5th wheel hitch storage

[Rmgrose]

I do not own a 5th wheel yet... But was wondering what everybody does with their heavy hitches. I put the bed rails in my truck and found a used hitch on Craigslist(right now it is in the garage). I will probably let mine in the truck, but didn't know what everybody does. The reason I'm asking is I was told you shouldn't let it connected to pin(hanging there), but I have seen a lot that store them this way. thanks

[luvs2camp7164]

We leave ours mounted in the truck year round with mo isdues. Just need to keep them lubricated. If you need to take it out store it in the garage. I would not leave it on the kingpin of the camper.

[Bookemdanno]

I mainly leave mine in the bed of the truck, but I only have about 11K miles on my '14. I'm very thankful to have a company car to drive to/from work. I have read and debated about putting one of those cheap Harbour Freight winches and attaching to the ceiling to host out of the truck when not needed. Just haven't gotten around to doing it. I've removed mine by hand (with a friend!) a couple to times thus far.

[luvs2camp7164]

If you do not have a good point to mount a winch in the garage i would go with an inexpensive engine hoist from harbor froeght. It is on wheels and collapses down for easy storage. You would be able to remove the hitch by yourself easily.

[3'senough]

I leave it in during our season April-Oct with a bed cover so limited exposure then in the garage for the winter only if I need a full bed. Mine splits into 2 pieces, but still heavy due to the cast portion.

[Kahoneys]

I use our truck for hauling and carrying work/Scuba diving equipment so when not in use I have a $75 electric hoist that I put in the rafters of the garage and lower it onto a furniture dolly so I can easily move it around the garage.

[schiguy]

Kahoneys, Where did you get your $75 electric hoist?

[Kahoneys]

Menards. It was a generac brand but here is the equilivent in the Champion brand

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4426383603.htm

[schiguy]

Thanks! I need to look into making that happen.

[skijlw]

I remove mine from the truck a few times a year. I put a 3/8" lag eye in a joist in my garage to attach a 1/4 ton chain fall too. Lower it to a Harbor Freight furniture dolly. Works great.

[logytwo]

Just lift it out and hang it on the wall.

[Kevin O.]

Originally Posted by logytwo

Just lift it out and hang it on the wall.

Lol!! That's messed up...

[Kahoneys]

Here is a picture of my setup. I put an 8' 1" steel rod to spread out the load. The winch is rated for 440 lbs or 880 lbs if you double the cable. I have also used it to lift the front of my riding lawn mower to change the blades!

[Bearles]

I leave mine in year round, unless i need the full bed in which case i lift it out. Have a bed cover so exposure is minimal and gives me some winter weight in the bed for winter traction.

[Phatkd]

This whole electric hoist idea has me wanting one now!!!

[Aero_Dave]

Originally Posted by logytwo

Just lift it out and hang it on the wall.

+1, Love my Andersen. 😜

[schiguy]

I went ahead and purchased the 1100 # electric hoist from Harbor Freight yesterday and plan to install this weekend. Pretty excited to make this happen. Any tips on installation. I am thinking either a 4x4 or 6x6 spread across 4 beams and bolt it to that.

[dalebra]

I also went with the electric winch and dolly from Northern Tool. I mounted my winch on the header above the garage door and when the door is open the cable drops down in the open space created when the door is all the way up.

Electric Winch
Ironton Double Line Electric Hoist — 220-lb. Single Line/440-lb. Double Line Lift Capacity | Electric Cable Hoists| Northern Tool + Equipment

Dolly
Roughneck Poly Mover's Dolly — 1,200-Lb. Capacity | Dollies Accessories| Northern Tool + Equipment