CURTMFG.COM
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PRODUCT SUPPORT: 877.287.8634
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16315-INS-RA
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03/31/2021
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ECN8138
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PAGE 6
UNCOUPLING & RESETTING
Step 1
Park on a firm and level surface. Set automatic transmission vehicles to
park and activate emergency brake. Set standard transmission vehicles
to neutral and activate emergency brake.
Chock the trailer wheels. Multiple wheel
chocks should be used, both in front and
behind the tires. Do not substitute objects
such as stones, wood blocks, etc.
Disconnect all harnesses, lanyards, safety
devices, etc. as required to separate the
trailer from the tow vehicle. Lower or
remove truck tailgate as required.
Begin extending the front trailer lifting
jacks. The lifting jacks should be extended
just enough to remove the weight of the
trailer from the 5th wheel skid plate.
Note:
Creating a gap between the trailer skid plate and the
5th wheel skid plate is not necessary or recommended. If a
gap is present, it should be minimal and no more than 1/16".
Excessive gap while coupled can damage internal components
of the 5th wheel hitch as well as components of your trailer.
Step 2
With the trailer jacks down and wheels chocked, reduce any remaining
load on the jaws and kingpin by backing the tow vehicle up slightly
and pushing the kingpin completely into the opening on the 5th wheel
head. Hold the position by applying your vehicle's parking brake
before putting the vehicle in park and releasing the standard brake.
Step 3
Remove the safety lynch pin from the handle of the 5th wheel.
Unlock the jaws by pulling the locking handle out about 1/2" and
then swinging it forward until it latches in the unlocked position.
The red unlocked indicator will be visible from the cab.
Note:
If the operating handle fails to latch in the unlock position
while the kingpin is in the jaws, refer to steps 1 and 2 in the
'Preparation Troubleshooting' section on page 6. Never attempt
to uncouple without the handle being in the unlocked position.
Step 4
Remove the safety lynch pin (#9) from the handle (#4) of the 5th wheel.
Remove the parking brake and slowly drive the tow vehicle out
from under the trailer. If resistance is encountered, determine the
corrective action and repeat uncoupling steps.
As the kingpin moves out of the 5th wheel jaws you will
see the handle drop back slightly to the couple position.
The indicator will also change from red to yellow.
Your 5th wheel hitch is now safely uncoupled and
is ready to be recoupled the next time you tow.
Preparing to tow
Confirm handle safety latch pin has been installed.
Attach electrical harnesses.
Attach lanyard and insert electric brake break-away
plunger. If hydraulic surge brakes are present, attach
lanyard from the surge brake assembly as required.
Fully retract front trailer lifting jacks.
Close truck tailgate or reinstall tailgate as required.
Remove tire chock blocks.
Check running lights, directional signals
and brake lights for proper operation.
Pull forward a few feet and apply brakes to check that trailer brakes
are activating. Adjust the electric brake controller if necessary.
Pull test
After coupling and prior to removing trailer wheel blocks
and / or raising front trailer jacks, you must do the following.
Set towing vehicle in a forward gear and lightly tug on the trailer
to ensure that 100% coupling has taken place. If resistance is felt,
release forward pressure, set vehicle to park (if equipped with an
automatic transmission) and activate the emergency brake. Place
in neutral if equipped with a standard transmission and activate
emergency brake.
If resistance is not felt, trailer may not be coupled correctly. Do
not continue applying forward pressure, immediately stop and back
towing vehicle into original position. Do not allow the truck and trailer
to separate. Separation can cause damage to the towing vehicle,
5th wheel hitch and / or trailer. Serious injury or death may result
if all warnings are not observed.
Review coupling instructions, apply
corrective action and repeat coupling steps.
COUPLING & LOCKING (CONT)
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