Fontaine Fifth Wheel introduced the Fontaine Ultra NS, which the company said is the first fifth wheel to offer infinite, automatic slack adjustment in order to provide a more comfortable ride and reduce component wear.
The Ultra NS features Fontaine’s patented No-Slack lock design. Slack, which is open space around the kingpin when the fifth wheel lock is engaged, causes many problems, including a jarring ride for the driver and increased inputs into the vehicle frame that can cause premature wear to truck components, the company said. The new fifth wheel replaces the jaw and wedge utilized by previous No-Slack locks with a cam and moveable jaw system. The cam “swings” the jaw into position behind the kingpin, where it is kept in place by constant spring pressure. That pressure, combined with various design elements, provides infinite slack adjustment for zero slack at all times, according to Fontaine.
“The lock on the Ultra NS fifth wheel also provides additional contact to the kingpin, helping to increase kingpin longevity,” says Terry Mennon, vice president of sales and marketing for Fontaine. “The Ultra NS has an automatic secondary lock and a positive lock indicator that provides a quick visual signal to the driver that the lock is properly closed. Like all Fontaine fifth wheels, the Ultra NS is equipped with a safety trigger that prevents high hitching.”
Because the Ultra NS fifth wheel self-adjusts to hold any size kingpin, it allows fleet operators to switch from trailer to trailer hassle-free. The new fifth wheel is also easier to open. Its pull handle has a shorter opening stroke to eliminate interference with fenders and tires, the maker added.
The compact Ultra NS fifth wheel is easy to maintain and rebuild, for reduced vehicle downtime. A low-lube lock is standard. Air actuation and a lube-free top plate are optional. The Ultra NS fifth wheel is rated for on-highway use in standard to severe service applications, with a 55,000-lb. vertical load and 150,000-lb. drawbar pull rating. It is cast steel and offers the same extensive mounting options as Fontaine’s popular 6000 and 7000 Series fifth wheels, according to the company.
