Contents

How do I measure a fifth wheel?...................................................................... Sec E: 2 What about cold weather?............................................................................... Sec E: 2 How do I find my serial number?..................................................................... Sec E: 2 Which fifth wheel is best for my application?................................................... Sec E: 2 Can worn bracket bushings be replaced under warranty?................................ Sec E: 2 How much stationary jaw wear is allowed until rebuilding the fifth wheel will not eliminate slack/movement between the trailer kingpin and locking mechanism?.............................................................................. Sec E: 3 How can I tell if fifth wheel is locked?.............................................................. Sec E: 3 What is allowed vertical movement between fifth wheel plate and mounting plate?........................................................................................... Sec E: 4 What is allowed horizontal (side to side) movement between fifth wheel plate and mounting base?.................................................................. Sec E: 4 What is allowed vertical movement between slide rail and slide bracket?........ Sec E: 4 What is allowed horizontal (side to side) movement between slide rail and slide bracket?........................................................................................ Sec E: 4 What is the recommended maintenance procedure?........................................ Sec E: 5 What is the difference between wedge-stop rod and knock-out rod?............... Sec E: 5 What if my fifth wheel is hard to open?............................................................ Sec E: 5 How do the primary and secondary locks work on the type of wheel I have? ........................................................................................................ Sec E: 5 Can I change the height of my fifth wheel?...................................................... Sec E: 5 How much wear is allowed for a kingpin?........................................................ Sec E: 5 How much wear is allowed on the bracket pins?............................................. Sec E: 5 How much wear is allowed on the bearing pocket?.......................................... Sec E: 5 Training........................................................................................................... Sec E: 6 FAQs

Warranty.......................................................................................................Sec E: 6-7

800-874-9780 • www.fifthwheel.com

Sec E: 1

FAQs How do I measure a fifth wheel?

How do I find my serial number? A

Old style serial number (before 11/27/00). Serial number located on small rectangular tag on front of top plate. Note: position 3 and 4 of the serial number indicates the year built. XXXXXXXXX

X

The installed height of all Fontaine models is measured from the top of the truck frame to the top of the fifth wheel. For standard models dimension “A” is a part of the model number. For example, if dimension “A” in this diagram is 7.75 inches, it would appear in the model number as 7750 (Example: SL7ATB775024). To determine the length of travel on a sliding fifth wheel, measure the slide rail and deduct 30 inches from the “X” dimension (for Xtra® heavy duty models deduct 42 inches). For example, if dimension “X” above measures 54 inches, deduct 30 inches, leaving 24 inches of actual slide travel. For standard models this dimension is a part of the model number: SL7ATB775024).

No-Slack® front view New style serial number (after 11/27/00). Serial number engraved directly into the right side of fifth wheel skirt. Note: position 5 and 6 of the serial number indicates the year built. XXXXXXXXX

No-Slack® right side view Serial number engraved directly into the left side of fifth wheel skirt. Note: position 5 and 6 of the serial number indicates the year built.

What about cold weather?

XXXXXXXXX

When the temperature drops below freezing, Fontaine recommends a thorough cleaning of the latching mechanism using a suitable cleaner or degreaser. Lubricate the fifth wheel prior to opening and closing. Refer to figures below. Open and close the fifth wheel several times to distribute the grease. Fontaine suggests the use of a moly-based lubricant such as Mobilgrease XHP320 or equivalent. Areas or regions that experience extreme and/or prolonged freezing temperatures should consider using a less viscous substance such as: 90-weight oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, motor oil, etc. Fontaine recommends contacting your specific lubricant manufacturer for guidelines on mixing compatibility of any lubricant.

3000 left side view

Which fifth wheel is best for my application? Fontaine has an application guide (LT-076) that can be obtained on our website or by calling Fontaine Parts Connection.

No-Slack ® (6000/7000/7000CC) Clean, oil and grease all moving parts (see arrows).

Can worn bracket bushings be replaced under warranty? Grease fittings

Kingpin contact area

FAQs

Jaw and wedge

No. Bracket bushings are a wear item and therefore not warrantable. The bushings are not a structural component. They help reduce negative load stresses that can be harmful to the fifth wheel assembly and keep the bracket pins from making unnecessary noise from vibrations.

Jaw

5092 See page Sec B: 5

3000 See page Sec C: 5

Sec E: 2

Wedge Separate jaw and wedge with screw driver and grease full length.


FAQs How much stationary jaw wear is allowed until rebuilding the fifth wheel will not eliminate slack/ movement between the trailer kingpin and locking mechanism on 6000/7000 series models? After determining the fifth wheel is in need of rebuilding, install the appropriate genuine rebuild kit. Using the following steps, test the fifth wheel: 1. Insert a 2" test kingpin or plug. 2. With the fifth wheel in the fully closed position, use the illustration below to determine if the unit is within usable specifications.

