curt E16 5TH Instructions D'installation page 4

PREPARATION
TROUBLESHOOTING
Red dot - Do not tow
WARNING: Do not tow in this configuration. The jaws will
close, but will not lock. Follow the steps below to prepare
for coupling. Jaws are open, but the lock bar is at extended
position and being held by flip lock. Red dot is visible
(cab side) through lock bar guide tube.
The red dot signifies that the jaws are open and the
lock bar is in its extended position. The jaws will close,
but will not lock, in this configuration.
Lightly pull the lock bar and release the flip lock from its groove.
Release the lock bar. The lock bar will retract partially inward.
Visually check that the jaws are open and ready to receive
the trailer's kingpin. The yellow dot should be visible from cab.
Flip lock seated in second groove.
Red dot will be visible from cab side
Lock
bar fully
extended
Figure 4
Out of sync jaws - Do not couple
WARNING: Do not couple. The jaws are semi-open and
interlocked/interlaced with each other. The lock bar is
somewhere in between full, retracted position and full,
extended position. This configuration means that the movable
jaw has become out of time with the second fixed jaw.
Inspect that the flip lock is hanging
free in its clockwise, rotated position.
Pull the lock bar to its full, extended position
and release. The jaws will re-time themselves.
Visually check that jaws are open and ready
to receive trailer's kingpin (yellow dot).
Figure 5
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Jaws open
Jaws are partially
open and interlocked
COUPLING
If you are using a lube plate on the trailer's kingpin, you are
ready to couple the trailer to the 5th wheel. Up to two 3/16"
thickness lube plates may be used. If you are not using a
lube plate, apply a high-pressure wheel bearing grease to
the 5th wheel skid plate.
Never position yourself or others under the trailer's kingpin
area (danger zone) during coupling and uncoupling.
If for any reason, you must position any part of your body
under the trailer or between the truck and trailer or between
the trailer kingpin and 5th wheel hitch you must follow the
steps in the 'Danger Zone Precautions' on page 1.
Back-up the towing vehicle while remaining centered and
aligned to trailer's kingpin. The trailer's kingpin skid plate will
compress the towing vehicle's suspension and ramp up onto
the 5th wheel skid plate. Refer to 'Cab View' on page 3 for
the indicator's location and to observe the following:
- Lock bar will fully retract into 5th wheel head
- Green dot will become visible (viewing from cab)
- Green indicator rod is visible in window (viewing from cab)
Visually confirm that no space exists between the trailer's
kingpin skid plate and the 5th wheel skid plate or between
lube plate and 5th wheel skid plate. If a gap is present, then
kingpin is not engaged into jaws.
Determine if kingpin is resting on top
of jaws and provide corrective action.
Inspect for damage to 5th wheel unit. Under no
circumstances should 5th wheel unit be used if
damage exists due to improper coupling.
If no damage exists, review coupling
instructions and repeat procedure.
PULL TEST
After coupling and prior to removing trailer wheel blocks
and or raising front trailer jacks, you must do the following:
Set towing vehicle in a forward gear and lightly tug on the
trailer to ensure that a 100% coupling has taken place.
If resistance is felt, release forward pressure, set vehicle
to park (if equipped with an automatic transmission) and
activate the emergency brake. Place in neutral if equipped
with a standard transmission and activate emergency brake.
If resistance is not felt, trailer may not be coupled correctly.
Do not continue applying forward pressure, immediately stop
and back towing vehicle into original position. Do not allow
the truck and trailer to separate. Separation can cause damage
to the towing vehicle, 5th wheel hitch and/or trailer. Serious
injury or death may result if all warnings are not observed.
Review coupling instructions, apply
corrective action and repeat coupling steps.