Fifth Wheel Height

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by kwt600a, Jun 27, 2012.

  1. kwt600a

    kwt600a Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Dec 12, 2011
    Hackensack, NJ
    0
    Hi everyone

    Need some opinions.

    Have a 2000 Western Star 4964 EX that was used for pulling dump trailers hauling trash. The fifth wheel height is at 49" and the truck rides on 11R 24.5 tires, low profile 5th wheel. The carriers i have contacted for work say they don't see a problem with 49" height. However, the majority of the trucks pulling vans have the 5th wheel set at 48". All it takes is that 1" to have a problem. I'm concerned about dropping the airbags 1" as it also lowers the bottom of the trailer closer to the tires and in the event of a steep alley dock, the trailer could rest on the tires.

    Does anyone pull vans with a 49" fifth wheel height?

    Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks.
     
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  3. PayCheck

    PayCheck Medium Load Member

    634
    359
    Jan 21, 2012
    ca
    0
    The truck I'm driving right now has a 49 fifth wheel. It's never been a problem for me yet, I've not yet had to drop in a steep dock. The way I would do it is check and see if it's touching the tiers, and if is air back up the bags and drop the trailer a little high.

    It's more of a problem for the guy picking up the trailer you dropped. When you drop a trailer make sure the landing gear is just touching the pavement and then dump your air bags. Otherwise someone won't check and they will high hook.
     
  4. hhmag70

    hhmag70 Light Load Member

    103
    59
    Mar 18, 2012
    Trevorton,Pa
    0
    I have a high 5th wheel and have to be careful to leave a space between the ground and landing gear when dropping trailers as all the other trucks sit lower. Of course, when the other drivers drop a little low it makes it tough to get under the trailer sometimes. The only problem I have had when pulling a van is on the OH t-pike when it flagged me for being too tall and I had to circle back around and approach again with my bags dumped entering the lane to the booth.
     
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