Throughout this manual, you will notice
the terms, “NOTE,” “IMPORTANT,”
“CAUTION,” and “WARNING” followed
by product information. So that you may
better understand the manual, those terms
are defined as follows:
NOTE: Includes additional information
to enable accurate and easy
performance of procedures.
I
MPORTANT: Includes additional
information that if not
followed could lead to
hindered product
performance.
IMPORTANT: Keep this manual in a safe
location for future reference.
Proper tools must be used to perform the
maintenance and repair procedures
described in this manual.
NOTE: In the United States, work shop
safety requirements are defined by
federal and/or state Occupational
Safety and Health Acts. Equivalent
laws may exist in other countries.
This manual is written based on the
assumption that OSHA or other
applicable employee safety regula tions are followed by the location
where the work is performed.
potentially hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, may result in
property damage.
if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
if not avoided, may result
in death or serious injury.
Used without the safety
alert symbol, indicates a
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which,
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which,
. Model Identification
1
Fifth wheel serial tags are located on the
left side of the fifth wheel top plate above
the fifth wheel bracket pin, or on the
pickup ramps as shown (F
The part number and serial number are
listed on the tag as shown (F
Read and observe all Warning and Caution
hazard alert messages in this publication.
They provide information that can help
prevent serious personal injury, damage to
components, or both.
All fifth wheel installation and maintenance must be performed by a properly
trained technician using proper tools and
safe procedures.
IMPORTANT: Prior to operation of the
fifth wheel you must be
thoroughly satisfied that
the fifth wheel has been
appropriately installed
on the vehicle.
Failure to properly install
the fifth wheel may result in
tractor trailer separation
which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious
injury.
Refer to SAF-HOLLAND Installation Manual
XL-FW10008IM-en-US (available on the
Internet at www.safholland.us) for proper
installation procedures.
Failure to follow all the
operating procedures
contained in these
instructions may result
in a hazardous
condition which, if not
avoided, could result
in death or serious
injury.
These instructions apply to the proper
operation of your fifth wheel only.
There are other important checks,
inspections, and procedures not
listed here that are necessary,
prudent, and/or required by law.
Only SAF-HOLLAND Original Parts
should be used.
A list of SAF-HOLLAND technical
support locations to supply
SAF-HOLLAND Original Parts can be
found on the Internet at
www.safholland.us or
contact our Customer Service group
at 1-888-396-6501.
Updates to this manual will be
published as necessary on the
Internet at www.safholland.us.
1. For pulling trailers with standard SAE
kingpins which are in good condition
and securely mounted or locked in
position in the trailer.
2. To transport loads that are below the
maximum fifth wheel rated
capacities:
50,000 lbs. Maximum Vertical Load
150,000 lbs. Maximum Drawbar Pull.
3. In on-road applications.
IMPORTANT: SAF-HOLLAND definition
of off-road refers to terrain
on which a tractor-trailer
operates which is unpaved
and rough, or ungraded. Any
terrain not considered part of
the public highway system
falls under this heading.
result in improper
coupling, allowing
tractor and trailer
separation, which if
not avoided, could
result in death or
serious injury.
2. Tow-away operations which
damage or interfere with the
proper operation of the fifth
wheel.
3. The attachment of lifting devices.
4. The transport of loads in excess
of rated capacity.
5. In off-road applications.
6. Applications other than
recommended in SAF-HOLLAND
literature available on the
4. As recommended in SAF-HOLLAND
literature available on the internet at
www.safholland.us.
4. Fifth Wheel NON-Intended
U
se
1. Use with non-SAE kingpins, such as
kingpins which are bent, improper
size or dimensions, not secured to
maintain SAE configuration, or which
are installed in warped trailer bolster
plates, or upper coupler and fifth
wheel lube plates that do not
maintain the SAE kingpin dimensions.
Refer to SAF-HOLLAND Service
Bulletin XL-SB004-01(available on
the Internet at www.safholland.us) for
more information on fifth wheel lube
plates.
Internet at www.safholland.us.
5. Coupling Preparation
1. Prior to coupling you must
inspect the fifth wheel and
Failure to properly couple
the tractor and trailer may
result in tractor trailer
separation while in use
which, if not avoided,
could result in death or
serious injury.
IMPORTANT: Do not use any fifth wheel
that fails to operate properly.
Failure to repair a
malfunctioning fifth wheel
before use may result in a
tractor trailer separation
which, if not avoided,
could result in death or
serious injury.
12. Fully retract the landing gear legs off
the ground and secure the crank
handle (F
igure 11).
