Volvo rolls out lightweight, integrated fifth wheel
GREENSBORO, N.C. — Volvo Trucks has come out with an integrated lightweight fifth wheel system, designed in partnership with Fontaine.
The new option is installed directly into the truck’s frame and weighs about 100 lbs less than a conventional fifth wheel system, the company announced.
Volvo worked with Fontaine to develop a new lower assembly that supports both the fifth wheel and the truck fame, allowing engineers to reconfigure the top plate without losing stability, strength or durability, the company says. The cast steel top plate weighs 165 lbs.
“Fifth wheel system designs have historically been limited by the need to fit on top of the frame rails – this innovative frame-mount design eliminates unnecessary weight without sacrificing the refined ride and drive characteristics of a Volvo,” said Wade Long, Volvo Trucks marketing product manager. “Reducing vehicle weight lowers fuel consumption, costs and greenhouse gas emissions. We’re committed to providing customers with the safest, most fuel efficient and most environmentally friendly trucks on the road.”
Truck News test drove a Volvo VN780 with the integrated fifth wheel last year. You can read the review here.
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