TM-9-2330-335-14-P

SEMITRAILER, TACTICAL, BREAKBULK/CONTAINER TRANSPORTER, 22-1/2 TON, RESET M871R, M871A1R AND M871A2R

TECHNICAL MANUAL; FIELD AND SUSTAINMENT MAINTENANCE MANUAL (INCLUDES REPAIR PARTS AND SPECIAL TOOLS LIST)

SEPTEMBER 2008

TM-9-2330-335-14-P - Page 527 of 640

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TM 9-2330-335-14&P

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FIELD AND SUSTAINMENT MAINTENANCE

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FIFTH WHEEL AND UPPER COUPLER CONNECTIONS

GENERAL

00091

Fifth wheels and upper couplers are a system that work together and both must be designed to ensure an even distribution of

the trailer’s vertical load between the two surfaces. Upper coupler designs utilizing thinner, high-strength materials in

combination with smaller and more widely spaced support structures may increase upper coupler deflection. Increased

deflections in the upper coupler (see Figures 3, 4, and 5) can lead to fifth wheel center loading, premature upper coupler wear,

and difficult release handle operation.

Figure 1.

Fifth Wheel and Upper Coupler.

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