NOTE: Follow instructions published by
landing gear manufacturer for
proper operation of landing gear.
igure 11
SECURE
CRANK
13. Verify brake lines and light cords are
connected.
14. Remove wheel chocks, continue with
pre-trip inspection.
7. Uncoupling Procedures
1. Position tractor and trailer on firm,
level ground clear of obstacles and
persons.
2. Set trailer brakes.
3. Slowly back tractor tightly against
trailer to relieve pressure on the fifth
6. Lower landing gear until pads just
touch the ground (F
igure 12).
NOTE: Follow instructions published by
manufacturer for proper operation
of landing gear and ability to
transfer trailer weight off fifth
wheel. Do not raise trailer off the
fifth wheel.
7. Disconnect brake lines and light cord.
8. Slide release handle forward, pull all
the way out, slide handle forward and
hook on casting (F
igure 13). If air
release equipped, actuate fifth wheel
control valve to open locks.
9. Release tractor brakes and slowly
drive away from trailer.
8. Positioning Sliding
Fifth Wheels
1. Position tractor and trailer in a
straight line on level ground.
2. Lock trailer brakes.
Failure to stop and
properly lock the trailer
brakes may cause
uncontrolled sliding of fifth
wheel which, if not
avoided, may result in
component damage to
tractor or trailer.
3. Release slide locking plungers by
moving cab switch to unlock position
(F
igure 14). (If manual slide release
equipped, pull release lever.) If
plungers do not come out, lower the
landing gear to relieve pressure on
the fifth wheel. This will allow fifth
4. Slowly drive the tractor forward or
backward to position fifth wheel and
F
stop tractor at desired position.
5. Re-engage slide locking plungers by
moving cab switch to the lock position
(F
igure 15). (If manual slide release
equipped, trip release arm to allow
plungers to retract.)
6. Retract landing gear legs if lowered.
NOTE: Follow instructions published by
landing gear manufacturer for
proper operation of landing gear.
Figure 16
7. Verify that slide locking plungers have
been re-engaged by performing a pull
test . Lock trailer brakes and pull forward with tractor to make sure fifth
wheel does not slide (F
igure 16).
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the vehicle
if the plungers are not fully
engaged (locked).
Failure to properly engage
plungers into slide base may
cause loss of vehicle control
which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious
injury.
FIFTH WHEEL MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT: All maintenance must be
performed by a properly
trained technician using
proper tools and safe
procedures.
IMPORTANT: All maintenance must be
performed while the tractor is
uncoupled from the trailer.
Failure to properly maintain
your fifth wheel could result
in tractor trailer separation
which, if not avoided, may
result in death or serious
NOTE: Removal of the fifth wheel top plate
is not required for maintenance but
may be required when performing
repairs.
. Top Plate Removal
9
IMPORTANT: Fifth wheel assembly has
replaceable pocket inserts
installed between the fifth
wheel top plate and
mounting base. Take care
when removing fifth wheel
top plate not to lose pocket
inserts.
Failure to prevent pocket
inserts from falling out of
the top plate could cause a
potentially hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
1. Remove bracket pin retention nuts
and bolts from both sides of fifth
wheel top plate (F
2. Using a pry bar, pull bracket pins out
of fifth wheel top plate (F
3.
Using a lifting device capable of
igure 17).
igure 17).
lifting 500 lbs., remove the top plate
from the mounting base. Place fifth
wheel on a flat, clean working area.
NOTE: Follow instructions published by
lifting device manufacturer for
proper operation of lifting device.
Figure 17
RETENTION BOLT
TOP
PLATE
RETENTION NUT
BRACKET PIN
10. Fifth Wheel Lubrication
IMPORTANT: Fifth wheel lubrication is
necessary to get the maxi mum service life from your
FW17 fifth wheel. Perform
the following procedures at
the intervals shown.
Lubricate locking mechanism every 3
months or 30,000 miles.
Thoroughly clean the locking
mechanism every 6 months or
60,000 miles.
IMPORTANT: If your fifth wheel operates in
snowy or icy winter
conditions, lubrication
should be performed every
spring in addition to routine
lubrication (as noted above),
to ensure optimum opera
tion.
10.A. Proper Lubrication
M
1. Remove old grease and debris from
2. Using water-resistant lithium-based
3. Using a light oil, lubricate (
ethod
all fifth wheel-to-trailer contact
surfaces. Apply new water-resistant
lithium-based grease to all fifth wheel
-to-trailer contact surfaces (F
8 and 19).
