Maintaining fifth wheels
Fifth wheels are almost maintenance-free, but there are a few critical points to keeping them in good shape.
Kenworth’s slider system offers weight savings on fifth wheels
Kenworth Truck Co. offers the Holland Integrated Low-Weight Slider System with any single suspension, or with any tandem suspension up to a 40,000-lb. rating on selected Kenworth Class 8 models. It provides an average weight savings of 30 lbs. over traditional fifth wheel slider assemblies.
RealWheels Valve Stem Extension Stabilizers now available
Valve Stem Extension Stabilizers, available in 2-in., 2.5-in. or 2.8-in. sizes, help prevent damage to extensions caused by the rubbing of the extension against the aluminum wheel. Also available but sold separately, the company’s LED TireWatch Monitors help maintain safe tire pressure by providing a quick, easy visual inspection of each tire, alerting the driver of pressure variations with a bright red LED light, the maker noted.
How fifth wheels have advanced over the last century
Making and keeping good connections means you need the right fifth wheel for the job.
Wide-base wheels save fuel
According to the EPA SmartWay Partnership program data, tire rolling resistance accounts for nearly 13% of truck energy use. Most combination trucks have dual tire assemblies on the drive and trailer axles, with two sets of wheels and tires at each end of an axle. This configuration increases rolling resistance and weight, compared to single
Rush Truck Centers put wheels in motion at college
Rush Truck Center – Laredo, owned and operated by Rush Enterprises, donated a Peterbilt tractor with a Utility trailer to Laredo Community College so the school can launch a Professional Truck Driving Training Program and upgrade its Diesel Engine Mechanics and Repair Program training curriculum at its South Campus in the spring of 2011.
Wheels & wheel ends
Safe operation requires thorough examination of wheels and attaching hardware, at frequent intervals, both on and off the vehicle.
Weight Control: tires & wheels
Leveraging lighter weight components to gain fuel efficiency just
makes good sense.
Ready fifth wheels for winter
Fifth wheel manufacturer Fontaine International recommends that fleets take special precautions during cold weather to ensure that their trucks’ fifth wheels continue to operate properly. Most fleets are already aware that many lubricants become thick and binding in low temperatures, and ice and sludge can build up on the underside of fifth wheel plates. As
Alcoa launches 17-in. classic dually wheels
Alcoa Automotive Wheels, a Cleveland, Ohio-based business unit of Alcoa Inc., has announced the extension of their Classic aftermarket catalog to include new 17-in., dually fitments for 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks.