SAF XL-FW311 User Manual

FIFTH

4˝ APPROX.

INITIAL CONTACT OF TRAILER WITH
FIFTH WHEEL AT T HIS POINT

OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS

WHEELS

XA-2801-03185 Series
Elevating Fifth Wheel Top Plates

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Relative to tractor-trailer operations, there are other checks, inspections, and procedures not listed
here, which are necessary, prudent, and/or required by law. The following is in addition to these and
pertains to the fifth wheel only.

2. Perform these procedures in an area clear of obstacles and other personnel.

Failure to follow all the maintenance procedures contained in these instructions may result in a
hazardous condition or cause a hazardous condition to develop which, if not avoided, could

result in death or serious injury.

CHECK EQUIPMENT PRIOR TO USE

1. Make sure the fifth wheel is properly lubricated.

2. Make sure the secondary lock is disengaged.
(See FIGURE 1).

FIGURE 1

Manual
secondary
lock handle

Secondary lock disengaged

3. Make sure the fifth wheel locks are open.

4. Make sure the fifth wheel ramps are tilted down
as shown in FIGURE 2.

COUPLING

1. Back up close to the trailer, centering the
kingpin in the throat of the fifth wheel. STOP.
Set tractor brakes.

2. Block the trailer wheels, connect brake lines, and
set trailer brakes.

3. Check to see that the trailer is at the proper
height for coupling. (The front of the bolster plate
should contact the fifth wheel approximately 4˝
to 6˝ behind the fifth wheel’s pivot point. If not,
raise or lower the fifth wheel and, if necessary,
the trailer landing gear, to obtain this position.)

Fifth wheel locks are open

FIGURE 2

continued

XL-FW311-03 Rev B

COUPLING (continued)

LOCKS COMPLETELY CLOSED AROUND KINGPIN

View looking into the throat of the fith wheel

Bolster plate is flush
with the fifth wheel

4. Back under the trailer, engaging the fifth wheel
locks with the trailer kingpin. Pull forward to test
the completeness of the coupling as an initial
check. Set the tractor brakes. Next, visually
inspect the fifth wheel, as shown in FIGURE 3, to
verify that it is properly locked.

Failure to verify a proper couple can

result in tractor and trailer separation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.

FIGURE 3

5. If operation on public streets or highways is

required, the manual secondary lock must be
engaged. To engage the secondary lock, remove
the handle loop end from the parking hole in the
top plate and allow the handle to move in and
allow the secondary lock to pivot behind the
locking yoke, as shown in FIGURE 4. See the
warning.

6. Remove blocks. Release tractor and trailer brakes.

Raise trailer to desired height and move trailer.

IMPORTANT: Elevating fifth wheels in the elevated

position are less stable than standard
fifth wheels. To avoid rollovers, do
not travel at excessive speeds, and do
not make sudden turns or maneuvers.

Failure to operate elevating fifth wheel
in the down position will reduce vehicle

stability which could cause death or serious injury.

IMPORTANT: This unit is not recommended for

operation on public streets and
highways. When such trailer
moves are necessary, the manual
secondary lock on the fifth wheel
must be engaged (see coupling
procedure #5 above) and the
fifth wheel must be in the
down position. Limit speed to
45mph maximum.

UNCOUPLING

1. Position the trailer in the desired location and set
the TRAILER brakes. The TRACTOR brakes
should be released.

2. Lower the trailer until it rests on its trailer
(landing gear) supports. Assure firm ground
support for the landing gear.

3. Block the trailer wheels, disconnect and store air
and light lines.

4. Check to see if the secondary lock is engaged.
If engaged, release it by pulling the secondary
lock handle. To keep the secondary lock open,
place the handle loop end in the parking hole in
the top plate. This holds the secondary lock away
from the locking yoke.

5. While holding the lock control valve in, slowly
pull out from the trailer.

6. After driving completely free from the kingpin,
release the lock control valve.

FIGURE 4

YOKE

2

PARKING HOLE

HANDLE LOOP END “IN” ­SECONDARY LOCK PIVOTS
BEHIND LOCKING YOKE

SECONDARY LOCK

XL-FW311-03 Rev B