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CDL · General

When inspecting the fifth wheel, what should the driver check about its mounting?

Correct answer

That it is securely mounted to the frame with no missing, loose, or broken mounting bolts or brackets, and no cracks in the fifth wheel or mounting

  1. A Only the color
  2. B That it is securely mounted to the frame with no missing, loose, or broken mounting bolts or brackets, and no cracks in the fifth wheel or mounting
  3. C Nothing
  4. D Only that it is greased

Why this is the answer

When inspecting the FIFTH WHEEL, check the MOUNTING: it must be SECURELY mounted to the tractor frame with NO missing, loose, or broken mounting bolts or brackets; and there should be NO CRACKS in the fifth wheel itself or its mounting. CDL combination. ALSO CHECK: the locking jaws (closed around the kingpin shank after coupling); no gap between the fifth wheel and trailer apron; proper lubrication of the fifth wheel plate; the release arm/handle in the locked position; for a sliding fifth wheel, that it is locked in position. The fifth wheel bears the weight of the trailer front and holds the coupling — a cracked or loosely mounted fifth wheel could fail catastrophically. Knowing to inspect the fifth wheel mounting (secure, no missing/loose bolts, no cracks) is commonly tested.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual — Combination, Fifth Wheel Mounting Inspection

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