JOST adds coupling sensor technology to fifthwheels

Jan. 18, 2017

JOST International has introduced the JSK37USK series air-release fifthwheel with sensor technology. The JSK37USK’s new Sensor Coupling System allows the driver to confirm that the fifthwheel is properly and safely coupled from inside the cab.  

“The streamlining associated with a variety of aerodynamic technologies will make physically accessing the fifthwheel for uncoupling, and visually confirming a safe couple, difficult at best,” said Rich Carroll, JOST vice-president sales and marketing. “Consequently, the adoption of JOST cab actuated air release fifthwheels on fleet-driven OEM builds is in full swing. With this evolution of tractor trailer designs, JOST believes the automation of the coupling process is also inevitable. The next logical step in the automation of the coupling process is the JOST JSK sensor coupling system which will advance fifthwheels from reliable mechanical devices to the category of value adding ADAS technologies.”

The JSK37USK’s Sensor Coupling System contains dual sensors.  The first sensor verifies that the kingpin is in the lock position and the second sensor indicates that the fifthwheel is locked and the release handle secured. The lock status can be shown either by a JOST supplied dash display or communicated through the vehicle’s CAN bus.

This evolution in tractor-trailer connections will culminate at some point with fully automated coupling systems (FACS) defined in an existing ISO international standard as coupling and uncoupling systems where all operations ie mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and applicable auxiliary functions are performed automatically.

For more information, access: www.jostinternational.com.