If gap is less than 5/16" at any point along indicated area, then fifth wheel must be replaced

How can I tell if a 5000/5092 wheel is locked? If the wheel is a No-Slack® 5000 or 5092 series the locking jaw and wedge should be across the throat of the wheel. In addition, the bottom section of the two-piece pull handle should be in and down behind the triangular piece located just inside the fifth wheel skirt.

NOTE: The two-piece pull handle dropping in behind the triangular piece

Closed

Pull handle Side view Pull handle

Fifth wheel skirt

Triangle piece NOTE: The two-piece pull handle not dropping in behind the triangular piece

Not closed

Pull handle Side view

Pull handle

Note: Bar is visible

Fifth wheel skirt

Triangle piece

How can I tell if a 6000/7000/7000CC wheel is locked?

How can I tell if a 3000 wheel is locked? Pull handle must be fully retracted behind skirt notch and secured in place using the handle clip.

Handle clip

If the wheel is a No-Slack® 6000/ 7000/7000CC series the locking jaw and wedge must be across the throat of the wheel. In addition, the pull handle must be within 1" of the skirt of the wheel. The pull handle should be used as a positive lock indicator.

6000 series shown

Not closed

NOTE: Gap between pull handle and skirt of wheel less than 1” Pull handle Fifth wheel skirt

NOTE: Gap of 1" or more between wheel skirt and pull handle Pull handle

Skirt notch

Fifth wheel skirt


Sec E: 3

FAQs

Pull handle

Closed

FAQs What is allowed vertical movement between fifth wheel plate and mounting plate? Up to 1/2" vertical movement is possible. This movement helps to reduce negative load stresses that can be harmful not only to the fifth wheel assembly, but to the truck frame also. This feature can only be found on Fontaine products.

Up to 1/2" vertical movement

What is allowed vertical movement between slide rail and slide bracket? Up to 3/16" vertical movement is possible. Any movement beyond the specified dimension may be due to wear or another issue. Steps should be taken to determine the cause. This dimension is to be used as a reference for service criteria only. For DOT out of service criteria, please consult the following website www.cvsa.org

What is allowed horizontal (side to side) movement between fifth wheel plate and mounting base?

Up to 1/4" horizontal movement between fifth wheel and bracket stand

What is allowed horizontal (side to side) movement between slide rail and slide bracket? Up to 5/16" horizontal (side to side) movement is possible between the slide rail and slide bracket. Any movement beyond the specified dimension may be due to wear or another issue. Steps should be taken to determine the cause. This dimension is to be used as a reference for service criteria only. For DOT out of service criteria, please consult the following website www.cvsa.org

FAQs

Rear view of fifth wheel assembly

Sec E: 4

3/16" Front view of bracket and rail

Side view

Up to 1/4" horizontal (side to side) movement is possible. Any movement beyond the specified dimension may be due to wear or another issue. Steps should be taken to determine the cause. This dimension is to be used as a reference for service criteria only. For DOT out of service criteria, please consult the following website www.cvsa.org

Up to 3/16" vertical Movement between slider bracket and rail


Up to 5/16" horizontal movement between slider bracket and rail

5/16" Front view of bracket and rail

FAQs What is the recommended maintenance procedure? For No-Slack and 3000 models, 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 by ordering from Fontaine. For 3000 models, lubrication is recommended every 6 weeks or 15,000 miles.

What is the difference between wedge-stop rod and knock-out rod The wedge-stop rod serves as a slack adjustment and a knock-out rod. A knock-out rod serves only as a emergency release in case the wheel should ever bind up. Both type protrude through the side of the wheel opposite the side of the pull handle. The adjustable type requires a 1/4" gap between the tip of the locking wedge and the tip of the wedge-stop rod when coupled to a 2" diameter pin. Proper adjusting can be achieved by turning the hex head bolt counter clock wise to increase the gap or clockwise to decrease the amount of gap. The 1/4" will allow the lock to automatically compensate for reasonable variances in kingpin wear. The non-adjustable type will resemble a rivet head or carriage bolt type head. This type is self adjusting and will stay in constant contact with the tip of the locking wedge when the wheel is in the closed position. Both of these are spring loaded and may be struck with a hammer in the event the unit will not release when trying to uncouple from a trailer.

What if my fifth wheel is hard to open? Make sure a pre-service lubrication has completed before unit is out 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. See troubleshooting chart on back cover.

