Fontaine Fifth Wheel has created the Driver’s Training Corner on its home page, www.fifthwheel.com. Driver’s Training Corner is dedicated to documenting the proper fifth wheel coupling procedures.
According to Fontaine, not all fifth wheels work the same, creating the need for improved training procedures.
“With the variety of fifth wheel designs currently available, it’s very easy for a driver to get used to one type of wheel, and then switch to a truck that uses a completely different fifth wheel with its own coupling processes,” said Terry Mennen, Fontaine Fifth Wheel vice president of sales and marketing. “It’s crucial that drivers be aware of and follow the proper procedures for the specific fifth wheel they are using on a given day.”
The site includes training materials on coupling procedures as well as videos and downloadable illustrated guides.
To properly couple using any fifth wheel, the driver must get out of the cab to visually inspect the fifth wheel at the start of the coupling process and again to confirm that the fifth wheel is at the proper height in relation to the trailer, Fontaine said. The driver should also take time to confirm a proper connection with no space between the fifth wheel and the kingpin plate on the trailer.
