removing 5th wheel hitch - keep attached to camper??

[blwnsmoke]

We bought our 1st 5th wheel last October and I've kept the hitch in my bed the whole time. There have been a few times where I have wanted to use my bed but at over 300lbs, I would have to disassemble it into pieces to remove myself as I don't have a winch.

Then I drove by a 5th wheel on Sunday that had the hitch locked onto the 5th wheel itself hanging there. I remember a discussion last year that I read about some people doing this and completely forgot about it.

Are there any cons to leaving your 5th wheel hitch hooked up to the 5th wheel? I have the Ford 5th wheel prep package so I only have to turn the 4 points 90 degrees to unlock it from my bed and then just lift the 5th wheel up lifting the hitch out of the bed.

Thoughts??

Thanks

[Rugged Brown]

I can't think of any cons, probably theft , but otherwise give it a try.

[MilCop4523]

theft would be the little one I am worried about
if they bolt cut ground and some live wires out of substations we own a small padlock which locks the slide handle to release the jaws is no match.

i think i'll buy 2 frineds with huge arms a few beer and get them to muscle it out of the truck bed, or off the pin when lifted up.
i could also use my tractor - once the water pump is replaced next week.

[blwnsmoke]

I'm not really worried about theft so if that is the only thing that you all can think of, I think I'm good to go. Besides, it would only be removed for a day or two worst case while I use my bed and then hook it back in. I plow in the winter so the added weight to the rear helps out a lot so I don't have to put sand bags back there.

I live in the middle of no where, down a long driveway with only 6 houses on my street in the middle of a State Park. We really see zero traffic where I am besides the few neighbors I have.

I was more concerned with any effects that it would cause to the camper with the weight dangling on the 5th wheel itself but I guess 300lbs is not much.

[Tucson Joe]

What hitch do you have that weights 300 lbs? I have a 22000 hitch with the safety arm attached and I can pick it up, it is heave but not over 100 to 125 lbs.

[blwnsmoke]

I have a Demco slider hitch (have a short bed and wanted to make sure I wouldn't have issues). Shipping weight is 289lbs (thought it was 309) so minus the cardboard, you are talking 275-280lbs.

[2Vals]

Originally Posted by blwnsmoke

We bought our 1st 5th wheel last October and I've kept the hitch in my bed the whole time. There have been a few times where I have wanted to use my bed but at over 300lbs, I would have to disassemble it into pieces to remove myself as I don't have a winch.

Then I drove by a 5th wheel on Sunday that had the hitch locked onto the 5th wheel itself hanging there. I remember a discussion last year that I read about some people doing this and completely forgot about it.

Are there any cons to leaving your 5th wheel hitch hooked up to the 5th wheel? I have the Ford 5th wheel prep package so I only have to turn the 4 points 90 degrees to unlock it from my bed and then just lift the 5th wheel up lifting the hitch out of the bed.

Thoughts??

Thanks

What came to mind about leaving the hitch attached was when you go to re-attach it. Seems like it would be a bit of a bear lining up the four bolts as you back your truck under the dangling hitch?
On the weight issue as the hitch is attached to your 5er - I would think one of the hitch supports might help in that regard. I have one we rarely use that I am thinking of selling currently.
Anyway, good luck on your quest.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by 2Vals

What came to mind about leaving the hitch attached was when you go to re-attach it. Seems like it would be a bit of a bear lining up the four bolts as you back your truck under the dangling hitch?
On the weight issue as the hitch is attached to your 5er - I would think one of the hitch supports might help in that regard. I have one we rarely use that I am thinking of selling currently.
Anyway, good luck on your quest.

That's exactly what I'd wonder is how much of a pain is it to get it put back into the truck. But, the folks who do it, say it isn't as bad as it would seem.

As for the weight- I say that the pin box area takes a LOT more abuse going down the road than a 100-300 pounds hanging from it.

My big fear, and a simple lock suffices- is someone getting tinkering with it and dropping it on themselves.

[bpadamson]

We have the B W slider, quite a bit over 200# and it hung on our 5th last winter with no apparent problems. The lock or something in the locking handle is something I will do this year...

[Boso]

Had super glide and did that but didn't leave very long.Made me a table same height as truck bed moved mine with 1" pvc as rollers and shovel handle it was heavy but I could put in garage and break down into pieces to do maintance or to just clear bed I also had rail that came out for clean bed

[sself1219]

My grandfather used to pull his 5ever hitch out of the back of his truck with the camper, he then used the camper jacks to lower the hitch into a wheel barrel and move the hitch to his garage for storage. He didn't seem to have an issue getting the hitch back in the truck in the reverse order.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Harbor freight has a 1 ton folding shop crane engine lift for $179.00.

Will fit the bill for hitch removable

part # 61858

[Bocamo]

My previous truck had a canopy and I put a Harken Hoister in the garage to lift it off for storage. The new truck has a 5th wheel and no canopy. The hoister works fine for lifting the hitch too.

[spock123]

I just try to keep honest people from walking off with my stuff. There is no way you can stop a thief, that's what insurance is for and a headache


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[spock123]

Originally Posted by spock123

I just try to keep honest people from walking off with my stuff. There is no way you can stop a thief, that's what insurance is for and a headache


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That was posted in the wrong thread


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[spock123]

I have a B & W hitch and I leave it hanging sometimes, getting it back in the slot is not a problem. I just keep a lock on the release handle


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