SAF-HOLLAND XL-FW492 FW83 and XA-231 FleetMaster LowLube Series Fifth Wheel - Manual (Page 3)

XL-FW492 Rev D 3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
continued
Installation
General Recommendations
1. Every user and installer using SAF-HOLLAND products either recommended or not
recommended by SAF-HOLLAND , must thoroughly satisfy himself that the installation
procedure used is appropriate for the vehicle, product and application.
2. Consult the SAF-HOLLAND literature for fifth wheel capacities and applications.
3. Consult the tractor manufacturer’s body builder’s book and the latest SAE and D.O.T.
standards for additional installation methods. SAF-HOLLAND recommends the T.M.C.
Recommended Maintenance Practice 603 for installation procedures.
4. Determine the proper fifth wheel position, or, in the case of a sliding fifth wheel, the range of
proper positions. Proper positioning of the fifth wheel is important for weight distribution,
swing clearance and handling characteristics. See SAE J701 for proper placement, as well as
the tractor manufacturer’s body builder’s book.
5. Use only new Grade 8, 5/8˝ minimum diameter bolts and new Grade “C” locknuts in all
mounting holes. Larger diameter Grade 8 fasteners may be used.
6. Bolt holes can be 1/32˝ larger in diameter than the fastener. Bolts must be adequately
tightened to manufacturer’s torque recommendation.
7. The bolts attaching the fifth wheel mounting angles to the tractor frame require hardened
steel washers under both the bolt and under the locknut, unless flanged head bolts or
flanged head locknuts are employed.
8. A minimum of 5 bolts are required to attach each stationary mounting angle and a
minimum of 6 bolts are required to attach each sliding fifth wheel to the frame rail. The
distance between bolts must not exceed 8˝, except when cutouts are required in the
mounting angles. When attaching an outboard angle to the fifth wheel slide plate, all
mounting holes are to be used on each side.
9. Whenever a cutout is made on the mounting angle, such as required to bypass spring
hangers, a 1˝ minimum radius should be used and bolts should be placed within 1-1⁄2˝, but
not closer than 1˝ of the cut, fore and aft.
10. The mounting angle should have a minimum thickness as shown in TABLE 1 and should be
steel specification ASTM A 36.
11. When initially positioning the fifth
wheel for frame holes, the full length
of the fifth wheel or slider mounting
angles should seat flush on the top
and side surface of the truck-tractor
frame rails where channel-type rails
are employed. There should not be a
gap over the top of the truck frame
rails. The base of the fifth wheel
assembly and of the mounting angle
members should seat flush on the top
of the frame rail to prevent flexing
and to give uniform weight
distribution. It is also recommended
to chamfer or smooth sharp edges
and corners of mounting materials wherever contact is made with the tractor frame.
12. If the fifth wheel is to be mounted using a mounting plate (bracket with mounting base),
refer to TABLE 1 for minimum plate thickness recommendations.
Do not use U-bolts in fifth wheel installations. Use only new Grade 8, 5/8˝
minimum diameter bolts and new Grade C lock nuts in all mounting holes.
Failure to do so may result in structural failure of the installation with a potential loss of the fifth
wheel assembly, mounting structure, and/or trailer, which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
13. Trailer pick-up ramps are recommended at the rear of the truck-tractor frame.
14. When mounting to aluminum frames, follow the tractor manufacturer’s recommendations.
SAF-HOLLAND has available a stationary mounting angle intended for use with aluminum
frames. Contact SAF-HOLLAND or distributors of Holland brand products for availability.
15. Review, in addition, the specific information on the following pages for each type of fifth
wheel mounting, as well as “Inspection and Lubrication Prior to Use” on page 11 of this
publication.
TABLE 1
Minimum Minimum
Fifth Wheel Mounting Angle Mounting Plate
Vertical Capacity Thickness Thickness
12,000 lbs. 1/4˝ 1/4˝
20,000 lbs. 5/16˝ 1/4˝
40,000/45,000 lbs. 5/16˝ 5/16˝
50,000/55,000 lbs. 3/8˝ 3/8˝
62,500/70,000 lbs. 1/2˝ 1/2˝
100,000 lbs. 3/4˝ 3/4˝
165,000 lbs. 3/4˝ 1˝