Fifth Wheel: The fifth wheel is the horseshoe-shaped coupling device mounted on a tractor that connects to the kingpin of a semi-trailer.
Why it matters to owner operators
A worn or poorly adjusted fifth wheel is a safety risk. Inspect the locking jaws and mounting as part of your pre-trip checks.
Example
During a pre-trip inspection, a driver checks that the fifth wheel jaws are locked around the kingpin and the release handle is secure.
Related terms
Equipment & Trailers: Looking for freight that fits your equipment? See the equipment types we dispatch. Talk to our dispatch team or browse the full trucking glossary.
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