OOSC, Part II, Item 2. Coupling Devices, a. Fifth Wheels: (Lower Coupler Assembly), (1) (c) - Retrofitting 5th Wheels
| Entry Date | May 1, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Issue Number | 12-019-VEH |
| Name | Carlos L Saucedo Sr |
| Agency | U.S. DOT / FMCSA |
| Address | 8370 Burnham, suite 100El Paso, TX, 79907United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab) |
| Phone | 915-532-1366 |
| Fax | (915) 532-1214 |
| [email protected] | |
| Committee | Vehicle Committee |
| Status | Closed |
| Summary of Issue | Some Mexican and local Carriers are buying 5th wheels that were not part of the vehicle when originally manufactured, and are retrofitting them so they can fit on the vehicle. We spoke with the representatives of International, Volvo/Mack, Freightliner, KW, Sterling, and Peterbilt and they all told me they do not do any modification like that even if a customer goes in and asks for it. They also explained to us that when they make these cuts they are compromising the integrity of the angle iron. They also explained how the design engineers figure out what size and length of angle iron is going to be needed and how many fasteners will also be needed. |
| Justification or Need | Level of importance is extremely high. If these mounting angle iron's integrity has been comprimised, sooner or late it is going to fail and possibly end up taking someones life. |
| Request for Action | We are asking for an interpretation if #2 (c) Under Coupling Devices which states: Any mounting angle iron cracked or broken (393.70(b)(1)(i) NOTE: Any repair weld cracking, well defined(especially open) cracks in stress or load-bearing areas, cracks through 20 percent or more original welds or parent metal, In the OOS criteria applies to these scenarios if it is in use? |