ISO/TC 22/SC 40/WG 1 - Mechanical couplings

This document specifies the mechanical, electrical/electronic and pneumatic characteristics of a fully automated fifth wheel coupling system to ensure interchangeability between a towing vehicle and a coupled semi-trailer(s) with 24 V nominal supply voltage. The two vehicles together constitute an articulated vehicle or are part of a vehicle combination. This document also supports the step-by-step introduction of fully automated fifth wheel coupling systems in the market. It specifies features necessary for mixed mode operation, i.e. the combination of a fully automated coupling system (FACS) equipped towing vehicle with a conventional semi-trailer, and vice versa, the combination of a conventional towing vehicle with a FACS-equipped semi-trailer.

This document specifies the characteristics necessary for the mounting and interchangeability of clevis couplings on the frame (cross member, drawbeam or mounting bracket) of towing vehicles for trailers. This document is applicable to clevis couplings intended for connection to trailers equipped with a drawbar eye on the drawbar of the trailer. Characteristics not specified are left to the discretion of the component manufacturer.

ISO 18868:2013 defines different multiple-vehicle combinations (vehicle combinations with more than one coupling point) and the formulae to calculate the requirement of performance for the coupling equipment used in those vehicle combinations. Vehicle categories concerned are N2, N3, O3, and O4.

ISO 1726-3:2010 specifies the test conditions of a static test to be performed on the semi-trailer contact area to the fifth wheel. It ensures the ability of the semi-trailer to couple the greatest possible variety of tractor vehicles equipped with a fifth wheel coupling in accordance with ISO 3842.