How do the primary and secondary locks work on the type of wheel I have? The No-Slack® 5000/5092 and 6000/7000/7000CC model wheels carry the similar primary locks. The primary lock is the jaw and wedge itself. Between the mating surfaces of the two are small serrations. The geometry of the serrations keeps the wheel from being able to come open when the wheel is in the fully closed position. 5000/5092 models carry a two-piece pull handle in which the bottom section when fully closed will drop in and down behind a small triangular piece located just inside the skirt of the wheel. This serves as a secondary lock. 6000/7000/7000CC models have a slightly different feature to serve as a secondary lock. A rotating latch located on the front on the operating handle serves as a positive stop which will only release when activated by the pull handle. The use of the pull handle allows the latch to rotate enough to bypass its stop and open the wheel. If the pull handle is against the skirt of the wheel after coupling the secondary latch should be engaged. ALWAYS BE SURE TO CHECK THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LOCKS AFTER COUPLING.

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? Worn kingpins can cause various problems. It is recommended that kingpins with .080" of wear (1.920” minimum diameter) be refurbished or replaced because of the potential premature wear or damage that the wheel may incur. DOT out of service criteria is .125" (1.875” minimum diameter). Order kingpin gauge part # MSC-GAUGE.

How much wear is allowed on the bracket pins? Any visible wear that allows the fifth wheel to exceed the 1/2" maximum vertical movement between the wheel and base stand or any apparent deformation or material separation requires the pins to be replaced.

How much wear is allowed on the bearing pocket?


Worn pocket channel Sec E: 5

FAQs

If wear is evident at any point in the bearing pocket channel that does now allow lubricant to flow evenly, then steps should be taken to ensure the unit is discarded. Failure to do so will cause damage to Good the mounting bracket stands. pocket channel

Training/Warranty • Hands on training – Call to schedule! Includes rebuild, adjustment and general operation of fifth wheel. Also includes maintenance, safety and driver classes. • Training CD’s – Covering all aspects of fifth wheel plus proper coupling/uncoupling instructions. • Website training – Ability to log on to Fontaine web site and access Q&A tests designed to measure product knowledge level. Feedback from tests help create a more focused training program. • Web-based training

No-Slack® Limited Warranty Basic Limited Warranty

FAQs

Fontaine International, Inc. (Fontaine) warrants each No-Slack® (5092, 6000, 7000 and 7000 Clean Connect series) fifth wheel sold in North American on or after January 1, 2004 to be free from defects in material and workmanship for five years from date of sale, but does not cover failures due to:

than 30 miles between each stop, (ii) the vehicle does not exceed a gross combined vehicle weight of 95,000 lbs. (43,000 kilograms), (iii) the total number of towed axles does not exceed two and (iv) the road type is maintained concrete or asphalt.

the original suggested retail price. Further, Fontaine will cover labor cost in repairing the fifth wheel as long as the labor rate is reasonable and the repair time does not exceed Fontaine’s Standard Rate Time chart. Fontaine may require the unit or part to be returned to Fontaine’s factory or a Fontaine authorized representative for evaluation. All freight to and from Fontaine or a Fontaine authorized representative must be prepaid.

Fontaine warrants that each fifth wheel covered hereunder shall operate as described in the Fontaine Instruction Handbook, and the locking 1. Use in loads that are beyond federal, state mechanism (jaw & wedge) will wear properly on the and provincial highway limits or in special trailer kingpin when the fifth wheel is adjusted in This is Fontaine’s only warranty. Fontaine overweight load permits. accordance with the manufactures specifications. makes no other warranty of any kind, 2. Improper installation of fifth wheel. expressed or implied. All implied warranties or 3. Normal wear. Fontaine fifth wheels are designed and merchantability and/or fitness for a particular 4. Accident. manufactured for use with SAE 2" trailer kingpins purpose are hereby disclaimed by Fontaine 5. Improper application. that conform to SAE specification (SAE J700, and excluded. This Limited Warranty may not be 6. Misuse, alteration or negligence. February 1993) and are subject to the wear limits changed except in writing by an authorized officer 7. Failure to properly maintain the fifth wheel. of SAE specification (SAE J2228, June 1993). of Fontaine. Any action for any alleged breach of 8. Inadequate repairs or alterations that, in this Limited Warranty must be commenced within Low Lube Specific Warranty Fontaine’s judgment, adversely affect the fifth one year after such alleged breach occurred or wheel’s performance or reliability. Fifth wheel lube free components are warranted shall be forever barred. for two years unlimited mileage per "standard duty Fontaine cannot guarantee the service life of The remedies stated above shall be exclusive for application" requirements as listed. any fifth wheel since service life can vary with any and all claims by the original user, or anybody application, usage, maintenance, environment, Replacement of Parts and Repairs claiming through the original user, against Fontaine, and other factors beyond Fontaine’s control. whether based on contract, negligence, tort, or any Authorization from Fontaine must be obtained Limited Performance Warranty other theory. In no event shall Fontaine be liable before replacing or returning any part under this for any incidental or consequential damages, Limited Warranty. Fontaine warrants the performance of each losses, or expenses. No-Slack® (5092, 6000, 7000 and 7000 Clean If the fifth wheel does not perform as warranted in Connect series) fifth wheel sold in North America on this Limited Warranty, or if there is any defect in the This limited warranty gives the buyer specific legal or after January 1, 2004 that is used in a “standard material or workmanship covered by this Limited rights, and buyer may also have other rights, which duty application” for five years from the date of may vary depending on the state, province or Warranty, Fontaine will, at its option, provide the sale. A “standard duty application” requires that (i) buyer with parts or reimburse the buyer for parts at country where the truck is registered. the vehicle is used 100% on highways with more its reasonable acquisition cost, up to the amount of

