TM 9-2320-303-10
2-18.
COUPLE TO SEMITRAILER (Con't).
CAUTION
Be careful not to run kingpin up fifth wheel ramps as this can damage
kingpin and/or fifth wheel.
NOTE
· Truck and semitrailer must be aligned.
· Use a ground guide if one is available.
PROPER ALIGNMENT WITH SEMITRAILER
CAUTION
Fifth wheel lube plates and trailer kingpin plate must be clean and dry
prior to coupling. Failure to follow this caution could damage fifth
wheel and/or trailer.
b.
Slowly back tractor under semitrailer kingpin plate. Stop when kingpin plate is
touching guide ramps. Semitrailer kingpin should be centered as closely as possible in throat
of fifth wheel.
c.
Ensure that semitrailer is picked up with fifth wheel ramps. If kingpin comes in
too high, it will not engage in fifth wheel correctly. Adjust semitrailer if needed.
NOTE
One 12-volt light cable and one 24-volt light cable are stored in tool
box.
d.
Connect air hoses and light cables. Push semitrailer air supply control knob IN
(paragraph 2-2), open semitrailer supply valve, and set semitrailer control valve hand brake.
e.
If semitrailer is ABS-equipped, connect ABS electrical cable.
CAUTION
Backing SLOWLY helps to prevent hitting too hard in coupling and
damaging kingpin.
f.
Back up slowly until fifth wheel locks firmly to kingpin.
2-74
