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Upper and Lower Fifth Wheel

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by RBM, May 23, 2021.

  1. May 23, 2021 #1
    RBM

    RBM Bobtail Member

    5
    2
    Nov 12, 2020
    Knoxville, TN
    0
    I know this is a stupid question before I submit it, but I shall do so anyway. I'm green, new to the trade, and have an appointment with TDOT next month to get my learner's permit; so I guess I'm just plain ignorant. Oh well...

    So... I keep seeing the phrase "no space between the upper and lower fifth wheel." I thought the fifth wheel was that which is also called the "fifth wheel glide plate." And then there's this thing called the "apron" which I took to be basically a large piece of thick sheet metal upon which the kingpin was attached. As I'm looking around trying to figure this out, it seems that the apron and upper fifth wheel are the same thing; and the lower fifth wheel is actually the fifth wheel glide plate...?

    So to the question...What is the difference between the upper and lower fifth wheel?

    Thanks for any guidance you guys an offer.
     
    RBM, May 23, 2021
    RBM, May 23, 2021
    #1
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  3. May 23, 2021 #2
    Anywhichwaybutloose

    Anywhichwaybutloose Light Load Member

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    263
    Jun 24, 2017
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    Lots of different names.but it's this simple. Upper has the kingpin(trailer). Lower has the jaws(tractor). No gaps between these.
     
    Anywhichwaybutloose, May 23, 2021
    Anywhichwaybutloose, May 23, 2021
    #2
    AwakenedOne and Snailexpress Thank this.
  4. May 23, 2021 #3
    RBM

    RBM Bobtail Member

    5
    2
    Nov 12, 2020
    Knoxville, TN
    0
    That's kinda what I was guessing. Thanks so much!
     
    RBM, May 23, 2021
    RBM, May 23, 2021
    #3
    Snailexpress Thanks this.
  5. May 24, 2021 #4
    Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Aug 8, 2015
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    Sounds like you have a better understanding than those that write the test. Lol. Should read no gap between the Fifth wheel top plate, and the Trailer King pin apron. Or something like that anyways.Just make sure you don’t try to hook a Trailer that’s too high. Next thing you know, you jump the kingpin over the fifth wheel. Then it’s stuck in front of the fifth wheel. You’ll have to crank the Trailer up high enough to get out of it. Usually something you only do once. Lol. Make sure you’re actually picking the Trailer up, as your backing under it. Get out and check if needed. Raise the landing gear a little, if needed. Just thought I’d mention all that, in case they ask you questions about it. Good Luck. No such thing as a Dumb question.
     
    Rideandrepair, May 24, 2021
    Rideandrepair, May 24, 2021
    #4
    LameMule Thanks this.
  7. May 24, 2021 #5
    BigBob410

    BigBob410 Road Train Member

    5,665
    74,100
    Feb 2, 2016
    Beirut on the Bay, MD.
    0
    There are no stupid questions.. B693A0AC-38CD-471A-ADBF-CFC8B519300D.jpeg this is the bottom of the trailer and the fifth wheel. Where the arrow points is where they want you to be sure there is no gap.
     
    BigBob410, May 24, 2021
    BigBob410, May 24, 2021
    #5
    Rideandrepair, Flint1, Brettj3876 and 1 other person Thank this.
  8. Jan 23, 2022 #7
    PirateBox

    PirateBox Bobtail Member

    30
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    Aug 19, 2018
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    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    PirateBox, Jan 23, 2022
    PirateBox, Jan 23, 2022
    #7
    Rideandrepair Thanks this.
  9. Jan 23, 2022 #7
    Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Aug 8, 2015
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    Learn something every day. Never thought much about it. Trailer apron is the upper plate. Good info.
     
    Rideandrepair, Jan 23, 2022
    Rideandrepair, Jan 23, 2022
    #7
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