Quick Facts

  • Manufacturer: Fontaine Fifth Wheel
  • Product Series: No-Slack 7000CC Clean Connect
  • Product Type: Cast-steel fifth wheel with a grease-free top-plate surface
  • Duty Classification: Standard to heavy-duty service, depending on the mounting system and approved application
  • Mounting Options: Compatible sliding and stationary Fontaine mounting systems
  • Maximum Vertical Load: 55,000 pounds
  • Maximum Drawbar Pull: 150,000 pounds
  • Gross Combination Weight: Application- and mounting-system-specific; consult the current Fontaine application guide
  • Approximate Top-Plate Weight: 248 pounds
  • Kingpin Compatibility: Standard 2-inch SAE kingpin
  • Locking System: Self-adjusting Fontaine No-Slack mechanism
  • Top-Plate Lubrication: Conventional grease is not required between the fifth wheel and trailer upper coupler
  • Release Options: Manual or air actuated
  • Primary Applications: Highway tractors, regional fleets, tankers, refrigerated operations, and fleets seeking cleaner fifth-wheel maintenance
  • Production Status: Current product with multiple mounting configurations

Overview

The Fontaine No-Slack 7000CC Clean Connect is a cast-steel fifth wheel that combines the self-adjusting locking technology of the standard No-Slack 7000 with a grease-free top-plate coupling surface.

Replaceable Clean Connect pads provide a low-friction surface between the fifth wheel and the trailer upper coupler. This eliminates the need to spread conventional grease across the top plate while preserving the articulation required during normal tractor-trailer operation.

The grease-free surface can reduce labor, lubricant consumption, cleaning time, and grease contamination around the tractor frame. It can also make the mounting structure easier to inspect because heavy grease buildup is less likely to conceal cracks, loose fasteners, or other defects.

Clean Connect does not make the entire fifth wheel maintenance-free. The No-Slack locking mechanism, pivot points, mounting system, release linkage, and slider components still require inspection, adjustment, and lubrication according to Fontaine’s service instructions.

Key Characteristics

  • Rugged cast-steel top plate
  • Grease-free trailer coupling surface
  • Replaceable Clean Connect wear pads
  • Patented self-adjusting No-Slack locking mechanism
  • Positive secondary lock
  • Locking trigger designed to reduce high coupling
  • 55,000-pound maximum vertical-load rating
  • 150,000-pound maximum drawbar-pull rating
  • Standard 2-inch kingpin compatibility
  • Manual and air-actuated release options
  • Sliding and stationary mounting options
  • Reduced top-plate lubrication labor
  • Cleaner tractor frame and service area

Major Components

  • Cast-steel fifth-wheel top plate
  • Replaceable Clean Connect pads
  • Pad retainers and mounting hardware
  • Fifth-wheel throat
  • Self-adjusting No-Slack lock
  • Wedge and wedge-stop rod
  • Locking trigger
  • Positive secondary lock
  • Operating handle and pull handle
  • Release linkage
  • Pivot pins and bushings
  • Mounting brackets
  • Slider rails and locks when equipped
  • Optional air-release actuator and controls
  • Internal lubrication points

Coupling Type and Design

The No-Slack 7000CC is a conventional semi-oscillating fifth wheel designed around a standard 2-inch SAE trailer kingpin. Its cast-steel plate pivots forward and rearward to accommodate normal tractor-trailer articulation.

The primary design difference between the 7000CC and the standard No-Slack 7000 is the top-plate bearing surface. Instead of relying on a layer of grease between the steel fifth wheel and trailer upper coupler, the 7000CC uses replaceable low-friction Clean Connect pads.

The kingpin locking system remains mechanically similar to the standard No-Slack design and still requires proper lubrication, inspection, and adjustment.

How the Coupling System Works

As the tractor backs beneath the trailer, the trailer upper coupler moves across the Clean Connect pads. The kingpin enters the fifth-wheel throat and activates the locking trigger.

The primary lock closes around the kingpin, and the positive secondary lock helps prevent unintended release. Fontaine’s No-Slack mechanism automatically adjusts around the kingpin as normal wear occurs.

The Clean Connect pads allow the trailer upper coupler to rotate across the fifth-wheel surface without conventional top-plate grease. This can provide more consistent steering effort in cold weather because there is no thick layer of grease to harden between the mating surfaces.

