When inspecting the fifth wheel itself, which condition is a defect that must be fixed before driving?

• A.A thin, even coating of grease on the skid plate
• B.Normal paint wear on top of the plate
• C.Cracks in the skid plate or frame mounting, or missing mounting bolts
• D.A locking handle that moves with moderate effort

Why

The fifth wheel carries and pulls the entire trailer, so cracks and loose mounting are structural failures waiting to happen. Grease and normal wear, by contrast, are expected and even necessary.

Manual topic: Combination Vehicles - Coupling Inspection · From the Combination Vehicles practice bank (CV-159).

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?
• Why should the fifth wheel skid plate be kept properly greased?
• What should you check about the kingpin during a trailer inspection?