As temperatures drop, maintaining proper performance from your JOST equipment becomes even more important. Cold weather can challenge the smooth operation of landing gear and fifth wheels, but with the right maintenance practices, you can ensure reliability and longevity throughout the winter season.
Landing Gear: Protect and Prevent in the Cold
Download Winter Hard Cranking Landing Gear Here
JOST landing gear is engineered to perform in demanding environments—but when temperatures plunge, standard grease can stiffen and lead to hard cranking. To prevent this, JOST recommends using low-temperature grease during regular maintenance.
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Standard grease pack: rated to –12°F
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Low-temperature grease (A440/A441 Magnum): rated to –50°F
- Landing Gear Product Line
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If you’ve experienced hard cranking in cold conditions, you can add low-temperature grease during routine maintenance—it’s fully compatible with standard grease. This mixture lowers the operating temperature range of the gearbox, maintaining smooth operation throughout winter.
Additionally, all JOST landing gear series A420/A421 and up include a grease tube as standard equipment, which helps ensure proper lubrication and prevents corrosion caused by harsh road chemicals and salt often seen in winter conditions.
For fleets operating in extremely cold climates, consider specifying JOST Magnum gear, which is pre-packed with 100% low-temperature grease for superior cold-weather performance.
Fifth Wheels: Winterization and Cold-Weather Care
JOST fifth wheels are engineered for reliability, but winter conditions introduce additional stress from moisture, salt, and temperature swings. Proper cold-weather maintenance helps prevent corrosion, sticking, and operational issues.
Download Fifth Wheel Winterization Recommendations Here.
Winter road conditions introduce added challenges—moisture, salt, and chemical de-icers can cause rust, corrosion, and hinder proper function. Regular maintenance ensures smooth operation and extends the life of your fifth wheel.
Winter maintenance checklist:
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Thoroughly clean and degrease the top plate surface and underside using a shop steam cleaner or suitable degreasing product.
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Remove grease buildup within and around the lock jaw, throat, and pivot points.
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Check for proper articulation – The fifth wheel should tilt freely fore and aft. If it maintains a fixed position, corrosion may need to be cleaned out of the bracket tube, and new bushings installed. (Video Link)
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Inspect all parts for damage or missing components; replace with genuine JOST parts.
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Lubricate moving parts – Spray lubricating oil (such as Cyclo Blue or Kroil) on the pivot points underneath the top plate. Make sure to grease the zerk under the slider release arm pivot. (Video Link)
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Do NOT use penetrating oils such as Break Away or PB Blaster.
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Verify lock operation – Use a lock tester to confirm smooth locking and unlocking.
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Apply lithium-based EP grease to the trailer contact surface to reduce friction and protect against corrosion.
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Apply lithium-based EP grease to the lock jaw – With the lock test tool engaged, apply grease via the zerk fitting on the top plate casting skirt. (Video Link) (Document Link)
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Apply air tool oil to any air release cylinder – Squeeze a few drops directly into the air line inlet.
For sliding fifth wheels, ensure the slide tracks, racks, and plungers are thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and lubricated. Lock and unlock the slide mechanism several times to confirm proper operation before returning to service.
Winter Reliability You Can Count On
Performing these simple maintenance steps ensures that your JOST landing gear and fifth wheels continue to operate efficiently through the coldest months. By using the right lubricants and performing regular inspections, you’ll prevent downtime, reduce wear, and keep your fleet running smoothly—no matter how harsh the winter gets.