TM 9-2330-335-14&P
0005-4
0005
PREPARATION FOR USE - CONTINUED
3.
Coupling Semitrailer to Towing Vehicle.
a.
Before kingpin plate (Figure 3, Item 4) starts to ride approach ramps (Figure 3, Item 3), ensure the kingpin plate
(Figure 3, Item 4) is above the approach ramps (Figure 3, Item 3). Adjust height as needed by using landing gear.
Make sure towing vehicle fifth wheel coupler jaws
(Figure 3, Item 2) are open.
WARNING
When towing the semitrailer with M818, M931 series, or M932 series tractors, the fifth wheel
wedges must be in the locked-in (pushed-in) mode for highway and secondary road use, and in the
locked-out (pulled-out) mode for cross-country operation. Failure to follow this warning may result
in injury to personnel or damage to equipment.
b.
Slowly back the towing vehicle until coupler jaws (Figure 3, Item 2) engage kingpin (Figure 3, Item 5).
c.
Visually check the coupling. You should not be able to see light between the fifth wheel (Figure 3, Item 1) and the
kingpin plate (Figure 3, Item 4).
CAUTION
If coupling operation is not completed and another attempt is to be made, pull towing vehicle
forward carefully. Do not exceed the limits of air hoses and electrical cable. Failure to comply may
result in damage to equipment.
d.
Check coupling by carefully inching towing vehicle forward. If coupling is not locked, rock towing vehicle back and
forth slowly until kingpin (Figure 3, Item 5) is locked in fifth wheel coupler jaws (Figure 3, Item 2).
Figure 3.
Towing Vehicle Coupling.
05
447-0032