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Old 03-19-2013, 01:11 PM   #1
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5W hitch question

Do you leave your hitch on truck all the time or do you take it off while not in use. ie., when not camping for a month or so, or during off season. I don't have a 5W yet, but getting close. just wondering how hard is it to install and remove? PITA??
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Old 03-19-2013, 02:14 PM   #2
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I leave my hitch in truck bed all the time, but do not use the truck for a daily driver. It is a Reese Signature Series 16K, and weighs around 300#, so that makes it a pain to remove. It is not hard to remove or re-install, from the standpoint of just pulling the 4 pins from the rails, but I just don't want to mess with all that weight, and risk dropping it and damaging the truck. JMHO
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Old 03-19-2013, 05:48 PM   #3
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Boozcamp based on your first post you mentioned a 6.5ft bed. You might need to go with a slider and that will add a lot of weight with the slide feature. You could possibly go with the sidewinder if you are ordering a new unit and an option for your unit. This would get you into a regular hitch setup which would make removal more of an option.

I remove mine when I need the bed during the season and in most cases fully during off season. My bed is covered so it's out of the elements 90% of the time unless I am hauling. Mine is a Reese signature 20K and I have 6 pins which all can easily be removed to split the unit up into 2 pieces of about 75 - 100 pounds each. It's an Elite head with the standard base. There are 4 holding it to the rails and 2 holding my cast iron head down to the base. It is much more manageable to move this way.

The other option my cousin has in his truck is a B&W with the flip up ball mount unit. This is a pricey setup, but it leaves no rails in the bed and gives you a gooseneck option should you even need it. I don't know the weight specs on it, but it's probaly lighter due to it's mounting.

I am sure a few other members will chime in on the issue. If you confirm your bed length and the unit you are considering it will really help get more specific details on options.
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Old 03-20-2013, 07:39 AM   #4
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I like to keep things simple. I leave mine in till I need to take it out, then leave it out till I need it in.
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Old 03-20-2013, 08:05 AM   #5
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I leave mine in for the season, but I remove it when hunting season starts.
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Old 03-20-2013, 09:08 AM   #6
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Hitch removal made easy
Hook up to your RV
undo the disconnect mounts on the floor plate
raise the 5er a bit
DROP TAILGATE
drive away SLOWLY
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Old 04-05-2013, 09:03 PM   #7
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I like the b&w set up. I was able to remove it by myself easily. My last truck had a truxedo cover with a locking tailgate so I would leave it in during camping season even though it was my daily driver. Since my new truck doesn't have a cover on it I will probably just take the head off when i disconnect the camper because it is easily removable and I have heard of them getting stolen. After the head is off a socket wrench will losen the bolt that keeps the pin under the wheel well from being pulled and disconnecting the base from the hole it fits in. My fist truck with this setup was a 3/4 ton short bed and I had no problems with it at all.
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Old 04-06-2013, 06:44 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boozecamp View Post
Do you leave your hitch on truck all the time or do you take it off while not in use. ie., when not camping for a month or so, or during off season. I don't have a 5W yet, but getting close. just wondering how hard is it to install and remove? PITA??
If not going to use within a month I take it out. Yes, I found it a PITA. But, do not like to just keep in the truck. Why I am going to try the Andersen.

I have considered doing the process that Seann45 mentioned. I store mine at a RV/Mobile park and did not want to leave the hitch there. It might not be there when I come back.
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Old 04-08-2013, 08:36 AM   #9
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I've been pondering this question myself as we edge closer to a 5th. Have any of you "pros" used a shop crane (engine lift) to remove the hitch?
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Old 04-18-2013, 02:42 AM   #10
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I leave mine in at all times unless I absolutely need to take it out, which only has happened when I helped someone move. I have a Husky 16k, but also have a bakflip cover over the bed. Even with a short bed, I still have room to carry a baby stroller, and a buggy full of groceries. Should be done with the stroller in another year or so, and then I am home free. But I should also mention that for anything else I need to tote around that needs a truck bed to do so, I have my company work truck available.

I guess it may depend on what will suit your needs. If you don't haul much in the back of your truck and can do without the bed space, then you may be able to leave it in. I think you may be on to something with the idea of using an engine lift, as long as you rig it up properly so that it won't shift on you and damage your TV, or even worse hurt someone. Or if you have the room in the back of a garage or wherever else, possibly an overhead pulley system?? Just thinking outloud and also not knowing your exact situation. Who knows...you may be able to easily move yours in and out of your TV with no problem. Kinda like that comedian who always jokes "So, just how big of a boy are you". :hihi:
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Old 04-18-2013, 08:32 AM   #11
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During camping season my 5W hitch remains in the PU bed. During the off season I remove the hitch so it doesn't unnecessarily
get exposed to the elements and winter's road salt. I use a 1 ton chain hoist (purchased at Harbor Freight for $50) attached to my garage rafter to lift it. I put it on a roll-around furniture mover to place it out of the way.
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Old 04-18-2013, 09:01 AM   #12
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Quote:
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I put it on a roll-around furniture mover to place it out of the way.
Viking, that's a good idea! At HF they're $15 ($8 w/ coupon).
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