{"id":10732,"date":"2021-04-15T14:03:27","date_gmt":"2021-04-15T12:03:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/?p=10732"},"modified":"2021-04-15T14:03:27","modified_gmt":"2021-04-15T12:03:27","slug":"fleets-39","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/2021\/04\/15\/fleets-39\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology lends fleets a hand with fifth wheels"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Fifth wheel manufacturers and even tractor-trailer drivers are coming up with creative solutions to one of a fleet\u2019s biggest challenges: the uncoupling of trailers.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"content-body-21212263\" class=\"page-contents__content-body\">\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Semitrailer drivers have a lot of responsibility. No process is more important than the proper coupling of tractor to trailer, which includes proper inspection to ensure a safe connection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cSince the appearance and operation of fifth wheels vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, drivers need to be aware of what they are looking at during pre-trip inspections,\u201d says Rob Nissen, director of field services at SAF-Holland, a provider of fifth wheels, brake axles, tire management products, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Nissen says fifth wheels can easily be inspected for proper coupling with a three-step visual process:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Check for the release handle to be completely retracted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Check that there is no gap between the top surface of the fifth wheel plate face and the upper coupler bolster plate of the trailer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Make sure the fifth wheel lock jaws are completely closed around the kingpin.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cIf a visual inspection indicates that the driver failed to obtain a proper couple, open the fifth wheel, inspect for damaged components, and then repeat the coupling sequence,\u201d adds Aaron Puckett, vice president of fleet sales for Fontaine Fifth Wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">As important as proper inspections are, it is equally important for fleets to get it right when specifying a fifth wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cIt is a problem to think that any fifth wheel will work in all applications,\u201d Puckett says. \u201cFleets must specify the right fifth wheel for their application.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Puckett says some fleets also make the mistake of thinking the fifth wheel is the only component in the coupling process. In reality, coupling is the marriage of two components. Sometimes the trailer\u2019s upper coupler can be forgotten.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cIt is usually an 8:1 ratio out there for the number of trailers versus tractors, and that ratio has most likely increased since 2018,\u201d Puckett says. \u201cAn upper coupler that is out of compliance is a safety issue on the highway. Upper couplers should also be part of a fleet\u2019s inspection process. Upper couplers found to be out of compliance should be red tagged and repaired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Lack of maintenance, including pre-delivery maintenance, is another challenge fleets must overcome.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cFifth wheels are mechanical devices and should not be forgotten,\u201d Puckett reminds. \u201cThe product needs to be properly greased before going into service. Then, as they are used, fifth wheels should be routinely inspected, degreased, and regreased.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">SAF-Holland\u2019s Nissen adds another point about fifth wheel maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cBecause fleets often operate different brands of fifth wheels, proper maintenance procedures may also vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer,\u201d he says. \u201cIt\u2019s important to fully understand the manufacturer\u2019s maintenance recommendations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Sensors, alarms, and added peace of mind<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Fifth wheel manufacturers have been developing solutions to help fleets tackle their fifth wheel challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cAutomatic coupling systems are being developed, but this technology is still early in development,\u201d Fontaine\u2019s Puckett points out. \u201cCameras will also become more popular, just like you see in today\u2019s pickup trucks.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">As for right now, Puckett says sensors in fifth wheels are available and the cost to implement them is decreasing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cHowever, sensors do not replace the mandate from the Department of Transportation that requires the driver to do a visual inspection,\u201d Puckett is quick to add.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Nevertheless, sensors can play a pivotal role in helping fleets overcome the potential human error associated with tractor-trailer coupling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Fontaine\u2019s LST (Lock Sensing Technology) is one example. Fontaine LST includes two electronic sensors (kingpin and wedge) that communicate with an in-cab indicator to let the driver know when the kingpin is positioned in the lock. LST is designed to withstand rugged applications, featuring high-end components that are recessed in a steel-reinforced housing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Another example is the Holland Electronic Lock Indicator (ELI-te) designed for Holland FW35 Fifth Wheels. When a trailer kingpin is properly coupled to a fifth wheel with ELI-te, four high-intensity white LEDs illuminate the kingpin and lockjaws, making inspection easier. A failed coupling attempt triggers daytime-visible, flashing red LEDs on both sides of the fifth wheel to alert drivers that the vehicle is not ready for motion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Nissen says the addition of ELI-te technology does not unduly burden a service technician.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cThe ELI-te option features robust electrical components, including a sealed one-piece harness, long-life LED lights, durable inductive sensors, and a steel-encased logic module to ensure reliable operation,\u201d Nissen says. \u201cThe maintenance for the ELI-te is relatively easy. It requires minimal preventive maintenance with only normal cleaning and visual inspections of the wiring harness and sensors to check for secure mounting and plug-in connections.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Another example of how technology is impacting fifth wheel management is the mobile app developed by Fontaine Fifth Wheel. The app includes functionality such as parts lookup, truck spec\u2019ing, how-to information and videos, and troubleshooting support.