amount of pull needed for a 5th wheel handle

That would have to take for someone to use a portable fish scale to determine that. Not sure if anyone has ever had the urge to do that
https://www.amazon.com/American-Wei...ocphy=9007357&hvtargid=pla-305646077880&psc=1

 

Seems to vary. Even with my well maintained, new equipment. Usually it's very easy. Sometimes needs a very good pull. I am not in good shape at all and I can always manage. The key is the J bar. If I had to do it by hand it has proven impossible before (on previous equipment, as company guy). Proper tool for job is the key.

 

It also depends on the type of 5th wheel: Jost, Fontaine, etc. There are 5th wheels that require a minimum 20 hours a week in Gold's Gym, then others can be pulled by a three year old.

 

And it also depends on the temperature.
The colder it is, the more effort needed to get it out because the grease is very stiff.
And when it is very cold you will have to keep it pulled out for several seconds to let things slide into place.

 

Yeah but it’s an interesting topic you bring up though. Even though, 2 different 5th wheels will yield different results. Some trucker on here must have a scale. It would be interesting to see what the results would bring nonetheless.

 

I would say that on an undamaged fifth wheel, the minimum force needed to unlock a fifth wheel is about 30 pounds.

That is if it is perfectly aligned and well lubricated. The upper limit goes into the hundreds of pounds, to the point where you have to adjust the truck itself before you can release the fifth wheel.

I have two fifth wheel pullers. One is a short, light puller that I always try to use first. The second is about 2 feet longer and has a much more solid handle. I am a 270 lb man with good upper body strength. Every now and then I cannot get enough leverage to release a 5th wheel lever with a 4 foot puller and all my body weight, even if I jerk at it.