freightliner CENTURY CLASS S Driver Manual page 172

Fifth Wheels and Trailer Couplings
Fig. 10.16. This will hold the control handle in
the locked position.
7.
Release the tractor parking brakes. Test for king-
pin lockup by pulling on the trailer against the
chocks.
NOTICE
Always make sure the connect-hanger/support
keeps the trailer air hoses and electrical cables
positioned so that they do not rub on anything.
Rubbing may wear through hoses or cables, re-
sulting in air leaks, or exposed or broken wires,
potentially affecting trailer brake or electrical sys-
tems.
8.
After lockup is completed, connect the tractor-to-
trailer air system lines and the electrical cable to
the trailer. Take care to prevent dirt or foreign
material from entering the air system lines.
9.
Charge the air brake system with air. Make sure
that the air connections do not leak.
2
2
10/26/2010
NOTE: Make sure the safety latch is down when the
control handle is locked.
A. Unlocked
1. Safety Latch
Fig. 10.16, Fontaine Fifth Wheel, Locking and
Unlocking
10.13
1
A
1
B
f310110a
B. Locked
2. Lock Control Handle
WARNING
Incorrect fifth wheel lock adjustment could cause
the trailer to disconnect, possibly resulting in se-
rious personal injury or death.
10.
With the trailer wheels chocked and the brakes
set, check for clearance between the kingpin and
the fifth wheel jaws by moving the tractor forward
and backward against the locked kingpin. There
should be no slack between the tractor and the
trailer. If slack is present, uncouple the trailer.
For adjustment instructions, refer to the appli-
cable manufacturer's service information.
11. Retract the trailer landing gear, and secure the
ratchet handle. Remove the chocks from the
trailer tires.
12. The load distribution on the front steering axle
and rear drive axle(s) will have a direct effect on
the steering control of the vehicle.
Determine the front and rear axle weights by
weighing the vehicle on scales designed for this
purpose.
The maximum axle weight ratings are given on
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(FMVSS) label or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard (CMVSS) label attached to the left rear
door post of the tractor. The desired load on the
axle is no less than 80 percent of the maximum
axle weight rating, but in no instances should the
axle load exceed the maximum axle weight rat-
ing given on the FMVSS or CMVSS label.
WARNING
Do not overload any tractor axle by improperly
loading the trailer. This could cause erratic steer-
ing and loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting
in serious personal injury or death.
Unlocking the Fifth Wheel Lock
Mechanism
1. Apply the tractor parking brakes.
2. Pull the trailer air supply valve to cut off the air
supply to the trailer.