Product Manual

COUPLING
If you are using a lube plate on the trailer's kingpin, you are
ready to couple the trailer to the 5th wheel. A single 3/16"
thick lube plate may be used. If you are not using a lube
plate, apply a high-pressure wheel bearing grease to the
5th wheel skid plate. Operating without a lube plate or
grease will result in accelerated wear and/or damage to
your 5th wheel's skid plate.
Never position yourself or others under the trailer's kingpin
area (danger zone) during coupling and uncoupling. If for any
reason, you must position any part of your body under the
trailer or between the truck and trailer or between the trailer
kingpin and 5th wheel hitch, you must follow the steps in the
'Danger Zone Precautions' on page 1.
Back-up the towing vehicle while remaining centered and
aligned to trailer's kingpin. The trailer's kingpin skid plate will
compress the towing vehicle's suspension and ramp up onto
the 5th wheel skid plate. Refer to Figure 13 and Figure 15 on
page 5 while observing the following:
- Trailer kingpin fully seats into opening on the 5th wheel head
- 'Yellow' indicator will change to 'green' indicator
(when viewing from cab)
- Operating handle will swing rearward
toward the trailer to the locked position
WARNING: Do not tow in this configuration. The jaws will
close, but will not lock. Follow the steps below to correct the
issue and prepare for coupling.
The red indicator signifies that the jaws are unlocked and the
operating handle is latched in the unlock position. (See Figure 14
on the previous page.) The red indicator will remain visible
if the jaws are unable to fully open and reset the operating
handle to the "yellow" couple position. Follow the steps below
to attempt to reset the operating handle to the couple position.
Step 1
Visually check for any signs of damage to the locking
mechanism. Ensure the jaws are open and the indicator, jaw,
handle and torsion springs are all attached and undamaged.
If any of the springs are missing or damaged, do not attempt
to use the hitch until it has been repaired.
Step 2
Ensure the locking mechanism is free of excessive dirt,
rust, grease, snow, ice or other foreign material preventing it
from cycling properly. Clean excessive dirt, snow, or ice with
warm soap water. Lightly lubricate exposed surfaces with a
rust inhibitor to restore proper operation. Components with
excessive amounts of rust may require replacement to restore
proper functionality.
Step 3
If all components are undamaged and can freely move, apply
pressure to the operating handle, as if unlocking, and release.
If the handle drops back to the couple position and the
indicator turns "yellow," you are ready to couple.
Step 4
If cycling the handle is unsuccessful, apply pressure to
the front of the jaw to manually reset the locking pawl. If the
handle drops to the couple position and the indicator turns
"yellow," you are ready to couple.
Step 5
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact
CURT Technical Service for further assistance.
PREPARATION
TROUBLESHOOTING
Red indicator with jaws open - Do not tow
Torsion spring
Jaw spring
Handle spring
Indicator spring
Apply pressure
to unlock handle
and release
Apply pressure to jaw
to reset locking pawl
Figure 19
Figure 20
Figure 21 Figure 22
Visually confirm the trailer's skid plate is resting completely
on the head of the 5th wheel. Also confirm the jaws are
indeed locked around the trailers kingpin. A gap may
indicate the kingpin is not engaged into jaws properly or has
high-sided and is resting on top of the Jaw. After visually
confirming the jaws are properly engaged and locked, insert
the safety pin through the locking handle to ensure it cannot
be unlocked while towing. WARNING: Never tow without
visually ensuring the kingpin is properly coupled and the
safety pin has been installed. This will ensure the handle
cannot be unintentionally unlocked.
If the king-pin is resting on top of the jaws, immediately
lower the trailer jacks to lift the kingpin off the jaws. Inspect
the 5th wheel for damage that may have resulted from the
improper coupling attempt. Under no circumstances should
the 5th wheel unit be used if damage exists. If no damage
exists, review coupling instructions and repeat procedure.
CURTMFG.COM • NEED ASSISTANCE? • 1.800.798.0813 • 16140-INS-RB • PAGE 6