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Fifth wheel height

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Koren, Jul 23, 2020.

  1. Jul 23, 2020 #1
    Koren

    Koren Bobtail Member

    18
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    Dec 29, 2018
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    Hi, everyone. It's time for me to change a fifth wheel on my truck. One of the specs for that is the height from the truck frame to the top of the fifth wheel.
    Now, I'm hauling a dry van and when I'm passing 13'6 tunnels (Chesapeake, Baltimore), I always get an overheight signal. If I lower the fifth wheel from the cab - it cleares the height detectors but you obviously can't drive like that.

    My fifth wheel height is 8 3/4. They range from 6 3/4 to 9 3/4.

    My question is if I get fifth wheel with lower height, will it affect my truck in any way? Will it help me to lower the front of the trailer while operating? Any downsides to this?

    Where is the best place to get it? I have a Fontane brand - should I order one straight from them? Don't feel like going to Volvo dealer for that since they don't make them anyway.
     
    Koren, Jul 23, 2020
    Koren, Jul 23, 2020
    #1
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  3. Jul 23, 2020 #2
    uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Humboldt, Sk
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    I bought a used truck that use to haul tankers. It had a 5th wheel with a saddle height of somewhere close to 11", I was setting off warning lights at 13'9" with a dry van.
    Switched to a lower riser saddle height of about 7" . Now I was good for 13'6".
    Never had any other issues.
     
    uncleal13, Jul 23, 2020
    uncleal13, Jul 23, 2020
    #2
    Koren Thanks this.
  4. Jul 23, 2020 #3
    pushbroom

    pushbroom Road Train Member

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    Make sure the lower 5th height will still clear your fenders.
     
    pushbroom, Jul 23, 2020
    pushbroom, Jul 23, 2020
    #3
    Koren and spsauerland Thank this.
  5. Jul 23, 2020 #4
    Superhauler

    Superhauler TEACHER OF MEN

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    Jan 30, 2010
    keep stroking.
    0
    If you run half or full fenders the rule of thumb is to not have the fender height above the center of the pivit pins on the fithwheel.
     
    Superhauler, Jul 23, 2020
    Superhauler, Jul 23, 2020
    #4
    Rideandrepair, Koren, BoxCarKidd and 1 other person Thank this.
  7. Jul 24, 2020 #5
    Koren

    Koren Bobtail Member

    18
    1
    Dec 29, 2018
    0
    Thanks, guys!
     
    Koren, Jul 24, 2020
    Koren, Jul 24, 2020
    #5
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