Fontaine launches first ‘smart’ fifth wheel

Fontaine Fifth Wheel has introduced the SmartConnect fifth wheel that confirms it’s locked and notifies fleets of potential maintenance requirements.

“Think of it as a fifth wheel with a brain,” said Juan Hernandez, vice-president — sales and marketing. “It utilizes advanced sensors to monitor the fifth wheel lock position every time you couple or de-couple from a trailer. By collecting and processing this data, it can accurately anticipate maintenance needs before problems surface. Promptly addressing these issues prevents minor problems from escalating into costly repairs and extends the fifth wheel’s lifespan.”

An indicator light notifies the driver of the fifth wheel’s locking status, the company says. A flashing LED code notifies the driver when services is required.

There’s also an optional in-cab indicator light. The system is CAN-bus capable right out of the box, Fontaine says, using the SAE J1939 communications protocol. SmartConnect can communicate not only lock status, but also hours of use, number of couplings, and maintenance requirements.

“SmartConnect is the world’s first smart fifth wheel, and I’m incredibly proud of our engineering and management teams for their remarkable accomplishment,” said Paige Petroni, company president. “This innovation can significantly assist fleets in lowering maintenance costs while elevating operational efficiency.”