1
grease, lubricate (
to-hook contact areas, and (
cam track (F
hook pin, and (
pivot (F
igure 19).
Item 1
igure 19).
Item 4
) release handle
igures
) swing lock-
Item 2
)
Item 3
)
igure 18
F
GREASE THE TRAILER CONTACT SURFACE
Figure 19
4
3
2
1
10.B. As-Needed Lubrication
Maintain lubrication on fifth wheel-totrailer contact surfaces. Use a waterresistant lithium-based grease. Clean
grease grooves if a large amount of
debris is present.
Clean and lubricate locking mechanism if operational difficulties arise
during the service life of your fifth
wheel (
Fifth wheel adjustment should be checked
at a minimum of every 60,000 miles or if
excessive movement between kingpin and
fifth wheel is noticed when driving the
vehicle.
IMPORTANT: Excessive movement
between the tractor and
trailer can effect vehicle
handling.
Maintenance Procedures
F
igure 20
PULL OUT ALL
THE WAY
SLIDE
FORWARD
Failure to maintain proper
fifth wheel adjustment
could result in loss of
vehicle control which, if not
avoided, may result in
death or serious injury.
NOTE: To obtain proper fifth wheel
adjustment SAF-HOLLAND
recommends use of Holland lock
tester Part No. TF-TLN-5001,
available from your local Holland
distributor.
1. If fifth wheel is locked, slide release
handle forward and pull all the way
out (F
igure 20). If air release
equipped, actuate fifth wheel control
valve to open lock.
2. Set lock tester on fifth wheel top
plate .
3. To lock fifth wheel, rotate handle on
lock tester clockwise (F
igure 21).
4. Slide the lock tester forward and
backward in the closed lock to check
for play between lock and kingpin.
Ensure that the tool remains flat with
full contact on the fifth wheel top
plate. Use pin gage to measure free
play. If free play exceeds 0.080”.
5. To adjust lock, unscrew the socket
head cap screw until the head clears
F
igure 23
the adjusting pin and rotate adjusting
pin counter-clockwise until the next
notch lines up with the socket head
cap screw. Re-tighten socket head
cap screw. Adjust only one notch at a
time (F
igure 23).
NOTE: If the screw cannot be removed,
remove the cotter pin from the
bottom of the adjustment pin, then
lift and rotate the pin to the next
notch. Re-install the cotter pin and
Figure 24
spread the pin legs beyond 20º.
6. Verify the proper adjustment by locking and unlocking fifth wheel several
times with lock tester. Check that fifth
wheel is properly locked (F
7. Rotate lock tester from side-to-side to
ensure that lock is not overtightened.
igure 24).
LOCK NOTCH
BEHIND RIB
Lock should not grip kingpin and the
tool should rotate freely (F
igure 25).
Figure 25
8. Disengage lock tester J-hook from
front skirt of casting and re-check for
Rotate
free play in lock by sliding lock tester
forward and backward using pin gage
to measure free play (F
igure 25).
Free play should be 0.040” minimum.
If there is still excessive free play in
the locks, repeat procedure and
adjust one more notch.
9. To unlock, push down on lock tester,
and rotate “J” hook under the fifth
wheel, then pull handle back.
NOTE: If there is still excessive free play in
the locks with the adjusting pin on
the last (third) notch, then the fifth
wheel should be rebuilt using the
appropriate SAF-HOLLAND service
kit.
Some Holland slide bases are equipped
with adjustable locking plungers.
Adjustment should be performed at a
minimum of every 60,000 miles or if
excessive movement is noticed when
driving the vehicle. (ILS slider plungers do
not require adjustment.) To obtain proper
adjustment, follow the following
procedures.
1. Loosen lock nut and turn adjustment
bolt out (counterclockwise)
(F
igure 26).
2. Disengage and engage locking
plungers. Verify that plungers have
engaged properly, as shown (F
7 and 28).
2
igures
3. Tighten adjustment bolt until it contacts the rack.
4. Turn adjustment bolt clockwise an
additional 1/2 turn, then tighten lock
nut securely.
I
f plungers do not release fully to allow fifth
heel to slide:
w
a. Check the air cylinder for proper
operation. Replace if necessary.
b. Check plunger adjustment as
explained above.
c. If a plunger is binding in the plunger
pocket, remove the plunger using a
Holland F-TLN-2500 spring compressor. Grind the top edges of the
plunger 1/16”, as shown (F
2
9). Re-install and adjust the plun-
igure
gers as explained above.
igure 26
F
Figure 27
LOCKED
(ENGAGED
RACK
Figure 28
UNLOCKED
(RELEASED)
RACK
Figure 29
Maintenance Procedures
PLUNGER
LOCK NUT
CHECK FOR POSSIBLE
INTERFERENCE
ADJUSTMENT BOLT
PLUNGER
PLUNGER
NOTE: If problems persist, contact
SAF-HOLLAND Customer Service
at: 1-888-396-6501.
