Heavy Duty Trucking, July 2018
hanced a new technology enabled system that eases the coupling of a tractor and trailer along with the use of air releases to enable quick disconnects which has continued to grow year over year Jost International last year introduced a series of air release fifth wheels with sensor technology that allows the driver to confirm that the fifth wheel is safely and properly coupled The company says aerodynamic side skirts and other add ons make it difficult for a driver to access the fifth wheel for uncoupling and visually confirming a safe couple These are trends that Aaron Puckett vice president of regional sales for Fontaine Fifth Wheel sees as well We are seeing definite trends toward a preference for in cab air release options he says noting that this trend is also driven by driver retention issues Fleets are investigating inspection lights cameras and sensors he adds But so far most have not made any commitments on these new technologies based on the added acquisition costs s there any component on a Class 8 tractor less glamorous but more vital than the fifth wheel Well maybe the lowly wheel end But nothing enables the concept of a tractor trailer more than the fifth wheel The vital connection it makes between a power unit and a trailer filled with cargo is crucial to safe efficient and profitable fleet operations Fifth wheels have a brutal job They must maintain a solid physical connection between the tractor and trailer endure enormous stress and shock loads all the while maintaining full articulation to handle maneuvering in tight surroundings And yet despite the simplicity of their design like almost every other component on a tractor trailer fifth wheels are undergoing some rather dramatic changes The driver shortage is a prime motivator driving fifth design changes says Pat McNamara director of national accounts for fifth wheel manufacturer SAF Holland McNamara says as older drivers retire and newer drivers often without any previous connection to trucking enter the industry ease of use is becoming the defining characteristic driving fifth wheel design Even telematics systems are starting to come into play as fleets look for new ways to help drivers with the coupling process Our new Holland ELI te Fifth Wheel Coupling Assistant is a prime example of this trend McNamara says ELI te stands for Electronic Lock Indicator technology enFIFTH WHEELS Even this most basic of trucking components is getting a technological update By Jack Roberts Senior Editor jroberts@ truckinginfo com HDT JULY 2018 60 WWW TRUCKINGINFO COM I IN FOCUS PHOTO SAF HOLLAND
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