Been given a new tractor unit and there is no clip to secure the release mechanism of the kingpin.
The release arm is locked in position by the L-shaped hinged bracket when the kingpin is in position and can only be released by pulling the attached cable.
There is no clip to lock the L-bracket in position though. Is this legal or does it have to have a clip?
Thanks, Nez
No dog clip is legally required as it’s self locking.
edit: Personally I use a dog clip on those type of mechanisms anyway, some people would say it’s not necessary but that’s just my personal choice.
As Tacho says not required. As long as you check the tabs dropped no problem. But they have been known to stick up so best carry a DC that way your still in the mind set of checking …
Thanks, that’s put my mind at rest!
nick2008:
As Tacho says not required. As long as you check the tabs dropped no problem. But they have been known to stick up so best carry a DC that way your still in the mind set of checking …
I carry a spare one too that i found somewhere but never needed it yet but might prove handy one day. 
WRONG !!! theres a hole in it !!! allways needs a clip , VOSA field day waiting to happen , its a brave man that goes up the road without one .
mark haywood:
WRONG !!! theres a hole in it !!! allways needs a clip , VOSA field day waiting to happen , its a brave man that goes up the road without one .
Wrong, there a hole in my arse too. Jost design them like this and they only stipulate a secondary
device, which it has.
Wheel Nut:
mark haywood:
WRONG !!! theres a hole in it !!! allways needs a clip , VOSA field day waiting to happen , its a brave man that goes up the road without one .Wrong, there a hole in my arse too. Jost design them like this and they only stipulate a secondary
device, which it has.
The idea of the steel cable and drop down clip is to prevent the driver getting covered in grease. If you have a deep pin low ride trailer you cannot get your arm in to release a dogclip
Wheel Nut:
Wheel Nut:
mark haywood:
WRONG !!! theres a hole in it !!! allways needs a clip , VOSA field day waiting to happen , its a brave man that goes up the road without one .Wrong, there a hole in my arse too. Jost design them like this and they only stipulate a secondary
device, which it has.The idea of the steel cable and drop down clip is to prevent the driver getting covered in grease. If you have a deep pin low ride trailer you cannot get your arm in to release a dogclip
That’s exactly the problem I’d have with the new truck if I had to use the clip!
I always do 3 tugs with the unit, then eyeball the lock to make sure it has dropped and pull on the release lever too before pulling off
I seem to remember if it had a clip ,use it. If didn’t no need. By that I mean that if the clip is there you have to use it or you will be nicked. No clip,no worries! It’s not illegal.
mark haywood:
WRONG !!! theres a hole in it !!! allways needs a clip , VOSA field day waiting to happen , its a brave man that goes up the road without one .
pray tell where in the rule book does it say that 
The type of 5th wheel we use doesn’t have a hole where you can put a clip
If in doubt…ring Jost…
If a fifth wheel has a spring loaded L shaped bracket then assuming there is no dog clip fitted to the fifth wheel then you do not need to have a dog clip fitted. However, if there is a dog clip fitted and you allow it to hang in the wind then there have been cases where drivers have faced prosecution.
Even though the EU have passed this directive that it is not necessary for fitment of dog clips when the fifth wheel is fitted with this spring loaded L shaped bracket, the fifth wheel manufacturers have surveyed drivers and drivers have said they generally feel more comfortable having them hence their fitment.
Lusk:
If in doubt…ring Jost…If a fifth wheel has a spring loaded L shaped bracket then assuming there is no dog clip fitted to the fifth wheel then you do not need to have a dog clip fitted. However, if there is a dog clip fitted and you allow it to hang in the wind then there have been cases where drivers have faced prosecution.
Even though the EU have passed this directive that it is not necessary for fitment of dog clips when the fifth wheel is fitted with this spring loaded L shaped bracket, the fifth wheel manufacturers have surveyed drivers and drivers have said they generally feel more comfortable having them hence their fitment.
This L shape bracket must be going out of fashion as we have the new Merc Actros and new FH Volvo and neither has this bracket fitted.
What make of fifth wheel has it got?
Lusk:
What make of fifth wheel has it got?
Pass, i’m on my 3 days off at the moment but due back in Saturday so i’ll have a look then.