com/wtb" to find out where you
can purchase the No-Slack
®
test kingpin tool near you (part
number KITKPT).
How can I tell if my fifth wheel is properly locked?
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, that the fifth wheel
is properly closed.
IMPORTANT: Improperly coupled fifth wheel may
in some circumstances be able to pass a “tug
test”. A visual inspection is always required.
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.
Helpful Information
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”.
No-Slack
®
test kingpin
KITKPT