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:
Includes additional information
to enable accurate and easy
performance of procedures.
Page
You must read and understand all of the
procedures presented in this manual
before operating or starting work on any
Holland 31 or 33 series fifth wheel.
location for future reference.
Proper tools must be used to perform the
maintenance and repair procedures
described in this manual.
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
regulations are followed by the
location where the work is
performed.
Keep this manual in a safe
In the United States, work shop
information that if not
followed could lead to
hindered product
performance.
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, could result
in death or serious injury.
Includes additional
Used without the safety
alert symbol, indicates a
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which,
Indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which,
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 trained
technician using proper tools and safe
procedures.
fifth wheel you must be thoroughly satisfied that
the fifth wheel has been
appropriately installed
on the vehicle.
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.
: Prior to operation of the
Failure to properly install
the fifth wheel may result in
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 listed in
the Owner’s Manuals for your tractor
and trailer 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 within the
maximum fifth wheel rated capacities:
55,000 lbs. Maximum Vertical Load
150,000 lbs. Maximum Drawbar Pull.
3. In on-road applications.
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.
: SAF-HOLLAND definition
Failure to couple with a
proper kingpin may
result in improper
coupling, allowing
tractor and trailer
separation, which if
not avoided, could
result in death or
serious injury.
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
Internet at www.safholland.us.
4. As recommended in SAF-HOLLAND
literature available at
www.safholland.us.
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.
1. Prior to coupling you must
inspect the fifth wheel and
mounting.
• Confirm that lube plates are in
place and firmly fastened.
• Tighten loose fasteners.
• Replace missing fasteners.
• Repair/replace missing,
cracked or otherwise
damaged components.
•FW33-Inspect fifth wheel
mechanism. Lubricate dry or
rusty components
• If you have a sliding fifth
wheel, make sure both
plungers are fully engaged.
• Inspect air line connections.
2. Tow-away operations which damage
or interfere with the proper operation
of the fifth wheel.
• Make sure fifth wheel is in
appropriate position for
weight distribution on the
tractor. For proper positioning
of the fifth wheel refer to
SAF-HOLLAND publication
XL-FW10008IM-en-US
available on the Internet
at www.safholland.us.
2. Make sure coupling area is flat, level
and clear of persons and obstacles.
3. Tilt ramps of fifth wheel downward
(
4. Make sure locks are open (
).
If locks are closed (if equipped with a
manual secondary lock, first pull
secondary release handle and hook
on casting (
handle all the way out (
), pull release
air release equipped, set tractor
brakes and actuate fifth wheel control
valve to open locks.
5. If locks are not completely open as
shown (
), check the
following:
TILT DOWNWARD
).
). If
a. Nut and washer at front of fifth
wheel are n
snug against the
wheel.
b. Release handle is in extended
“open” position.
If both of these conditions exist, you
can still successfully couple the fifth
wheel even though the lock jaws
appear closed. The movement of the
kingpin into the fifth wheel jaws will
6. Inspect leading edge of trailer bolster/skid plate. It must be free of any
square or sharp edges (
).
7. Make sure there are no bolts or nuts
extending below bolster/skid plate
within 152 mm (6.0”) of the fifth
wheel travel path while coupling.
8. The area supported by the fifth wheel
should be free of any large holes or
gouges (
9. Any access holes that the fifth wheel
passes beneath should have cham-
).
fered or radius edges.
10. Check that any splits from the skid
plate to bolster plate are welded
adequately, and that there are no
sharp edges or abrupt changes in
elevation (
).
11. The upper coupler should extend
adequately rearward to maintain full
contact with the fifth wheel during
tight turning. If it does not, at a
minimum, the rear edges should be
chamfered or radius edges.
CHAMFERED (Preferred)
OR LARGE RADIUSED
LEADING EDGE
20º
2”
MIN.
KEEP PATH OF FIFTH WHEEL FREE
OF LARGE HOLES & GOUGES
6”
MIN.