The system helps control:

  • Tractor-trailer chucking
  • Impact loading
  • Coupling noise
  • Top-plate friction
  • Grease contamination
  • Normal lock-to-kingpin movement

Position and Function Within the Vehicle

The 7000CC mounts above the tractor’s rear frame and axle group. It forms the primary structural connection between the tractor and a compatible semitrailer.

Its primary functions are to:

  • Support the front of the semitrailer
  • Capture and retain the trailer kingpin
  • Transfer pulling and braking forces
  • Permit normal tractor-trailer articulation
  • Control movement between the tractor and trailer
  • Distribute trailer weight through the tractor frame and axles
  • Provide a low-friction coupling surface without top-plate grease

Common Specifications

  • Top-Plate Construction: Cast steel
  • Top-Plate Surface: Replaceable grease-free Clean Connect pads
  • Maximum Vertical Load: 55,000 pounds
  • Maximum Drawbar Pull: 150,000 pounds
  • Approximate Top-Plate Weight: 248 pounds
  • Kingpin Size: Standard 2-inch SAE kingpin
  • Locking System: Self-adjusting Fontaine No-Slack lock
  • Secondary Lock: Positive mechanical secondary lock
  • Manual Release Pull Force: Approximately 85 pounds according to Fontaine
  • Release Options: Manual or optional air actuation
  • Mounting Options: Compatible Fontaine sliding or stationary mounting systems
  • Top-Plate Grease Requirement: No conventional grease required between the fifth wheel and trailer upper coupler
  • Internal Lubrication: Locking and operating components still require scheduled lubrication

Gross combination weight, mounting height, slide travel, assembly weight, and approved duty classification depend on the complete mounting configuration. Confirm these specifications using the current Fontaine application guide and complete assembly number.

Load Ratings and Operating Capacity

The No-Slack 7000CC top plate is rated for a maximum vertical load of 55,000 pounds and a maximum drawbar pull of 150,000 pounds.

Approved gross combination weight can vary with the mounting system and application. Fontaine literature lists different GCW limits for certain LWB, PML, and other assembly configurations. The complete assembly must therefore be evaluated rather than relying only on the top-plate rating.

Actual vehicle capacity remains limited by the lowest-rated component, including:

  • Tractor frame
  • Fifth-wheel mounting system
  • Axles and suspension
  • Tires and wheels
  • Trailer kingpin
  • Trailer upper coupler
  • Trailer structure
  • Certified axle and vehicle ratings

Articulation and Oscillation

The 7000CC permits front-to-rear articulation for normal road grades, ramps, loading-dock approaches, and tractor-trailer movement. The trailer upper coupler rotates across the replaceable Clean Connect pads during turns.

The product is not a fully oscillating fifth wheel and does not provide unrestricted side-to-side articulation. Severe cross-axle terrain and specialized off-highway operations may require a different fifth wheel.

Sliding and Adjustment System

The No-Slack 7000CC can be installed on compatible Fontaine air-slide mounting systems. A sliding mount allows the fifth wheel to move forward or rearward along the tractor frame.

Repositioning the fifth wheel can change:

  • Steering-axle loading
  • Drive-axle loading
  • Tractor-to-trailer clearance
  • Trailer swing clearance
  • Landing-gear clearance
  • Overall weight distribution

Slide travel and adjustment increments depend on the selected mounting system. Every locking point must be fully engaged and visually inspected before road operation.

Release and Locking Mechanism

The patented No-Slack mechanism automatically adjusts around the trailer kingpin to help reduce free movement. A locking trigger initiates the coupling action, and a positive secondary lock helps prevent unintended release.

Manual configurations use an external operating handle. Fontaine lists approximately 85 pounds of pull force to open the lock. Air-actuated models use a pneumatic actuator to operate the release linkage.

The operator must never rely on handle position alone. Correct coupling must be confirmed through a controlled pull test and direct visual inspection of the lock around the kingpin.

Air and Electronic Controls

Standard manual-release configurations do not require air or electronic controls. Air-actuated versions require:

  • A compatible tractor air supply
  • Protected air lines and fittings
  • A release-control valve
  • A pneumatic actuator
  • Appropriate operating interlocks when specified

Air-slide mounting systems also use compressed air to disengage their locking mechanism. Air actuation does not replace visual inspection, a pull test, or approved operating procedures.

Mounting and Installation

The 7000CC must be installed with a Fontaine-approved mounting system and procedures appropriate for the tractor frame, vehicle ratings, and intended application.

