1. A. Fifth Wheel Coupling. Inspect for:

   Procedures:	Reject Vehicle If:
   (1) Mounting.	(1) Fifth wheel is not securely attached to the vehicle frame.
   (2) Stops.	(2) Stop is missing or broken.
   (3) Slider.	(3) Slider is cracked, broken, does not lock, or has more than 1/4 inch movement.
   (4) Air release.	(4) Air release does not freely lock and release.
   (5) Jaw and latch.	(5) Jaw or latch is broken, cracked, or has more than 1/4 inch movement.
   (6) Supporting surface.	(6) Supporting surface is broken, cracked, or does not have lubrication grooves.
   (7) Contamination and lubrication.	(7) Coupling areas are contaminated with gravel, sand, or dirt, or coupling areas are not properly lubricated.
   (8) Air slide.	(8) Latch fails to hold when air is depleted or chambers, lines, or connections leak air pressure.
   (9) Saddle bushings. Place a bar between vehicle frame and the fifth wheel and pry.	(9) Movement in steel bushings exceeds 3/8 inch or, in rubber bushings, the movement could result in the fifth wheel separating from the vehicle frame.

2. B. No-Slack Hitch. Apply air pressure to no-slack hitch before inspecting.

   Procedures:	Reject Vehicle If:
   (1) Inspect cushion for movement and adjustment.	(1) Cushion does not move or is out of adjustment.
   (2) Inspect for air leaks.	(2) There is an air leak at the chamber, a line, or connection.

3. C. Trailer Hitches. Inspect hitch for:

   Procedures:	Reject Vehicle If:
   (1) Mounting.	(1) Hitch is not securely attached.
   (2) Condition.	(2) Any part is missing, bent, seized, or worn to a point where the hitch or components may separate.
   (3) Latch.	(3) Latch fails to close and latch.
   (4) Repairs.	(4) A cast or forged hitch has been welded.

Authority: Transportation Article, §§ 12-104(b) and 23-303, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: January 8, 1990 (16:26 Md. R. 2796)

Regulation .01 amended effective May 20, 1996 (23:10 Md. R. 732)