Sec E: 6


Warranty 3000 Series Limited Warranty Basic Limited Warranty Fontaine International, Inc. (Fontaine) warrants each 3000 series fifth wheel to be free from defects in material and workmanship for five years from date of sale, but does not cover failures due to: 1. Use with loads greater than the rated fifth wheel capacity. 2. Use in loads that are beyond federal, state and provincial highway limits, or in special overweight load permits. 3. Improper installation of fifth wheel (see the Fontaine 3000 Series Instruction Handbook for proper installation procedures – booklet LT-103). 4. Normal wear. 5. Accident. 6. Improper application. 7. Misuse, alteration or negligence. 8. Failure to properly maintain the fifth wheel (see the Fontaine 3000 Series Instruction Handbook for proper installation procedures – booklet LT-103). 9. Inadequate repairs or alterations that, in Fontaine’s judgment, adversely affects the fifth wheel’s performance or reliability. Fontaine cannot guarantee the service life of any fifth wheel since service life can vary with application, usage, maintenance, environment, and other factors beyond Fontaine’s control. Limited Performance Warranty Fontaine warrants the performance of each 3000 series fifth wheel that is used in a “standard duty application,” for five years from the date of sale. A “standard duty application”

requires that (i) the vehicle is used 100% on highways with more than 30 miles (48.3km) between each stop, (ii) the vehicle does not exceed a gross combined vehicle weight of 95,000 lbs. (43,000 kilograms), (iii) the total number of towed axles does not exceed two and (iv) the road type is maintained concrete or asphalt. Fontaine warrants that each fifth wheel covered hereunder shall operate as described in the Fontaine Instruction Handbook, and the locking mechanism (rotating locking jaw and locking wedge) will wear properly on the trailer kingpin when the fifth wheel is adjusted in accordance with the manufacturers specifications (see LT-103 Handbook). Fontaine wheels are designed and manufactured for use with SAE 2" (50.8mm) trailer kingpins that conform to SAE specification (SAE J700, February 1993) and are subject to the wear limits of SAE specification (SAE J2228, June 1993). Replacement of Parts and Repairs Authorization from Fontaine must be obtained before replacing or returning any part under this Limited Warranty. If the fifth wheel does not perform as warranted in this Limited Warranty, or if there is any defect in the material or workmanship covered by this Limited Warranty, Fontaine will, at its option, provide buyer with parts or reimburse the buyer for parts at its reasonable acquisition cost, up to the amount of the original suggested retail price. Further, Fontaine will cover labor cost in repairing the fifth wheel as long as the labor rate is reasonable and the repair time does not exceed Fontaine’s Standard Rate Time chart.

Fontaine may require the unit or part to be returned to Fontaine’s factory or a Fontaine authorized representative for evaluation. All freight to and from Fontaine or a Fontaine authorized representative must be prepaid. This is Fontaine’s only warranty. Fontaine makes no other warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. All implied warranties or merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose are hereby disclaimed by Fontaine and excluded. This Limited Warranty may not be changed except in writing by an authorized officer of Fontaine. Any action for any alleged breach of this Limited Warranty must be commenced within one year after such alleged breach occurred or shall be forever barred. The remedies stated above shall be exclusive for any and all claims by the original user, or anybody claiming through the original user, against Fontaine, whether based on contract, negligence, tort, or any other theory. In no event shall Fontaine be liable for any incidental or consequential damages, losses, or expenses. This limited warranty gives the buyer specific legal rights, and buyer may also have other rights, which may vary depending on the state, province or country where the truck is registered. Note: This warranty is subject to revision without notice.

FAQs


Sec E: 7

Patented secondary lock provides added safety and security

Patented safety trigger eliminates high-hitching to reduce tractor, trailer and tire damage

Patented No-Slack lock is selfadjusting to give you a snug, secure connection every time you couple ®

StraightShot™ pull handle is the easiest to operate in the industry– no complicated opening sequence to remember

Steel construction with 28% larger surface contact area for greater strength and stability

Optional in-cab air release only opens when the parking brake is set

FAQs

Clean Connect™ reduces friction between the top plate and the trailer plate which improves steering and increases tire life (available on 7000CC series)

Sec E: 8


Contents

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