6”
MIN.
40”
KEEP BOLTS AND
NUTS CLEAR OF
THIS AREA
ACCESS
HOLE
12. Make sure that any upper coupler
residual grease is free of heavy course
MAKE SURE THERE
ARE NO SHARP EDGES
grit.
13. Ensure that the upper coupler fifth
wheel contact surface is free of rust
and is not painted. The area should
be conditioned with a rust inhibitor
NO ABRUPT TRANSITIONS IN ELEVATION
such as a light oil.
14. Verify that kingpin is not obstructed
by a kingpin lock or other security
device.
Failure to remove kingpin
lock prior to coupling may
result in improper coupling
which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious
15. Inspect kingpin for excessive wear
and damage (use Holland Kingpin
Gage tool TF-0110 ) along with
bolster bow (See SAF-HOLLAND
Service Bulletins XL-SB020 and XL-
SB033).
procedures for FW31
NoLube and FW33 Low Lube
fifth wheels is extremely
important.
these coupling instructions
may result in damage to the
lube plates.
: Following proper coupling
Failure to follow all of the
procedures contained in
TRAILER
(TOP)
KINGPIN
EXHAUST SUSPENSION AIR
BEFORE BACKING UP
1. Position the tractor so that the center
between fifth wheel and
trailer or damage to lube
plates may occur.
2. Back tractor close to the trailer and
3. Chock trailer wheels.
4. Connect brake lines and light cord.
5. Support slack in lines to prevent
6. Set trailer brakes.
7. Completely exhaust air from tractor
of the fifth wheel is aligned with
kingpin and back up straight
(
).
DO NOT make contact
STOP before making contact with
trailer (
).
interference.
suspension, ensuring that the fifth
wheel is below the contact surface of
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.
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.
14. Fully retract the landing gear legs off
repeat the coupling procedure.
Do not use any fifth wheel
the ground and secure the crank
handle (
).
SECURE
CRANK
Follow instructions published by
landing gear manufacturer for
proper operation of landing gear.
15. Verify brake lines and light cords are
connected.
16. Remove wheel chocks, continue with
pre-trip inspection.
procedures for FW31
NoLube and FW33 Low Lube
fifth wheels is extremely
important.
these uncoupling
instructions may result in
damage to the lube plates.
: Following uncoupling
Failure to follow all of the
procedures contained in
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
wheel locks.
4. Set tractor brakes.
5. Chock trailer wheels.
6. Lower landing gear until pads just
touch the ground (
).
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.
LOWER
LANDING
GEAR
7. Disconnect brake lines and light cord.
8. If equipped, pull secondary release
9. Pull release handle all the way out
10. Release tractor brakes and slowly pull
of the trailer.
handle and hook on casting (
).
(
). If air release equipped,
actuate fifth wheel control valve to
open locks.
forward 12” (306 mm) to disengage
kingpin from fifth wheel. Fifth wheel
should be between the front edge of
trailer and kingpin (
11. Completely exhaust air from tractor
suspension, ensuring that fifth wheel
is below the contact surface of trailer
(
.
12. Slowly pull away from trailer.
13. Air-up tractor air suspension to ride
height (
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
(
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
wheel to slide easier.
). (If manual slide release
EXHAUST
SUSPENSION
AIR BEFORE
PULLING
FORWARD
).
AIR-UP
TRACTOR
SUSPENSION
AIR OPERATED
MOVE CAB SWITCH
TO UNLOCK POSITION
Cab switch style may differ by OEM
design.
4. Slowly drive the tractor forward or
backward to position fifth wheel and
stop tractor at desired position.
5. Re-engage slide locking plungers by
moving cab switch to the lock position
(
). (If manual slide release
equipped, trip release arm to allow
plungers to retract.).
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.
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 (
Fifth wheel assembly has
Failure to prevent pocket
inserts from falling out of
.
