Abstract: A king pin coupler assembly of a fifth wheel coupling. A coupler plate has a king pin aperture therein. A king pin is positioned to extend axially through the king pin aperture of the coupler plate. The king pin has a first portion with a neck for engaging a fifth wheel of the fifth wheel coupling, the first portion extending to a first side of the coupler plate. The king pin has a second portion on a second side of the coupler plate and welded to the coupler plate. A shielding apparatus is secured to one or both of the king pin and the coupler plate. The shielding apparatus includes a cover sealed to the first side of the coupler plate. The cover extends over the first portion of the king pin to shield the first portion of the king pin during liquid immersion of the king pin coupler assembly.

Abstract: A king pin coupler assembly of a fifth wheel coupling. A coupler plate has a king pin aperture therein. A king pin is positioned to extend axially through the king pin aperture of the coupler plate. The king pin has a first portion with a neck for engaging a fifth wheel of the fifth wheel coupling, the first portion extending to a first side of the coupler plate. The king pin has a second portion on a second side of the coupler plate and welded to the coupler plate. A shielding apparatus is secured to one or both of the king pin and the coupler plate. The shielding apparatus includes a cover sealed to the first side of the coupler plate. The cover extends over the first portion of the king pin to shield the first portion of the king pin during liquid immersion of the king pin coupler assembly.

Abstract: A king pin coupler assembly of a fifth wheel coupling. A coupler plate has a king pin aperture therein. A king pin is positioned to extend axially through the king pin aperture of the coupler plate. The king pin has a first portion with a neck for engaging a fifth wheel of the fifth wheel coupling, the first portion extending to a first side of the coupler plate. The king pin has a second portion on a second side of the coupler plate and welded to the coupler plate. A shielding apparatus is secured to one or both of the king pin and the coupler plate. The shielding apparatus includes a cover sealed to the first side of the coupler plate. The cover extends over the first portion of the king pin to shield the first portion of the king pin during liquid immersion of the king pin coupler assembly.

Abstract: A king pin coupler assembly of a fifth wheel coupling. A coupler plate has a king pin aperture therein. A king pin is positioned to extend axially through the king pin aperture of the coupler plate. The king pin has a first portion with a neck for engaging a fifth wheel of the fifth wheel coupling, the first portion extending to a first side of the coupler plate. The king pin has a second portion on a second side of the coupler plate and welded to the coupler plate. A shielding apparatus is secured to one or both of the king pin and the coupler plate. The shielding apparatus includes a cover sealed to the first side of the coupler plate. The cover extends over the first portion of the king pin to shield the first portion of the king pin during liquid immersion of the king pin coupler assembly.

Abstract: A trailer includes front and rear ends and a cargo area. A rear bolster extends transversely to a longitudinal direction at a bottom rear edge of the cargo area. A rear impact guard includes a bumper having opposing distal ends spaced laterally across the trailer. A pair of distal end supports connect to the distal ends of the bumper, each including a diagonal truss member and a vertical stabilizer. The diagonal truss extends along an axis in a forward, inward and upward direction from the bumper. The vertical stabilizer members are separate from the diagonal truss members and extend upwardly from the bumper to the rear bolster. The vertical stabilizer reduces an offset component of buckling load on the diagonal truss member upon rear impact. At least one inboard post extends between the bumper and the rear bolster at a location between the pair of distal end supports.

Abstract: A trailer includes front and rear ends and a cargo area. A rear bolster extends transversely to a longitudinal direction at a bottom rear edge of the cargo area. A rear impact guard includes a bumper having opposing distal ends spaced laterally across the trailer. A pair of distal end supports connect to the distal ends of the bumper, each including a diagonal truss member and a vertical stabilizer. The diagonal truss extends along an axis in a forward, inward and upward direction from the bumper. The vertical stabilizer members are separate from the diagonal truss members and extend upwardly from the bumper to the rear bolster. The vertical stabilizer reduces an offset component of buckling load on the diagonal truss member upon rear impact. At least one inboard post extends between the bumper and the rear bolster at a location between the pair of distal end supports.