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">One more layer of fifth wheel safety<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Sometimes the best innovations come from those who are actually using the products and doing the work. Wayne Craig is an example of this. Craig has been part of the Australian trucking industry for more than 35 years as both a fleet owner and tractor-trailer driver. Like many, he has endured his share of headaches with respect to uncoupled trailers. One particular instance cost him not only a full load of cargo, but also a lucrative contract.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cI realized then that I had to come up with a system that would prevent this from ever happening again,\u201d Craig recalls. \u201cI had an associate who was a boilermaker who helped me come up with a solution.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">That solution is the Sava Trailer Catchment Device. Pronounced save-uh, as in \u201csave a trailer,\u201d the device is designed to prevent trailers from uncoupling without interfering with the fifth wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cThe Australian government actually approved its use on prime movers [tractor-trailers] in just two days,\u201d Craig points out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Craig says the Sava Trailer Catchment Device is easy to use. First of all, the physical device simply bolts onto the tractor in front of the fifth wheel. The device is then wired into the truck\u2019s electrical system. When coupling a trailer, the driver pushes a button on the control panel in the cab. A green light illuminates while a buzzing sound begins. Once the driver backs under the trailer and connects, the Sava Trailer arm is raised to help secure the trailer in place. When the buzzing stops and the light turns to orange, the driver knows a secure connection to the trailer has been made.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">In an industry where many new drivers are coming into the workforce, a fifth wheel add-on like the Sava Trailer Catchment Device has many potential upsides.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cIt helps take the potential for human error out of the picture with trailer uncoupling events,\u201d Craig says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">In the unlikely event that an uncoupling does occur, the driver is alerted by an alarm and red light. However, the Sava Trailer Catchment Device prevents the trailer from going anywhere. The driver can either pull off the road to reconnect, or simply apply gentle pressure to the brakes so the trailer can slide back into the fifth wheel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Aside from ease of use, Craig says another benefit for fleets is how long a Sava Trailer Catchment Device can last.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cThe really nice thing is that if your Sava Trailer outlasts the tractor, you can just unbolt it and reinstall it on your next tractor,\u201d Craig points out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Craig\u2019s business partner is Bill Sharff who is based in the Philadelphia area. Sharff says he is currently in communication with leading fifth wheel manufacturers to discuss applicability in the North American market.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Fontaine\u2019s Puckett is optimistic that technologies such as these will have a positive impact on not only fifth wheel safety, but also maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">\u201cOur hope is that these products will help drivers couple properly so they are not damaging the fifth wheel or the trailer,\u201d Puckett says.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Staying on the topic of maintenance, Puckett says the industry\u2019s next step is developing a predictive system. There is the potential to better leverage sensors and telematics to convey real-time data so a fleet can better understand what is going on with the fifth wheel, helping to improve preventive maintenance. Coming on the heels of technological advances that are greatly improving fifth wheel safety, fleets can feel much better about what has been one of their biggest challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>By <span class=\"page-attribution__content-name\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fleetmaintenance.com\/home\/contact\/20987851\/gregg-wartgow\">Gregg Wartgow<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"posted-by\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fleetmaintenance.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.fleetmaintenance.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"g-cols wpb_row type_default valign_top vc_inner vc_custom_1585038969469\">\n<div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"w-post-elm post_content\">\n<div class=\"g-cols wpb_row type_default valign_top vc_inner vc_custom_1585038969469\">\n<div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"w-post-elm post_content\">\n<div class=\"g-cols wpb_row type_default valign_top vc_inner vc_custom_1585038969469\">\n<div class=\"vc_col-sm-12 wpb_column vc_column_container\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"w-post-elm post_content\">\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/consultancy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>CUT COTS OF THE FLEET WITH OUR AUDIT PROGRAM<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/consultancy\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5377\" src=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/04\/nueva-ley-auditoria.jpg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 858px) 100vw, 858px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/04\/nueva-ley-auditoria.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/04\/nueva-ley-auditoria-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/04\/nueva-ley-auditoria-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" alt=\"\" width=\"858\" height=\"572\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The audit is a key tool to know the overall status and provide the analysis, the assessment, the advice, the suggestions and the actions to take in order to cut costs and increase the efficiency and efficacy of the fleet. We propose the following fleet management audit.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/consultancy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong>FLEET MANAGEMENT AUDIT<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fifth wheel manufacturers and even tractor-trailer drivers are coming up with creative solutions to one of a fleet\u2019s biggest challenges: the uncoupling of trailers. Semitrailer drivers have a lot of responsibility. No process is more important than the proper coupling of tractor to trailer, which includes proper inspection to ensure a safe connection. \u201cSince the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":10733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[28],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10732"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10732"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10734,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10732\/revisions\/10734"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advancedfleetmanagementconsulting.com\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}