Fontaine
®
Fifth Wheel Handbook
16
uNCOuPLINg PrOCeDure:
1. Prior to uncoupling, set the trailer parking
brakes. Back the tractor gently but tightly
against the trailer before setting the tractor
parking brake. This will help relieve pressure
from the fifth wheel locking mechanism.
IF THe TruCK IS eQuIPPeD WITH AIr rIDe
SuSPeNSION, DO NOT DuMP THe AIr BeFOre
OPeNINg THe FIFTH WHeeL. DOINg SO MAY
CAuSe A HArD TO OPeN SITuATION.
2. Block the trailer wheels. If poor ground condi-
tions exist, you may have to provide a base for
the trailer landing gear.
• Spring Suspension: lower landing gear until
it contacts the ground. Give a few extra turns
in low gear.
DO NOT
lift the trailer off of the
fifth wheel.
• Air Ride Suspension: lower landing gear
until it contacts the ground. Add one addi-
tional turn.
DO NOT
raise the trailer off of
the fifth wheel.
3. Disconnect the air and electrical lines.
4. Remove the handle clip and open the fifth
wheel.
5. Pull out slowly from under the trailer. Let the
trailer slide down the fifth wheel approach
ramps. This will allow the air ride suspensions
to adjust to unloaded height.
CAuTION: gOINg
TOO QuICKLY WILL CAuSe THe SuSPeNSION
TO BOuNCe, POSSIBLY DAMAgINg THe
TrAILer, TrACTOr FrAMe rAILS Or
SuSPeNSION AIr BAgS.
