2006-11-13 17:36:57 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Rail
the thing on the back of a truck where the trailer goes into
2006-11-13 18:27:06 · answer #1 · answered by gallow 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not sure if you mean in a rail transport definition or social definition.
In a social definition.
It's origin is that 4 wheels make up a vehicle and any more is useless. It's a derogatory term used to describe a person who has a habit of hanging on to a group of two or more people whether invited or not.
In a rail definition a fifth wheel can be for one of a number of purposes. The first is as an electrical power pickup to reduce wear and tear that a sliding metal pickup creates. The second use is on carriages to spin on the rails and run a generator to provide power for the carriage or even provide air pressure or vacuum to operate the train. The final purpose is to spin and act as a sensor for the speed of the train.
2006-11-14 01:51:22 · answer #2 · answered by erg322 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A fifth wheel is used to hook up something like a tractor on a transport truck. Also used as an extra person.
2006-11-14 01:39:02 · answer #3 · answered by dogloverdi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a term used to say something is unneeded or unwanted.
Cars have four wheels - a fifth wheel would not make any sense or achieve any benefits to the car - so it is useless addition to the car (unless it is in the boot / trunk of the car - but guess you understand what i mean).
2006-11-14 01:39:50 · answer #4 · answered by kel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wheel or portion of a wheel placed horizontally over the forward axle of a carriage to provide support and stability during turns.
A similar device over the rear axle or axles of a tractor or pickup truck, serving as a coupling for a semitrailer.
An additional wheel carried on a four-wheeled vehicle as a spare.
An extra and unnecessary person or thing.
2006-11-14 01:38:44 · answer #5 · answered by Gregnir 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
a fifth wheel is a pancake type coupling (hitch) which is on the rear of a semi tractor or in the bed of a pickup truck to connect and tow a trailer of some sort.
2006-11-14 01:45:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you are on a double date the 5th wheel is that person who has no date and is just tagging a long. Also works for the 3rd wheel on a single date.
2006-11-14 01:39:14 · answer #7 · answered by Jess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Semi-trailer truck
2006-11-14 01:45:31 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A tag-a-long. Usually in a group or date setting...an extra person whose company is not really wanted.
2006-11-14 01:38:15 · answer #9 · answered by DumBlonD 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A saved tire in the car .
2006-11-14 02:34:12 · answer #10 · answered by jetboy861 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