• Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.
• If your transmission is equipped with
the Tow/Haul feature, use this feature
when towing. This provides engine
braking and helps eliminate excessive
transmission shifting for optimum fuel
economy and transmission cooling.
• Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.
FIFTH WHEEL OPERATION
WARNING: Failure to follow the
fifth wheel manufacturer’s instructions
for hooking and unhooking as well as
sliding the fifth wheel could result in an
accident, personal injury or death.
WARNING: When the tractor and
trailer are parked unattended, the trailer
brake hand control should never be used
to apply the brake, since air may leak
from the system, allowing vehicle
movement, resulting in possible property
damage, personal injury or death.
Before hook-up, make sure:
• The fifth wheel jaws are fully open.
• The fifth wheel is fully tilted back to
prevent body damage when the tractor
is backed under a trailer.
• You block the trailer wheels and adjust
and apply the trailer spring brakes.
Never chase a trailer.
• The brake hoses and light cords are
clear of the fifth wheel.
Hook-up
1. Back the tractor squarely under the
trailer, engaging the fifth-wheel jaws
on the kingpin. Always back up slowly;
make sure the trailer is neither too high
nor too low. Avoid backing under the
trailer from an angle.
2. Connect the service and emergency
brake hoses and trailer light connector.
3. Inspect the jaws of the fifth wheel to
be sure they have fully closed on the
trailer kingpin and the trailer plate is
resting securely on the fifth wheel.
4. Make sure the coupler release lever is
in the locked position.
5. Charge the trailer brake system. Set
the trailer brakes, with either the hand
valve or tractor protection valve. Pull
against the trailer for an extra check of
proper hook-up. Do not pull hard
enough to damage or strain the
equipment.
6. Set the tractor parking brakes and fully
raise the trailer landing gear.
7. Check the operation of all trailer lights
and correct any lights that may be
faulty.
Un-hook
1. Try to keep the tractor and trailer in a
straight line.
2. Apply the parking brakes.
3. Lower the trailer landing gear, making
sure it is on solid, level ground. The
weight of the trailer is to be on the
landing gear.
4. Block the trailer wheels.
5. Disconnect the brake hoses and light
cords. Be sure hoses and cords are
clear.
6. Pull coupler release lever to disengage
the fifth wheel jaws.
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Towing