Installation must provide:

  • Adequate frame and mounting strength
  • Correct fifth-wheel height
  • Secure mounting fasteners
  • Sufficient trailer swing clearance
  • Landing-gear and tire clearance
  • Access to the release mechanism
  • Correct air-line routing when equipped
  • Proper slider travel and stop locations

The trailer upper-coupler plate must be compatible with a grease-free fifth-wheel surface and must not contain raised fasteners, severe gouges, weld projections, or other defects that could damage the Clean Connect pads.

Vehicle Frame and Mounting Compatibility

Compatibility depends on:

  • Tractor manufacturer and model
  • Frame width and rail construction
  • Rear-axle arrangement
  • Suspension configuration
  • Required fifth-wheel height
  • Available mounting length
  • Required slider travel
  • Trailer swing and landing-gear clearance
  • Completed vehicle weight distribution
  • Intended operating duty

Fontaine lists several compatible sliding and stationary brackets, but not every mount provides the same GCW or application rating. The complete assembly number must be checked before installation.

Mating Component and Trailer Compatibility

The No-Slack 7000CC must be paired with an approved standard 2-inch SAE kingpin and a compatible trailer upper-coupler plate.

The following mating components and conditions must be inspected:

  • Kingpin size and profile
  • Kingpin wear and damage
  • Upper-coupler flatness
  • Upper-coupler surface condition
  • Raised bolts, welds, or sharp projections
  • Trailer structural condition
  • Trailer load rating
  • Swing and landing-gear clearance

Grease, abrasive debris, and damaged upper-coupler surfaces can reduce Clean Connect performance and shorten pad life.

Common Applications

  • Over-the-road tractors
  • Regional-haul tractors
  • Dry-van operations
  • Refrigerated-freight operations
  • Tanker tractors
  • Flatbed operations
  • Weight-conscious fleets
  • Fleets seeking cleaner maintenance practices
  • Standard and approved heavy-duty highway service

Advantages

  • Grease-free top-plate coupling surface
  • Reduced grease purchasing and disposal costs
  • Less time spent greasing and cleaning the top plate
  • Replaceable Clean Connect pads
  • Cleaner tractor frame and service area
  • Frame defects and loose fasteners may be easier to see
  • Consistent articulation in cold temperatures
  • Self-adjusting No-Slack kingpin lock
  • Positive secondary lock
  • Sliding and stationary mounting choices
  • Manual and air-release options

Limitations or Considerations

  • Clean Connect pads are wear components
  • Internal locking components still require lubrication
  • The trailer upper coupler must be smooth and compatible
  • Contamination can damage or shorten pad life
  • Not intended for every severe-duty or off-highway application
  • Gross combination rating depends on the complete mounting system
  • Slider systems add inspection and maintenance points
  • Does not provide full side-to-side oscillation
  • Does not increase the tractor’s certified ratings
  • Incorrect parts can compromise grease-free operation

Driver and Operator Experience

The Clean Connect surface can provide smooth and consistent steering effort without the heavy grease layer used on a conventional fifth wheel. This can be particularly noticeable in cold weather, when conventional grease may become thick and increase friction.

The self-adjusting lock helps reduce tractor-trailer chucking and impact. Drivers still must inspect the coupling, perform a pull test, monitor pad condition, and confirm slider-lock engagement when a sliding mount is installed.

Coupling and Uncoupling Procedure

Before coupling:

  • Inspect the Clean Connect pads
  • Remove dirt, stones, ice, and other debris
  • Confirm the locking mechanism is open
  • Inspect the kingpin and upper-coupler plate
  • Verify correct trailer height
  • Confirm the mounting system is secure
  • Lubricate internal components where required

After coupling:

  • Perform a controlled pull test
  • Visually confirm the lock is closed around the kingpin
  • Confirm the secondary lock is engaged
  • Verify there is no gap between the mating surfaces
  • Connect and inspect the trailer air and electrical lines
  • Raise and secure the landing gear

Before uncoupling, secure the tractor and trailer, support the trailer on suitable ground, relieve binding from the lock, and follow Fontaine and fleet procedures. This overview does not replace the manufacturer’s instructions.

Inspection and Wear Points

  • Clean Connect pads
  • Pad retainers and mounting hardware
  • Top-plate casting
  • Lock and kingpin contact surfaces
  • Wedge and wedge-stop rod
  • Locking trigger
  • Positive secondary lock
  • Operating and pull handles
  • Pivot pins and bushings
  • Mounting brackets and fasteners
  • Slider rails, wedges, stops, and locks
  • Air lines and actuators when equipped
  • Trailer kingpin
  • Trailer upper-coupler surface

Lubrication Requirements

Conventional grease should not be applied across the Clean Connect top-plate surface. The replaceable pads provide the required low-friction interface with the trailer upper coupler.