RETENTION BOLT
TOP
PLATE
BRACKET PIN
RETENTION NUT
LOOK FOR
STRAIGHT EDGE
CONTACT HERE
2. Using a pry bar, pull bracket pins out
of fifth wheel top plate (
Using a lifting device capable of
3.
lifting 500 lbs., remove the top plate
from the mounting base. Place fifth
wheel on a flat, clean working area.
Follow instructions published by
lifting device manufacturer for
proper operation of lifting device.
Thoroughly steam clean top surface of fifth
wheel for visual inspection. Replace lube
plates if:
One or both lube plates is missing.
A straight edge laid across the lube
plate contacts any metal portion of
the fifth wheel surrounding the lube
20% (40 sq. in.) or more of lube plate
coating is missing from one or both
plates due to normal wear or damage.
FW31 and FW33 fifth wheels are both
equipped with NoLube plate inserts
that eliminate the need to lubricate
the fifth wheel-to-trailer contact sur-
faces.
Thoroughly clean the locking
mechanism every 6 months or
60,000 miles.
is necessary to get the
maximum service life from
your FW33 fifth wheel.
Perform the following
procedures at the intervals
shown.
FW31 fifth wheels are equipped with
NoLube lock coating technology.
The lock components are protected
with a low-friction coating which provides long wear life and corrosion
protection, eliminating the need for
lubrication. The locking mechanism of
a new FW31 fifth wheel assembly has
a thin layer of grease applied by
SAF-HOLLAND to aid the components
for an initial “break-in” period.
Grease will not adversely affect an
FW31 NoLube fifth wheel.
Fifth wheel lubrication
The FW33 locking mechanism does
require periodic lubrication.
Lubricate FW33 locking mechanism
every 3 months or 30,000 miles.
snowy or icy winter
conditions, lubrication
should be performed every
spring in addition to routine
lubrication (as noted
on the previous page), to
ensure optimum operation.
If your fifth wheel operates in
1. Using water-resistant lithium-based
Item 1
Item 3
).
grease, lubricate (
where contact is made with the locks
and casting, (
(
Items5
in and out of the fifth wheel casting,
(
Item 6
is made with the cam plate, (
release handle, and (
contact is made with the kingpin
(
) yoke shaft in area that slides
) secondary lock where contact
) yoke tips
) cam profile,
Item7
Item 8
) where
)
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
2. Using a light oil, lubricate (
cam pivot point (
Item 2
3. Lubricate (
Seez® only if necessary (
) lock pin with Never-
Clean and lubricate locking
mechanism if operational difficulties
arise during the service life of your
i.e.
fifth wheel (
coupling, uncoupling, or pulling the
release handle).
problems with
Fifth wheel adjustment should be performed at a minimum of every 60,000
miles or if excessive movement between
kingpin and fifth wheel is noticed when
between the tractor and
trailer can effect vehicle
handling.
could result in loss of
vehicle control which, if not
avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
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, pull release
Excessive movement
Failure to maintain proper
fifth wheel adjustment
To obtain proper fifth wheel
handle all the way out to unlock fifth
wheel (
) (if equipped with
a manual secondary lock, first pull
secondary release handle and hook
on casting). 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 (
).
4. With locks closed around lock tester,
position adjustment nut on yoke shaft
so that it is slightly compressing
rubber washer making it difficult to
turn by hand (
).
5. Turn adjustment nut one additional
full turn clockwise to further compress
If plungers do not release fully to allow fifth
wheel to slide:
Figure 39
Figure 38
Figure 37
NOTE:
Figure 39
Figure 36
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, perform the following
procedures.
1. Loosen lock nut and turn adjustment
bolt out (counterclockwise)
(
2. Disengage and engage locking
plungers. Verify that plungers have
engaged properly, as shown (
3. Tighten adjustment bolt until it
contacts the rack.
).
).
LOCKED
(ENGAGED
RACK
LOCK NUT
PLUNGER
ADJUSTMENT BOLT
PLUNGER
4. Turn adjustment bolt clockwise an
additional 1/2 turn, then tighten lock
nut securely.
