Fontaine Fifth Wheel‘s products range from the Cast 170CI Heavy-Duty to the 3-Sensor Safety Coupling System.
Fontaine’s Products Break Ground in Safety, Reliability, and Efficiency
Fontaine Fifth Wheel is set to present its latest range of fifth-wheel couplings at this year’s Automechanika and IAA Transportation in Frankfurt and Hannover, Germany.
Fontaine Fifth Wheel works at the forefront of haulage technology and its experience and expertise enable it to offer a broad range of technically tailored options to meet operators’ needs.
In its official statement, Fontaine said, “On top of our 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 its fifth-wheel expertise and service ethos to ensure that operator fleets will always be fit for the long haul, which, according to 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, Fontaine‘s 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 full TechLock demonstration system will be demonstrated on the Fontaine stand.
Both at Automechanika and the IAA Transportation 2024, Fontaine will also display the following products:
Cast 170CI Heavy-Duty
Fontaine’s 170CI fifth wheel is suited for on and off-road applications. Also available with optional air-operation, extended or interlock handle, the heavy-duty cast 170 CI is designed for all HGV traffic and off-road terrains.
Fit for long-distance haulage, this product is ideal for use with silo, tank, and volume carriers, accommodating both two- and three-axle tractors. It is designed to handle HGV traffic as well as off-road terrain, ensuring versatility in various driving conditions.
One of its key features is the patented TechLock system, which includes an integral kingpin height sensor that prevents false coupling. This technology enhances the safety and reliability of the coupling process. The product is rated at 170kN D-Value and supports an imposed load of 25T (U), making it a robust choice for heavy-duty applications.
Designed using Finite Element Analysis, the fifth wheel is both lightweight and strong, with a starting weight of just 140kg (148mm high). This ensures durability without compromising on efficiency. Additionally, the product is available with a variety of handle and mounting options, allowing it to be customized for different applications.
To further ensure peace of mind, the product comes with a 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), the Dual Height mounting option utilises the 3000 cast fifth wheel – imposed load (t) 18 tons and D-value (kN) 130kN
The Height Adjustable Fifth Wheel is available in three models, offering height adjustments from 167mm to 367mm. This versatility provides two height options that can be easily and quickly changed, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
Tested to withstand an imposed load of 18T (U) and a D-value of 130kN, the fifth wheel ensures high performance and durability under demanding conditions. It utilizes the Fontaine 3000 cast fifth wheel, known for its robust design and reliability.
The mechanism release is available in both manual and air-operated versions, allowing users to choose the option that best fits their operational needs. Additionally, the product is certified to ECE R 55-01 standards, ensuring compliance with rigorous safety and quality regulations.
3000 Cast Fifth Wheel with Single Green LED
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. Only when the safety clip is attached, the safety clip sensor shows a green LED light which is 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.
Additionally, the extended handle, which houses the sensor and LED makes it easier for the driver to reach and operate the fifth wheel.
This product is designed for long-distance haulage, making it ideal for use with silo, tank, and volume carriers. It supports both two- and three-axle tractors and is suitable for medium-duty applications, including on-road and limited off-road use.
One of its standout features is the patented TechLock system, which includes an integral kingpin height sensor to prevent false coupling, enhancing safety and reliability. It is rated at a D-value of 150kN and can handle an imposed load of 20T (U), ensuring strong performance in demanding environments.
Engineered using Finite Element Analysis, the product boasts low weight and high strength, with a starting weight of just 120kg when equipped with DIN feet. A wide range of handle and mounting options are available, allowing it to be customized for various applications.
Additionally, the lightweight fixed direct mount eliminates the need for OEM chassis angles, making it compatible with standard and medium-duty Fontaine 2″ fifth wheels. The product is backed by a comprehensive 4-year warranty, subject to terms and conditions, offering peace of mind to users.
3000LM (Low Maintenance Fifth Wheel)
Fontaine’s 3000 LM coupler combines safety with low maintenance for hauliers throughout Europe and beyond. Featuring an interlock handle, which is an alternative to Fontaine’s safety clip system, which removes the need for a clip by integrating the safety mechanism into the handle.
The 150SF slider has an optional air-operated mechanism which 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.
This product is ideal for long-distance haulage, specifically designed for use with silo, tank, and volume carriers. It accommodates both two- and three-axle tractors and is suited for medium-duty applications, including 2″ on-road and limited off-road conditions.
A key feature of this system is the patented TechLock technology, which includes an integral kingpin height sensor to prevent false coupling, ensuring reliable and safe operation. The product is rated at 152kN D-Value and can handle an imposed load of 20T (U), making it robust for demanding tasks.
In addition to its durability, the product is designed for ease of maintenance with a replaceable grease-free top plate bearing liners. Utilizing Finite Element Analysis, the fifth wheel and slider are both lightweight and strong, with a combined weight starting from 241kg.
It also offers a wide range of handle and mounting options, making it adaptable for various applications. Backed by a comprehensive 4-year warranty (subject to terms and conditions), this product ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
150SP2 Fifth Wheel with 3 Sensor Green LED
The pressed steel 150SP2 3 Sensor uses a three-sensor safety system both 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 make driver access and fifth-wheel operation easier. Plus, the 150SP2 does not require a wear-ring and thus reduces kingpin wear.
The 150SP2 3 Sensor is designed for flexible haulage with volume carriers, suitable for use with both two- and three-axle tractors. It is built for standard-duty applications, specifically for 2″ on-road fifth wheels, making it a versatile option for various transport needs.
A key feature is the patented TechLock system, which includes an integral kingpin height sensor to prevent false coupling. This enhances both safety and reliability during operation. Rated at 152kN D-Value and capable of supporting a 20T imposed load (U), the product is engineered for durability.
The product is supplied pre-drilled to fit all OEM chassis, making installation simple and efficient. The standard and medium-duty fixed mounting plate is compatible with all Fontaine 2″ fifth wheels featuring DIN6 feet. Designed using Finite Element Analysis, it offers both low weight and high strength, with a combined weight starting from 160kg for the fifth wheel and mounting plate.
A variety of handle and mounting options are available, allowing for customization to suit different applications. The product comes with a comprehensive 4-year warranty, subject to terms and conditions, ensuring long-term reliability and performance.
3-Sensor Safety Coupling System
The 3-Sensor Safety Coupling System is designed to enhance safety across all current fifth wheels. This system provides real-time feedback during the coupling process, ensuring that the connection between the tractor and trailer is secure.
When the trailer is being coupled, an amber LED on the fifth wheel flashes, indicating that the process is in progress. This flashing continues until the safety clip is properly engaged. Once the safety clip is in place, the amber light is replaced by a steady green LED.
The continuous green LED serves as a confirmation that the fifth wheel is correctly coupled, with the kingpin securely in position. This visual signal helps operators ensure safe and accurate coupling, reducing the risk of accidents.
Fontaine Fifth Wheel‘s exhibit at the IAA Transportation 2024 can be found at Hall 26, Stand E02.
