COUPLER REPLACEMENT

Coupler Replacement

No One Does More Kingpin or Upper Coupler Replacement than Atlantic Trailer.

It’s estimated that about 30% of all kingpins currently in use on trucks in the United States and Canada would not meet current standards for acceptable tolerances. Every Kingpin eventually needs to be replaced. If you regularly maintain your equipment, a new kingpin or upper coupler could double the life of your trailer. Whether it’s for a single trailer or an entire fleet, your company will benefit from a new level of service by choosing Atlantic to meet all of your equipment needs.

Kingpin Maintenance and Replacement Recommendations

Inspection and maintenance of the trailer upper coupler and kingpin is just as important as the inspection and maintenance of the fifth wheel. The following procedures should be completed every three months, or 30,000 miles, to insure proper and safe kingpin/fifth wheel coupling.

UPPER COUPLER PLATE FLATNESS:
Using a 48″ straight edge, check the flatness in all directions. Any bumps, valleys or warping will cause uneven loading of the fifth wheel, which could result in damage to the top plate and poor lock life. Replace the trailer upper coupler plate if flatness exceeds the specifications.

INSPECT THE KINGPIN FOR PROPER LENGTH:
Using a Kingpin gauge, check the length as shown.

INSPECT THE KINGPIN FOR WEAR:
Using a Kingpin gauge, check the wear on both the 2˝ and 2.88˝ diameters. Wear of 1/8˝ (.13˝) is indicated if the appropriate diameter enters the gauge slot.

CHECK THE KINGPIN MOUNTING:
In addition to being a safety hazard, a loose mounting will cause excessive chucking and rapid lock wear. Reinstall or replace any kingpin which is not securely mounted.

CHECK THE KINGPIN FOR DAMAGE:
Inspect the kingpin for any nicks, gouges, deformation or cracks which may interfere or affect the safe use of the kingpin. Replace the kingpin if any damage is noted.