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
(
). Re-install and adjust
the plungers as explained above.
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
greater, without compressing rubber
bushings. (
).
The pocket inserts are severely
chipped, cracked or gouged.
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
pocket inserts by pressing down into
pockets. (
).
1/2” MAX. (MEASURED AT EAR)
PUSH DOWN
DOUBLE-FACE
TAPE
REPLACE
IF 1/16”
OR LESS
POCKET
INSERT
POCKET
AREA
2. Using a lifting device capable of
lifting 500 lbs., install the fifth wheel
top plate onto its mounting base.
Follow instructions published by
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 (
Torque retention bolts not to exceed
The trailer may be too high; the kingpin
is not entering the lock properly.
Locks are closed.
Couple in accordance with the procedure in this
Owner’s Manual.
Lower the trailer in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions.
If equipped with manual secondary lock, pull
secondary release handle and hook on casting.
Pull release handle all the way out. If air release
equipped, set tractor brakes and actuate fifth
wheel control valve to open locks.
Locks may be open even if they still appear
closed. Check to make sure nut and washer at
front of fifth wheel are not snug against fifth wheel
and that release handle is in extended “open”
position. If both of these conditions exist, you can
still successfully couple the fifth wheel even
though the lock jaws appear closed. The movement of kingpin into fifth wheel jaws will allow a
successfully couple.
Accumulated rust or grime interfering
with the lock operation.
The lock is adjusted too tightly.
The lock may be damaged.
Damaged, bent release handle.
Damaged, bent yoke shaft from
improper coupling.
Bent kingpin, damaged upper coupler,
or improper use of “lube plate” may be
interfering with lock movement.
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 M
appropriate SAF-HOLLAND service kit.
Replace release handle using the appropriate
SAF-HOLLAND service kit.
The fifth wheel M
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
The tractor may be putting pressure
against locks.
Tractor too low. Raise tractor suspension to proper ride height.
The secondary lock is not released.
Accumulated rust or grime interfering
with the lock operation.
The locks are adjusted too tightly.
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.
If
up and lock open by hooking the handle on the
top plate casting. If a
for missing or broken parts and repair or replace
as required using the appropriate service kit.
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.
: pull release handle out and
: inspect
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.
Replace the cam and release handle spring using
the appropriate SAF-HOLLAND service kit.
The fifth wheel M
appropriate SAF-HOLLAND service kit.
The entire fifth wheel top plate M
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
Excessive Movement between Fifth Wheel and Kingpin:
MUST
Hard Steering or Binding:
FW33)
FW31
Lock Pins Raising:
POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
3
Fifth wheel lock requires adjustment.
Fifth wheel cannot be adjusted further.
Kingpin is loose. Repair trailer.
Kingpin is worn.
POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
3
Warped trailer upper coupler plate.
Follow the procedures contained in this Owner’s
Manual.
The fifth wheel M
appropriate SAF-HOLLAND service kit.
Check kingpin for acceptable wear with Holland
TF-0110. Replace kingpin, if necessary.
Check upper coupler for flatness and replace, if
necessary. Refer to Holland Service Bulletin
XL-SB020.
be rebuilt using the
3
POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY
Kingpin too short or improperly
installed “lube plates”.
Locks are too tight around kingpin.
Kingpin is worn.
Kingpin/Locks not lubricated well
enough.
Lock pins not lubricated well enough. Lubricate lock pins with Never-Seez®.
If issues persist:
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. Check if there is evidence on
bottom of locks of kingpin making contact and
“lifting” the locks.
Check lock adjustments in accordance with the
procedure in this Owner’s Manual.
Check kingpin for acceptable wear with the
Holland part TF-0110. Replace the kingpin if
necessary.
Relubricate in accordance with the procedures in
this Owner’s Manual.
Order lock pin repair kit with retaining rings and
shims, RK-07292-82 (F