Jost fifth wheel problem/warning

Had a broken spring on the release arm. Passed tug test, drove 1 mile, trailer came unhooked. I got lucky, king pin got caught by rear frame cross member, no damage, luckily didn’t rip lines off, and was able to very carefully get under it and get off the road, with trailer just sitting on fifth wheel unhooked. I repeatedly dropped and hooked it, visually checking the locked jaw, making sure handle was all the way in. Finally had it hooked , passing tug test, noticed this time it was only half latched. I swapped out Trucks. Today it’s repaired. New return springs. Double spring one small spring inside a larger spring. Very knowledgeable Mechanic says it’s fixed. I’m not looking forward to driving it at all. First and hopefully the last time that ever happens. Needless to say, I hate Jost fifth wheels. I suggest inspecting the springs if you have a Jost. Especially the small one inside the big one. It’s very hard to see. Trucks a 2019 w/close to 800k. I’d call that a maintenance item. Maybe replacing springs every 5 years as PM .

 

I don’t know. They said it was greased and easily locked jaws by hand. I see the sliding linkage is dry. It’s all locked in good. It’s been getting harder to pull release handle. It’s a flat bar, with a locking Z shape notching. Have to push up and forward before pulling handle. I complained last week. Asked for some WD 40. They blamed it on cold weather, thick grease. I almost sprayed it with diesel when fueling. I remember old timers doing that in winter. Decided it would make a mess. I’m obviously concerned about Liability. It’s not my Truck.

 

That’s what I wondered about. I know how my holland works. Jost website wasn’t much help explaining mechanism. I’m dispatched to Ga. 800 mile trip. I should probably refuse to drive it. Find another job if necessary.

 

I see the pivot points you’re referring to. Most likely the problem. Literature states to lubricate with penetrating oil.

 

. I told the Boss I didn’t trust it. I’m in a different Truck. Much better Truck. Makes all the difference. I’m looking for a back up plan. Tired of that piece of junk. I’ll quit if I have to. It’s just not a good time, but better than sitting in jail for manslaughter.