Germany / France – JOST-Werke SE of Neu-Isenburg, Hesse, Germany used Solutrans last November to reveal two innovations for improving trailer coupling and road safety: the JOST King Pin Finder and the Rockinger Drawbar Finder.

The JOST King Pin Finder is a new assistance system to aid the driver match the fifth wheel with the king pin. Jost explained that a camera, securely integrated into the fifth wheel coupling is used to support the coupling process by sending images to the dashboard in the driver’s cabin when driving backwards. The King Pin Finder thus provides visual assistance during coupling, allowing the driver to find the ideal coupling height as well as to manoeuvre the tractor to align the king pin more accurately; this new assistance system enhances coupling accuracy, safety and potentially, speed of operation. Jost also pointed out that the system’s intuitive handling assists drivers when changing trailers – thereby preventing accidents and damage to the fifth wheel coupling and king pin, as well as the truck and trailer.