Before proceeding with coupling and uncoupling procedures, it is important to thoroughly read and understand the instructions that apply to your refuse trailer configuration.

Charlie Benton

 For safe and efficient operation of your refuse trailer, the following guidelines should be followed when coupling and uncoupling your trailer from the truck. These instructions are a general description of proper coupling and uncoupling procedures for refuse trailers. We recommend that you follow your specific refuse trailer manufacturer’s instructions for coupling and uncoupling.

Coupling

  1. Prior to coupling the tractor to the trailer, chock the rear trailer tires.
  2. Line up the fifth wheel of the tractor with the trailer kingpin.
  3. Exit the cab and check the height of the fifth wheel. Verify that the nose of the trailer will make first contact with the fifth wheel just back of the fifth wheel centerline. Adjust the landing gear to achieve the correct trailer height.

CAUTION: If the nose of the trailer is too low, the ramming force needed to lift the trailer may damage the nose of the trailer. If the nose of the trailer is too high, the kingpin may override the jaws of the fifth wheel and result in fifth wheel damage or a “high hookup.”

  1. Back the tractor until the fifth wheel coupler jaws engage the kingpin. When the kingpin is engaged, pull the vehicle forward to check for a positive hookup.
  2. Exit the cab and attach air, hydraulics and electrical connectors at the bulkhead.
  3. Make sure the kingpin is locked in the fifth wheel coupler jaws and that the fifth wheel release handle is not pulled.
  4. Enter the cab and charge the trailer brakes with air. To check the coupling, try to power the tractor-trailer forward and back. The trailer brakes should stop motion in either direction.
  5. Exit the cab. Push the crank handle in to engage low gear and raise the support legs. Stow the crank handle.

CAUTION: After raising the support legs, fold and secure the crank handle. Leave the crank in low gear. If the gearbox is in neutral, or the handle is not properly secured, the support legs could drop during travel and cause serious damage to the vehicle.

  1. Prior to road travel, perform the Pre-Trip Inspection.

Uncoupling

  1. Set the trailer parking brakes and place chocks in front of the trailer wheels. NOTE: Though automatic parking brakes are required by DOT, the continued use of chocks is recommended for operator safety.
  2. Exit the cab and lower the support legs. Place the crank in high gear. Then tum the handle clockwise until the support legs contact the ground.
  3. Place the crank in low gear. Then crank the handle several turns to transfer the trailer weight to the support legs.
  4. Disconnect electrical connectors, hydraulic lines and airlines at the bulkhead.
  5. Pull and lock the fifth wheel release handle.
  6. Enter the cab and slowly move the tractor forward until clear of the trailer.

Before proceeding with coupling and uncoupling procedures, it is important to thoroughly read and understand the instructions that apply to your refuse trailer configuration.

Charlie Benton is Product Manager, Refuse Trailers for East Manufacturing Corp. (Randolph, OH), a leading manufacturer of a full line of aluminum platform, dump and refuse trailers, and steel dump trailers and dump bodies, for the commercial vehicle, construction, agricultural and refuse markets. East Manufacturing has provided innovative standard and custom trailer products that deliver superior performance, strength and flexibility for 50 years through its network of more than 70 trailer dealer locations. For more information, visit www.EastMfg.com.

*These coupling and uncoupling procedures apply to all configurations of East Manufacturing refuse trailers.

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