inspect fifth wheel
*check for damaged/missing parts
*check to see that mou8nting to tractor is secure, no cracks in frame, etc.
*be sure that the fifth wheel plate is greased as required. failure to keep the fifth wheel lubricated could cause steering problems because of friction between the tractor and trailer.
*check if fifth wheel is in proper position for coupling
-wheel tilted down towards rear of tractor
-jaws open
-safety unlocking in the automatic lock position.
*if you have a sliding fifth wheel, make sure it is locked.
*make sure the trailer kingpin is not bent or broken.
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INSPECT AREA AND CHOCK WHEELS
*make sure area around the vehicle is clear
*be sure trailer wheels are chocked or spring bakes are on
*check that cargo (if any) is secured against movement due to tractor being copled to the trailer
POSITION TRACTOR
*PUT THE TRACTOR directly in front of the trailer. (never back under the trailer at an angle because you might push the trailer sideways and break the landing gear.)
*check position, using outside mirrors, by looking down both sides of the trailer.
BACK SLOWLY
*back until fifth wheel just touches the trailer
*do not hit the trailer
SECURE TRACTOR
*put on the parking brake
*put transmission in neutral
CHECK TRAILER HEIGHT
*the trailer should be low enough that it is raised slightly by thet tractor when the tractor is backed under it. raise or lower the trailer as needed. (if the trailer is low, the tractor may strike and damage the nose of the trailer; if the trailer is too high, it may not couple correctly.)
*check that the kingpin and fifth wheel are aligned.
CONNECT AIR LINES TO TRAILER
*check glad hand seals and connect tractor emergency air line to trailer emergency glad hand.
*check glad hand seals and connect tractor service air line to trailer service glad hand
*make sure lines are safely supported where they will not be crushed or caught while tractor is backing under the trailer.
SUPPLY AIR TO TRAILER
*from the cab, push in "air supply" knob or move tractor protection valve control from the "emergency" tp the "normal" position to supply air to the trailer brake system
*wait until the air pressure is normal.
*check brake system for crossed air lines
-shut off engine so you can hear the brakes
-apply and release trailer brakes and listen for sound of trailer brakes being applied and air escape and released. you should hear the brakes move when applied and air escape when the brakes are released.
-check air brake system pressure gauge for signs of major air loss.
*when you are sure trailer brakes are working, start engine
*make sure air pressure is up to normal
LOCK TRAILER BRAKES
*pull out "air supply" knob or move tractor protection valve control from "normal" to "emergency".
BACK UNDER TRAILER
*use lowest reverse gear
*back tractor slowly under trailer to avoid hitting the kingpin too hard.
*stop when the kingpin is locked into the fifth wheel
CHECK CONNECTION FOR SECURITY
*raise trailer landing gear slightly off ground
*pull tractor gently forward while trailer brakes are still locked to check that the trailer is locked onto the tractor
SECURE VEHICLE
*put transmission in neutral
*put parking brakes on
*shut off engine and take key with you so someone else will not move truck while you are under it
INSPECT COUPLING
*use a flashlight if necessary
*make sure there is no space between upper and lower fifth wheel. if there is space, something is wrong (kingpin may be on top of closed fifth wheel jaws; trailer would come loose very easily).
*go under trailer and look into the back of the fifth wheel. make sure the fifth wheel jaws have closed around the shank of the kingpin
*check that locking lever is in the "lock" position
*check that safety latch is in position over locking lever. (on some fifth wheels, the latch must be put in place by hand.)
*if the coupling is not right, do not drive the coupled unit; get it repaired
CONNECT THE ELECTRICAL CORD AND CHECK AIR LINES
*Plug the electrical cord into the trailer and fasten the safety latch
*check both air lines and electrical line for signs of damage
*make sure air and electrical lines will not hit any moving parts of vehicle
RAISE FRONT TRAILER SUPPORTS (LANDING GEAR)
*use lower range (if so equipped) to begin raising gear. once free of weight, switch to the high gear range
*raise langing gear all the way up. (never drive with landing gear only part way up, as it may catch on railroad tracks or other things.)
*after raising landing gear, secure crank handle safely
*when full weight of trailer is reting on tractor:
-check for enough clearance between rear of tractor frame and landing gear. (when the tractor turns sharply, it must not hit landing gear.)
-check that there is enough clearance between the top of the tractor tires and the nose of the trailer.
REMOVE TRAILER WHEELS CHOCKS
*remove and store wheel chocks in a safe place.
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