Getting To Know Your Fifth Wheel: Landing Legs

Semi-Truck Fifth Wheel Landing Legs

If you are a semi-truck driver, then you already know how important your fifth wheel is. When it comes to fifth wheels, there are several components included that help it to make smooth movements. One such component is the landing legs. If you've wanted to know more about the landing legs on your semi-truck's fifth wheel, then you've come to the right place. To help you learn more about landing legs, our team has compiled the following article for you to look through. Read on to learn more about landing legs!

What Are Fifth Wheel Landing Legs?

Also known as "landing gear," the landing legs in the fifth wheel of your commercial truck are the set of retractable legs connected underneath your truck's trailer frame rails. The landing gear allows drivers to unhook the trailer safely from the tractor while providing stabilization on uneven terrain.

Landing legs are also designed to support and raise a fully loaded drop-frame trailer so that it lines up with a dock. They are connected using a connecting shaft, and they stand parallel to each other. Landing gear has a crank and a gearbox that controls the height of the legs and the force that they provide against the ground to raise or stabilize the trailer

Landing gear is available in automatic and manual configurations. While some 5th wheels are made with a hydraulic multi-jack leveling system, there are others made with an electric jack system that requires drivers to level the trailer by hand.

How Does Electric Fifth Wheel Landing Gear Work?

Despite their somewhat simple design, electric fifth wheel landing gear will support a surprisingly heavy load. There are a few components that make up electric landing legs that help them to operate smoothly.

Electric fifth wheel landing legs use an electric motor to power their motion. The electric motor operates a reduction gearbox that typically has a 3:1 ratio. That reduction box connects to the vehicle's main driveshaft to power each of the landing legs. The driveshaft turns a bevel gear in each leg that works in tandem with a worm gear. The worm gear then operates each leg, moving them up or down.

What Causes Landing Gear Failure?

There are several things to look out for that can cause your landing gear to fail. When you are checking your landing legs during your regular routine, you'll want to determine the following:

1. Corrosion

2. Damage

3. Loose components

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you'll want to be sure you take your truck into a certified mechanic that can properly diagnose and fix the issue.

Read More About Fifth Wheels

If you are looking to learn a little more about the fifth wheels in your semi-truck, then you've come to the right place. In order to help you gain as much knowledge as possible, our team of experts will be bringing you a full article on each of the components that make up the fifth wheel system. Click any of the links below to read more about fifth wheel components!

· Getting To Know Your Fifth Wheel

· Getting To Know Your Fifth Wheel: Top Plates

Shop Fifth Wheel Parts Today!

For those looking into replacement parts for their semi-truck, you've definitely found yourself at the right location. No matter what fifth wheel component you've had your eye on for your semi-truck, we have a full selection for you to choose from. Whether you are looking for top plates, king pins, or landing legs, we'll have it from some of the most notable brands in the industry. Login or create an account to start saving on your next fifth wheel component today!

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