The following components may still require manufacturer-specified lubrication:

  • Kingpin locking mechanism
  • Wedge and adjustment components
  • Operating-handle linkage
  • Pivot pins and bushings
  • Mounting-bracket contact points
  • Slider rails and locking components where specified

Applying grease to the wrong surface can attract dirt, contaminate the pads, and defeat the maintenance advantages of Clean Connect technology.

Maintenance and Ownership Notes

Routine maintenance should include:

  • Cleaning and inspecting the Clean Connect pads
  • Replacing pads that reach their service limit
  • Inspecting the lock and secondary lock
  • Checking wedge-stop rod adjustment
  • Measuring kingpin wear
  • Lubricating internal operating components
  • Inspecting pivot pins and bushings
  • Checking mounting fasteners and brackets
  • Inspecting slider rails and locks
  • Testing air-release and air-slide controls

Use genuine, correctly identified Clean Connect pads and service components. Similar-looking materials may not provide the required load support, friction characteristics, wear life, or retention.

Common Coupling Problems

  • High coupling: Incorrect trailer height allows the kingpin to pass above the locking mechanism instead of entering through the throat.
  • Failure to lock: Dirt, damage, binding, poor internal lubrication, incorrect trailer height, or worn components may prevent engagement.
  • Difficult release: Pressure against the lock, damaged linkage, corrosion, contamination, or incorrect adjustment may restrict the operating handle.
  • Excessive kingpin movement: A worn kingpin, lock, wedge, or incorrectly adjusted wedge-stop rod may create excessive slack.
  • Rapid pad wear: A damaged upper coupler, abrasive contamination, raised fasteners, overloading, or incorrect replacement pads may cause premature wear.
  • Hard steering or poor articulation: Damaged pads, surface contamination, an uneven upper coupler, or restricted pivot movement may increase resistance.
  • Slider will not move or lock: Low air pressure, corrosion, damaged wedges, contaminated rails, or tractor-trailer binding may be responsible.
  • Air-release failure: Low pressure, damaged lines, a faulty valve, linkage binding, or actuator failure may prevent release.

Safety and Service Precautions

Never rely on release-handle position alone to confirm coupling. Before moving the vehicle:

  • Perform a controlled pull test
  • Inspect the lock around the kingpin
  • Confirm the secondary lock is engaged
  • Check for a gap between the mating surfaces
  • Verify the Clean Connect pads are correctly retained
  • Confirm slider locks are engaged when equipped

Never place any part of the body between unsecured vehicles or beneath an unsupported trailer. Do not weld, heat, grind, drill, straighten, or modify structural components unless specifically permitted by Fontaine.

Identification Information

Record the following information before ordering parts or a replacement assembly:

  • Fontaine 7000CC model designation
  • Complete assembly number
  • Top-plate part number
  • Serial or production information
  • Manual or air-release configuration
  • Sliding or stationary mounting type
  • Mounting height
  • Slider travel and adjustment increments
  • Clean Connect pad part numbers
  • Vehicle identification number
  • Kingpin size and condition

Do not identify replacement parts solely by appearance. The standard 7000 and 7000CC may share some locking components, but the top-plate surfaces and related parts are different.

Buying Considerations

  • Confirm vertical-load and drawbar-pull requirements
  • Verify the GCW rating of the complete assembly
  • Choose between sliding and stationary mounting
  • Confirm mounting height and required slider travel
  • Select manual or air-actuated release
  • Verify tractor-frame compatibility
  • Check trailer swing and landing-gear clearance
  • Inspect the trailer upper-coupler surface
  • Confirm Clean Connect pad availability
  • Compare grease and labor savings with initial cost
  • Use the current Fontaine application guide

Variants and Configurations

Common No-Slack 7000CC configurations may include:

  • Manual-release top plate
  • Air-actuated release top plate
  • LWB air-slide mounting system
  • ATB air-slide mounting system
  • PML adjustable stationary mount
  • BSL fixed mounting system
  • FMA and FMA-D3 stationary mounts
  • Different mounting heights
  • Different slider travels
  • Application-specific bracket and rail designs

Not every mount provides the same application or GCW rating. The complete assembly number should be confirmed before purchasing or ordering replacement parts.

