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I feel we have an obligation to point out the possible hazards involved in the growing practice of reconditioning fifth-wheel couplers.
It has been our policy to recommend the reconditioning of a fifth-wheel coupling. When a fifth-wheel had covered such a considerable mileage so as to need this kind of work, it should be replaced.
At York, we have always been conscious of safety and believe that we have a moral obligation to the general public to use every endeavour to ensure that our products represent to safest that can be commercially produced.
This single coupling between tractor and trailer is far too important an item to take chances with. With a modern tractor/trailer combination costing anything up to £25,000, to entrust the safe operation of such a combination to a coupling that has been reworked after serving its useful life is unacceptable.
No one shoud surely contemplate such a mistaken economy. In monetary terms, the saving can be, at best, £25 — a small price to pay on a £25.000 investment, for the safety and other benefits that are gained from fitting a new coupler.
We do not in any way disparage the concept of reconditioning, as there are many instances when a part or unit can be sensibly and safely recondition to extend its operating life.
However, in the case of a fifth-wheel coupler being reconditioned without the original manufacturer's design data to work to, we believe that with today's operating conditions, speeds and weights, and tomorrow's proposed increases, fifth-wheels are not suitable items for a reconditioning exercise. M. F. CARRINGTON, Sales Promotion Manager, York Trailer Company Ltd, Northallerton.