With all the talk about smart trailers today, there’s a vital connection between tractor and trailer that hasn’t been part of the conversation: the fifth wheel. Fontaine Fifth Wheel is changing that with its SmartConnect fifth wheel.

Fontaine SmartConnect is a smart information system that will provide data and feedback fleets need to make better fifth wheel operating and maintenance decisions.

The company previewed the concept at last year’s Technology & Maintenance Council annual meeting  and it was again on display at the 2023 TMC expo. According to its website, SmartConnect will launch in the third quarter of the year.

The TMC display showed some of the information provided by the system, including vehicle ID, fifth wheel model, total cumulative hours the fifth wheel has been in use, number of couples, last couple event, fifth-wheel lock position, and fifth-wheel alerts such as “check adjustment” and “check for rebuild condition.”

Fontaine’s R&D and Engineering teams have been collecting and analyzing raw data from field test units running in several fleets across the county, in order to develop algorithms for predictive maintenance. The intent is to help customers make better decisions regarding fifth wheel maintenance to maximize uptime and reduce the possibility of roadside events. 

The initial launch of SmartConnect will:

• Luminate a light on the driver’s side of the fifth wheel to indicate the lock status

• Inform the driver of the fifth wheel’s current lock status in cab

• Record a running log of coupling events

• Collect and feedback data relevant for predictive maintenance

Future versions will build on the current system with software upgrades to add functions such as:

• Grease detection between the top plate and trailer plate surfaces

• Add-on sensors for kingpin monitoring and trailer positioning

• Autonomous truck operation system support.

The heart of the system is the SmartConnect control module. It will connect to existing tractor electronics via hard wire (i.e. power and ground) as well as the telematics system via CAN connection.

SmartConnect will be available for both first-fit production orders and as an aftermarket retrofit solution.