Disclaimer: 

The following information are intended to provide general knowledge and should not be used as substitute for proper training purposes. It is the employer responsibility to provide its employees with adequate professional training, conducted by a qualified technician.

Please use the following information at your own discretions and your own risk. The author/s of this article/s including all information published in this website decline/s every responsibility for accidents and incidents derived by the misuse of the publications.

Please read carefully your vehicle owner's manual before operating it and contact your supervisor if you have any questions and/or concerns. If you believe that your equipment does not operate properly, do not operate it, mark it "Out of Service" and immediately notify your supervisor.

The information presented below are sourced from the Fontaine website (Fontaine Fifth Wheel -- Heavy Duty and Weight Savings No-Slack Fifth Wheels ) and edited with pictures and comment resulted from the NAGE Local Union R4-117 investigation of a malfunctioning fifth wheel.

The Fontaine Safety Recall campaign applies to certain fifth wheel manufactured from July 29, 2009, to May 27, 2013.

As stated by the manufacturer, the causes for most malfunctions are related to improper maintenance and/or incorrect coupling/uncoupling procedure. Although a malfunctioning fifth wheel is highly uncommon, it is crucial for the operator to perform a thorough inspection of all its components and verify that a positive coupling is achieved before driving. Failing to follow proper tractor-trailer coupling procedure, may result in property damage, serious injuries and/or death.