Fontaine Fifth Wheel is presenting its latest range of fifth wheel couplings at this year’s Automechanika and IAA shows in Frankfurt and Hanover.
Fontaine Fifth Wheel Europe Delivers Tailored Solutions
Fontaine Fifth Wheel Europe is at the forefront of haulage technology. Their specialist experience, knowledge, and expertise enable them to offer a broad range of technically tailored options to meet exacting operator needs.
Fontaine says that on top of their world-class products, the company supports customers just as well as they service their fleets, doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time to build valued long-term partnerships that go the distance. Fontaine combines their fifth wheel expertise and service ethos to ensure that operator fleets will always be fit for the long haul, which, say the company, breaks new ground in safety, reliability and efficiency.
Techlock: No Contact – No Couple
As the inventors of the world-renowned TechLock® system, Fontaine Fifth Wheel Europe works at the forefront of automotive safety technology.
Specifically designed to reduce mis-coupling, their patented TechLock® system’s jaw height sensor will not allow the fifth wheel to close if the kingpin enters at the incorrect height or position.
The fifth wheel profiled protective forging safeguards the TechLock® mechanism from damage due to high-coupling errors. 360° kingpin surface contact extends the life of the kingpin and fifth wheel mechanism. A complete TechLock demonstration system is being demonstrated on the Fontaine stand.
Also, on display at the Automechanika in Frankfurt and IAA in Hanover:
Cast 170CI Heavy Duty
Fontaine’s 170 CI fifth wheel is for on- and off-road applications. It is also available with optional air operation and an extended or interlock handle. The heavy-duty cast 170 CI is designed for all HGV traffic and off-road terrains.
Key Facts:
- Suitable for long-distance haulage with silo, tank, and volume carriers using both two and three-axle tractors.
- HGV Traffic and off-road terrain.
- Features patented TechLock® system with integral kingpin height sensor which prevents false coupling.
- Rated at 170kN D-Value and 25T imposed load (U).
- Designed with Finite Element Analysis for low weight and high strength, the weight of the fifth wheel starts from 140kg (148mm high).
- Available with a wide range of handle and mounting options to suit any application.
- Comprehensive 4-year warranty (subject to terms and conditions).
Dual Ride Height 3000 FFH
Fontaine’s Dual Height Fifth Wheel allows both mega-trailers and conventional trailers to be towed using just one truck with a fast and simple height adjustment. Simple to install on most truck types (except construction), our Dual Height mounting option utilises the 3000 cast fifth wheel – imposed load (t) 18 tons and D-value (kN) 130kN.
Key Facts:
- Height Adjustable Fifth Wheel
- Available in 3 models from 167mm up to 367mm
- Two height options with easy, fast change
- Tested to 18T imposed load (U) and 130kN D-value
- Utilises Fontaine 3000 cast fifth wheel
- Mechanism release is available in manual or air-operated
- Certified to ECE R 55-01
3000 Cast Fifth Wheel With Single Green LED (Exhibited on Lightweight Direct Mount Chassis Brackets)
Another safety-first innovation from Fontaine is the 3000 cast fifth wheel with an extended handle and single safety clip sensor. The safety clip sensor ensures that the safety clip has been attached—a critical check for any driver. Only when the safety clip is attached does the sensor show a green LED light, which is clearly visible from beside the trailer.
If the green LED light is NOT on, then the driver has not done his check, and the safety clip has not been attached. The LED light is a second fail-safe and can be routinely checked by security before the vehicle departs.
The extended handle, which houses the sensor and LED, makes it easier for the driver to reach and operate the fifth wheel.
Key Facts:
- Suitable for long-distance haulage with silo, tank and volume carriers using both two and three-axle tractors.
- Medium Duty, 2″ on-road & limited off-road.
- Features patented TechLock® system with integral kingpin height sensor which prevents false coupling.
- Rated at 150kN D-Value and 20T imposed load (U).
- Designed with Finite Element Analysis for low weight and high strength (weight from 120 kg with DIN feet).
- Available with a wide range of handle and mounting options to suit any application.
- Comprehensive 4-year warranty (subject to terms and conditions).
- Our lightweight fixed direct mount eliminates the need for OEM chassis angles and is suitable for use with standard and medium-duty Fontaine 2″ fifth wheels.
3000LM (Low Maintenance Fifth Wheel), Exhibited on a 150SF Air Operated Slider Base
Fontaine’s 3000 LM coupler combines safety with low maintenance for hauliers throughout Europe and beyond. It features an interlock handle, an alternative to Fontaine’s safety clip system. By integrating the safety mechanism into the handle, it removes the need for a clip.
The 150SF slider has an optional air-operated mechanism that removes the need to manually operate the release handle, reducing the physical demand on the driver. For use with Fontaine 2″ fifth wheels, the standard and medium-duty slider is designed for easy positional adjustment, enabling permissible axle loads and vehicle lengths to be achieved. It is also available in two positions for increased driver safety.
Key Facts:
- Suitable for long-distance haulage with silo, tank and volume carriers using both two and three-axle tractors.
- Medium Duty, 2″ on-road & limited off-road.
- Features patented TechLock® system with integral kingpin height sensor which prevents false coupling.
- Rated at 152kN D-Value and 20T imposed load (U).
- Low maintenance, replaceable, grease-free top plate bearing liners.
- Designed with Finite Element Analysis for low weight and high strength (combined weight of fifth wheel and slider, from 241 kg).
- Available with a wide range of handle and mounting options to suit any application.
- Comprehensive 4-year warranty (subject to terms and conditions).
150SP2 Fifth Wheel With 3 Sensor Green Led, Exhibited on a 40MM Mounting Plate
The pressed steel 150SP2 3 sensor uses a three-sensor safety system to assist the driver during the coupling procedure and to alert the driver of mis-coupling or tampering. The fail-safe system continuously monitors the connection and is the first of its kind to alert the driver from inside the cab, using warning lights and a buzzer if the coupling is incorrect.
As with the 3000, the 150SP2 3 sensor uses an extended handle to facilitate driver access and fifth wheel operation. It also does not require a wear ring, reducing kingpin wear.
Key Facts:
- Suitable for flexible haulage volume carriers using two and three-axle tractors.
- Standard Duty, 2″ on-road fifth wheel.
- Features patented TechLock® system with integral kingpin height sensor which prevents false coupling.
- Rated at 152kN D-Value and 20T imposed load (U).
- Supplied pre-drilled to fit all OEM chassis – the standard and medium duty fixed mounting plate is suitable for use with all Fontaine 2″ fifth wheels with DIN6 feet.
- Designed with Finite Element Analysis for low weight and high strength (combined weight of the fifth wheel and mounting plate, from 160 kg).
- Available with a wide range of handle and mounting options to suit any application.
- Comprehensive 4-year warranty (subject to terms and conditions).
3-Sensor Safety Coupling System – Key Facts:
- Suitable for all current fifth wheels.
- When the trailer is coupled an amber LED on the fifth wheel will flash until the safety clip is in place.
- When the safety clip is in place, the amber LED is replaced by a continuous green LED.
- The green LED indicates that the fifth wheel is correctly coupled with the kingpin in place.
For further information on the Fontaine fifth wheel product range, including mounting options, lubrication, air-operated systems, and sensor systems, please visit Fontaine Fifth Wheel at IAA Transportation 2024, stand E02, Hall 26, from September 20th to 27th.
