Utah Admin. Code R714-162-10 - Coupling Devices

(1) When examining a fifth wheel coupling device, the inspector shall:

(a) check the mounting to frame; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) a fastener is missing or ineffective;

(B) any movement between mounting components is detected; or

(C) a mounting angle iron is cracked or broken;

(b) check mounting plates and pivot brackets; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) a fastener is missing or ineffective;

(B) any cracks in welds or parent metal are detected;

(C) more than 3/8 inch horizontal movement between the pivot bracket pin and bracket exists; or

(D) a pivot bracket pin is missing or not secured;

(c) check sliders; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) a latching fastener is missing or ineffective;

(B) a fore or aft stop is missing or is not securely attached;

(C) there is any movement more than 3/8 inch between the slider bracket and slider base; or

(D) a slider component is cracked in the parent metal or weld;

(d) check the lower coupler; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) horizontal movement between the upper and lower fifth wheel halves exceeds 1/2 inch;

(B) the operating handle is not in a closed or locked position;

(C) the kingpin is not properly engaged;

(D) separation between upper and lower coupler allows light to show through from side to side;

(E) a crack is detected in the fifth wheel plate, unless it is a crack in the fifth wheel approach ramps or a casting shrinkage crack in the ribs of the body of a cast fifth wheel; or

(F) a locking mechanism part is missing, broken, or deformed to the extent the kingpin is not securely held.

(2) When examining a pintle hooks coupling device, the inspector shall:

(a) check the pintle hooks for proper mounting to the frame; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) there is a missing or ineffective fastener, except a fastener is not considered missing if there is an empty hole in the device but no corresponding hole in the frame or vice versa;

(B) a mounting surface crack extends from point of attachment;

(C) a pintle hook is loosely mounted;

(D) the frame cross member providing the pintle hook attachment is cracked;

(E) a crack is discovered anywhere in the pintle hook assembly;

(F) any welded repairs have been made to the pintle hook;

(G) any part of the horn section has been reduced by more than 20%; or

(H) the pintle hook latch is not secure.

(3) When examining a drawbar or tow-bar eye coupling device, the inspector shall:

(a) check the drawbar or tow-bar eye for proper mounting; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) a crack in an attachment weld is present;

(B) a missing or ineffective fastener is present;

(C) a crack is present; or

(D) any part of the eye is reduced by more than 20%.

(4) When examining a drawbar or tow-bar tongue coupling device, the inspector shall:

(a) check the drawbar or tow-bar tongue on a power or manual slider for proper operation; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) the latching mechanism is ineffective or disconnected;

(B) a stop is missing or ineffective;

(C) there is movement of more than 1/4 inch between the slider and housing; or

(D) there is a leak, other than normal oil weeping around the hydraulic seals, including air, hydraulic cylinders, hoses, or chambers; and

(b) check for cracks and movement of 1/4 inch between the slider and housing; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) a crack is discovered; or

(B) there is movement of 1/4 inch or more between sub-frame and drawbar at point of attachment.

(5) When examining all coupling safety devices, the inspector shall:

(a) check for:

(i) missing safety devices such as chains, metal wire, and rope;

(ii) safety devices that are unattached or incapable of secure attachment;

(iii) worn chains and hooks; and

(iv) kinked or broken cable strands and improper clamps or clamping;

(b) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(i) a safety device is missing;

(ii) a safety device is unattached;

(iii) a safety device is incapable of secure attachment;

(iv) a chain and hook are worn to the extent of a measurable reduction in link cross section;

(v) improper repairs are evident such as welding, wire, small bolts, rope, or tape;

(vi) a cable is kinked or has broken cable strands; or

(vii) a cable has improper clamps or clamping; and

(c) check the saddle-mounts for the method of attachment; and

(i) issue a rejection inspection certificate when:

(A) a fastener is missing or ineffective;

(B) a mounting is loose;

(C) a stress or load bearing member is cracked or broken; or

(D) horizontal movement between upper and lower saddle-mounts exceeds 1/4 inch.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R714-162-10

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2017-15, effective 7/18/2017