Comparison to Similar Equipment

Compared with the Fontaine No-Slack 7000 Fifth Wheel, the 7000CC uses replaceable Clean Connect pads and does not require conventional grease across the top-plate coupling surface.

Compared with the Fontaine No-Slack 6000 Fifth Wheel, the 7000CC has a cast top plate, higher vertical-load capacity, and a grease-free coupling surface.

Compared with the Fontaine No-Slack H7 Fifth Wheel, the 7000CC has lower maximum capacity and is not intended for the same extra-heavy or severe-duty applications.

Compared with the Holland FW33 Low-Lube Fifth Wheel, the 7000CC uses Fontaine’s Clean Connect pads and self-adjusting No-Slack locking system.

Best Fit For

  • Highway fleets seeking reduced top-plate greasing
  • Standard through approved heavy-duty tractors
  • Regional and long-haul operations
  • Dry-van and refrigerated fleets
  • Tanker and flatbed operations
  • Fleets prioritizing cleaner maintenance areas
  • Cold-weather operations
  • Fleets wanting a self-adjusting kingpin lock
  • Applications requiring sliding or stationary mounting options

Related Vehicle and Trailer Types

Related Truck and Trailer Models

Related Coupling Types

Related Coupling Products

Related Equipment Systems

Related Guides

Regulatory and Compliance Notes

The fifth wheel, mounting system, kingpin, upper coupler, tractor, and trailer must comply with applicable commercial-vehicle construction and operating requirements.

The 7000CC’s mechanical rating does not override:

  • Gross axle weight ratings
  • Gross vehicle weight ratings
  • Gross combination weight ratings
  • Frame and suspension ratings
  • Tire and wheel ratings
  • Kingpin and upper-coupler ratings
  • Federal, state, provincial, or local weight limits

Fleet maintenance procedures should follow applicable grease-free fifth-wheel practices and Fontaine service instructions.

Real World Operating Notes

The most visible difference between the 7000CC and a conventional fifth wheel is the absence of grease across the top plate. This can keep the tractor frame, shop floor, driver clothing, and maintenance equipment cleaner.

The pads and trailer upper coupler should be kept free of rocks, metal fragments, hardened grease, and abrasive debris. Contamination trapped between the surfaces can damage the pads during turns.

When a slider is fitted, axle weights should be verified on a certified scale after adjustment. The driver must also confirm that the slider locks are fully engaged and that adequate trailer swing and landing-gear clearance remain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fontaine No-Slack 7000CC Clean Connect?

It is a cast-steel fifth wheel that combines Fontaine’s self-adjusting No-Slack lock with replaceable grease-free top-plate pads.

What are its load ratings?

The top plate is rated for a maximum vertical load of 55,000 pounds and maximum drawbar pull of 150,000 pounds.

Does the 7000CC require fifth-wheel grease?

It does not require conventional grease between the top-plate surface and trailer upper coupler. Internal locks, pivots, and other specified components still require lubrication.

Are the Clean Connect pads replaceable?

Yes. The low-friction top-plate pads are replaceable wear components.

What kingpin does the 7000CC use?

It is designed for a standard 2-inch SAE semitrailer kingpin.

Can it be installed on a slider?

Yes. It can be combined with compatible Fontaine sliding or stationary mounting systems.

Is an air release available?

Yes. Manual and air-actuated release configurations are available for approved applications.

Is the 7000CC the same as the standard 7000?

No. They use related No-Slack locking technology, but the 7000CC adds replaceable grease-free pads to the top-plate coupling surface.

Can grease be applied to the Clean Connect pads?

Conventional top-plate grease should not be applied unless specifically directed by Fontaine. Grease can attract abrasive contamination and reduce the benefits of the system.

How are the correct replacement parts identified?

Use the complete assembly number, top-plate number, mounting type, release configuration, installed height, slider travel, and Clean Connect pad numbers.

Availability and Where to Find

Fontaine No-Slack 7000CC assemblies, replacement top plates, Clean Connect pads, mounting systems, rebuild kits, release components, and related parts may be available through Fontaine distributors, commercial-truck dealers, fleet-parts suppliers, and fifth-wheel service facilities.

Availability depends on mounting height, slider travel, release configuration, bracket design, pad specification, and complete assembly number.

Current product information is available through the Fontaine No-Slack 7000CC Clean Connect page. Technical documents and service information are available through the Fontaine Fifth Wheel literature library.

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