During a pre-trip, you find the release arm / locking lever of the fifth wheel is not in the fully locked position. What should you do?

• A.Drive slowly to the shop; the weight of the trailer will push it locked
• B.Tie the lever in place with wire and note it on the report
• C.Do not drive until the coupling is checked and the lock is fully engaged and latched
• D.Ignore it if the tug test felt firm

Why

A partially engaged lock can release under road shock or in a turn. The coupling is either verified locked and latched or the vehicle does not move.

Manual topic: Combination Vehicles - Coupling Inspection · From the Combination Vehicles practice bank (CV-163).

Practice this subject as a full test

More Combination Vehicle Inspection questions

• After coupling, where should the fifth wheel locking jaws be closed?
• You see a visible space between the trailer apron (upper coupler plate) and the fifth wheel skid plate after coupling. What does this most likely mean?
• When inspecting the landing gear during a pre-trip inspection of a combination vehicle, what should you check?
• When inspecting the fifth wheel itself, which condition is a defect that must be fixed before driving?
• Why should the fifth wheel skid plate be kept properly greased?