The free vertical movement of top
plate on the bracket is 1/2” or
1/2” MAX. (MEASURED AT EAR)
greater, without compressing rubber
bushings. (F
The pocket inserts are severely
chipped, cracked or gouged.
igure 30).
PUSH DOWN
Figure 31
14. Top Plate Installation
1. If pocket inserts are dislodged from
fifth wheel casting, clean pocket area
of casting and apply a strip of doubleface tape in bottom of pockets. Install
DOUBLE-FACE
TAPE
pocket inserts by pressing down into
pockets. (F
igure 31).
2. Using a lifting device capable of
lifting 500 lbs., install the fifth wheel
top plate onto its mounting base.
NOTE: Follow instructions published by
Figure 32
TOP PLATE
lifting device manufacturer for
proper operation of lifting device.
3. Install bracket pins through fifth
wheel casting and mounting base and
secure by installing the bracket pin
retention bolts and nuts (F
igure 32).
Torque retention bolts not to exceed
60 ft-lbs.
The trailer may be too high; the kingpin
is not entering the lock properly.
Lock is closed.
Troubleshooting
Couple in accordance with the procedure in this
Owner’s Manual.
Lower the trailer in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions.
Manually pull the release handle out as far as
possible. Lock will swing open. If air release
equipped, set tractor brakes and actuate fifth
wheel control valve to open lock.
Accumulated rust or grime interfering
with the lock operation.
The lock is adjusted too tightly.
The lock may be damaged.
Damaged, bent release handle.
Bent kingpin, damaged upper coupler,
or improper use of “lube plate” may be
interfering with lock movement.
Difficult to Uncouple from Trailer:
POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
3
The tractor may be putting pressure
against the locks.
Thoroughly clean the fifth wheel and relubricate in
accordance with the procedure in this Owner’s
Manual.
Check lock adjustments in accordance with the
procedure in this Owner’s Manual.
The fifth wheel MUST be rebuilt using the
appropriate SAF-HOLLAND service kit.
Replace release handle using the appropriate
SAF-HOLLAND service kit.
Check the kingpin and upper coupler as detailed
in Holland Service Bulletin XL-SB020. Repair/
replace as required. Remove any improperly
installed or improperly specified lube plates.
Refer to Holland Service Bulletin XL-SB004-01 for
lube plate warnings.
Lock the trailer brakes and back the tractor tightly
against the kingpin to relieve the pressure on the
fifth wheel lock, set the brakes, then pull the
release handle.
Tractor too low. Raise tractor suspension to proper ride height.
The release handle is not pulled out
completely and hooked on the notch in
the casting.
Accumulated rust or grime interfering
with the lock operation.
Slide the release handle forward, then pull out the
handle, slide it forward, and hook it on the notch
of the top plate casting.
Thoroughly clean the fifth wheel and relubricate in
accordance with the procedure in this Owner’s
Manual.
17
Troubleshooting
ifficult to Uncouple from Trailer (Cont’d):
D
POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
3
The lock is adjusted too tightly.
The release handle will not stay out or
must be held out when unlocking.
Missing or damaged release system
parts.
Casting bent/damaged at throat area,
restricting movement.
Bent kingpin, damaged upper coupler,
or improper use of “lube plate” may be
interfering with lock movement.
Check lock adjustments in accordance with the
procedure in this Owner’s Manual.
The fifth wheel MUST be rebuilt using the
appropriate SAF-HOLLAND service kit.
The fifth wheel MUST be rebuilt using the
appropriate SAF-HOLLAND service kit.
The entire fifth wheel top plate MUST be replaced.
Check the kingpin and upper coupler as detailed
in Holland Service Bulletin XL-SB020. Repair/
replace as required. Remove any improperly
installed or improperly specified lube plates.
Refer to Holland Service Bulletin XL-SB004-01 for
lube plate warnings.
Excessive Movement between Fifth Wheel and Kingpin:
POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
3
Fifth wheel lock requires adjustment.
Fifth wheel cannot be adjusted further.
Follow the procedures contained in this Owner’s
Manual.
The fifth wheel MUST be rebuilt using the
appropriate SAF-HOLLAND service kit.