A metal matrix composite article is described that includes a metal component, a ceramic component, and a lubricious component. The metal matrix composite article has a first surface and a second surface. The lubricious component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The ceramic component is present in an amount that is highest at the first surface and is lowest at the second surface. The metal component is present in an amount that is highest at the second surface and is lowest at the first surface. In some cases, the metal matrix composite article is a wear plate for a fifth wheel hitch.

A fifth wheel hitch may include at least one support frame capable of engaging with a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may further include a cross-member attached to the support frame and an isolation system operatively coupled with the cross-member. The isolation system may include a beam engaged with the cross-member about a first axis, where rotation of the beam about the first axis is dampened via a cross-member isolator. The isolation system may also include a skid plate engaged with the beam about a second axis, where rotation of the skid plate about the second axis is dampened via a wing isolator.

A fifth wheel hitch may include at least one support frame capable of engaging with a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may further include a cross-member attached to the support frame and an isolation system operatively coupled with the cross-member. The isolation system may include a beam engaged with the cross-member about a first axis, where rotation of the beam about the first axis is dampened via a cross-member isolator. The isolation system may also include a skid plate engaged with the beam about a second axis, where rotation of the skid plate about the second axis is dampened via a wing isolator.

The invention relates to a fifth wheel system including a plate and a coupling system with a guide device, and a coupling arm, wherein the guide device is attached to the plate and defines a guide path which extends essentially elliptical around a central axis, wherein the coupling arm has a first end portion which is slidably arranged along the guide path at the guide device and secured against movements perpendicular to the guide path, wherein the coupling arm extends along a coupling axis and includes a second end portion at which a connector is attached, and wherein the connector is configured to be connected to a mating connecting system of a trailer.

A method for monitoring a coupling connection between vehicle parts of a vehicle combination including the steps: reading of a load change time at which a load change is initiated and/or takes place at a tractor vehicle, a tractor vehicle acceleration changing as a result of the load change; monitoring of a jerk value after the load change time, the jerk value characterizing a tractor vehicle jerk of the tractor vehicle and/or a trailer jerk of a trailer; determining whether, on account of a preceding load change at a jerk time, a tractor vehicle jerk occurs at the tractor vehicle and/or a trailer jerk occurs at the trailer; and, identifying a degree of wear of the coupling connection in dependence upon the jerk time and/or a time delay between the load change time and the jerk time and/or of the jerk value at the jerk time.

A coupling system for a towing vehicle, including a measuring element, wherein the coupling system has a fifth-wheel coupling plate on which a conically widened insertion region that is located in the longitudinal axis (x) of said plate and is intended for the introduction of a trailer-side coupling means and an adjoining locking region are formed, and at least two bearing blocks that engage laterally on the fifth-wheel coupling plate are provided, wherein the measuring element is situated in a mounting region of the coupling system such that operating forces (F.sub.x, F.sub.y) acting in the longitudinal axis (x) and/or a transverse axis (y) are determined thereby. A coupling system of which the measuring element is subjected to significantly lower wear effect. A bearing shell and a measuring shell are situated between at least one of the bearing blocks and the fifth wheel coupling plate, the mounting region being formed from the measuring shell.

A rear trailer hostler can be used to move a parked trailer without otherwise disengaging pneumatic brakes thereof. For example, the rear trailer hostler can lift the wheels of the trailer off of the ground, thereby allowing a front hostler to move the trailer without a gladhands connection to the trailer pneumatic lines. Alternatively, the rear trailer hostler can move the trailer independently. For example, the trailer can be parked atop the rear trailer hostler and disconnected from the truck. With the rear trailer hostler supporting the locked wheels and the landing gear, the trailer can be moved without requiring the pneumatic brakes to be disengaged. The rear trailer hostler can also provide one or more safety or convenience features, such as a bridging platform or a safety door stop.

A coupling system for a towing vehicle, including a measuring element, wherein the coupling system has a fifth-wheel coupling plate on which a conically widened insertion region that is located in the longitudinal axis (x) of said plate and is intended for the introduction of a trailer-side coupling means and an adjoining locking region are formed, and at least two bearing blocks that engage laterally on the fifth-wheel coupling plate are provided, wherein the measuring element is situated in a mounting region of the coupling system such that operating forces (F.sub.x, F.sub.y) acting in the longitudinal axis (x) and/or a transverse axis (y) are determined thereby. A coupling system of which the measuring element is subjected to significantly lower wear effect. A bearing shell and a measuring shell are situated between at least one of the bearing blocks and the fifth wheel coupling plate, the mounting region being formed from the measuring shell.

The present invention relates to a method of measuring the wear of a fifth wheel locking mechanism, which, in existing fifth wheel systems, enables the service life of the fifth wheel to be increased by automatically measuring the amount of wear and transferring it to the user.

A fifth wheel cover assembly includes a fifth wheel that is mounted to a semi tractor. A cover is slidably positioned over the fifth wheel and the cover is structured to conform to the shape of the fifth wheel. A pair of springs is each of the springs is coupled between the cover and a connection point on the semi tractor to bias the cover into a covering position having the cover completely covering the fifth wheel. The cover is slidable into an exposing position having the cover being displaced from the fifth wheel. A brace is attached to the cover and the brace is strategically positioned such that the king pin of the trailer abuts the brace and urges the cover into the exposing positioned when the semi trailer is attached to the fifth wheel.