Removing my heavy 5th wheel hitch

Stan&Sharon · 06-23-2022, 01:42 PM

I'm 70 years young but my back is from a very old man. Since I installed my hitch, I've not been able to use the bed of my truck because I can't lift it in or out. It's over 200 pounds.
Today I picked up a used Harbor Freight 1ton engine hoist off Facebook Marketplace for $60. Although it wouldn't reach all the way, I'm able to slide the hitch back in the bed so the hitch can grab it... woohoo!
I'm so happy I took a couple photos to show ya'll
I picked up a 5th Wheel Hitch Lifting Bracket off amazon too.

Jagiven · 06-23-2022, 01:54 PM

Very Nice!

We're looking at 5vers. This has been one of my concerns. One of the 5vers we have looked at has a Lippert Frame. I spoke with them, and found they have a replacement pinbox that is a gooseneck style, and it does not void the warranty. If we go with a 5ver, I plan to seriously look at this option.

TWP723 · 06-23-2022, 02:27 PM

I made a hitch hoist about 25 years ago. Still works great!

cgalutera1 · 06-23-2022, 02:38 PM

Thanks for the info!!! With my back, I need this tool.

Kahoneys · 06-23-2022, 05:52 PM

I had the same issue and my solution was an electric hoist from Harbor Freight. I put a cross member up in the rafters and mounted it to that and use that to lift our hitch in and out of our truck

https://www.harborfreight.com/440-lb...rol-60346.html

Yooper906 · 06-23-2022, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kahoneys

I had the same issue and my solution was an electric hoist from Harbor Freight. I put a cross member up in the rafters and mounted it to that and use that to lift our hitch in and out of our truck

https://www.harborfreight.com/440-lb...rol-60346.html

Even one of those small double pulley rope winches like you would use to hoist up a deer works good. They will do 200 lbs no problem.

kirkelli · 06-23-2022, 08:23 PM

I fixed that problem with a Reese Goosebox.... No more fuss

Learjet · 06-23-2022, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stan&Sharon

I'm 70 years young but my back is from a very old man. Since I installed my hitch, I've not been able to use the bed of my truck because I can't lift it in or out. It's over 200 pounds.
Today I picked up a used Harbor Freight 1ton engine hoist off Facebook Marketplace for $60. Although it wouldn't reach all the way, I'm able to slide the hitch back in the bed so the hitch can grab it... woohoo!
I'm so happy I took a couple photos to show ya'll
I picked up a 5th Wheel Hitch Lifting Bracket off amazon too.

I do the same thing

RDTC · 06-23-2022, 09:07 PM

I also use an engine hoist.

Because it does not reach. I set the hitch on a 2” piece of steel square tube. The hitch slides easily on the steel.

I use a pry bar to lift the hitch slightly and slide the steel tube out.

Big1 · 06-23-2022, 10:18 PM

I have the same one but since I have a lighter hitch I haven't use it in a while.

ARoamer · 06-24-2022, 04:33 AM

Bought a used TS3 hitch that came with a harbor freight bed mounted hydraulic hoist. Excellent heavy duty air bag hitch with the emphasis on heavy, 280#, including the puck bed adapter close to 320#. I don't use the hoist, not drilling holes in my bed and adding another 75#, also tried an engine hoist but just about 1 foot short of reach. I do use a tractor with a front end loader, but the hitch rarely needs to come out as most everything can fit around it. Washing machine, water heater can fit even with tailgate closed. Also I have a auxillary fuel tank that is permanently mounted taking up bed space. I'll hitch a utility trailer if needed before pulling that hitch.

GTS225 · 06-24-2022, 05:54 AM

Maybe I have no clue, but doesn't a 5th wheel "break down" into two sub-assemblies? Seems to me the wheel can be pulled off, then the legs section taken out in a two-stage process, leaving the rails behind in the bed.

Roger

spoon059 · 06-24-2022, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jagiven

Very Nice!

We're looking at 5vers. This has been one of my concerns. One of the 5vers we have looked at has a Lippert Frame. I spoke with them, and found they have a replacement pinbox that is a gooseneck style, and it does not void the warranty. If we go with a 5ver, I plan to seriously look at this option.

Reese Goosebox? That's what we are seriously looking at when we go to a 5th wheel. Nothing but a ball and chain hooks in the bed. Unlikely I'll need to remove those very often, but super easy to remove and store.

JB13502 · 06-24-2022, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTS225

Maybe I have no clue, but doesn't a 5th wheel "break down" into two sub-assemblies? Seems to me the wheel can be pulled off, then the legs section taken out in a two-stage process, leaving the rails behind in the bed.

Roger

Not all hitches separate easily, especially Economy/Entry Level hitches.

My Curt separates easily by pulling a single pin. While the weight may be less, the bulk is still a PIA.

TWP723 · 06-24-2022, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JB13502

Not all hitches separate easily, especially Economy/Entry Level hitches.

My Curt separates easily by pulling a single pin. While the weight may be less, the bulk is still a PIA.

Mine does the same. The head lifts off the body (morbid, isn't it?) which makes it easier to handle.

Slurugger · 06-24-2022, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spoon059

Reese Goosebox? That's what we are seriously looking at when we go to a 5th wheel. Nothing but a ball and chain hooks in the bed. Unlikely I'll need to remove those very often, but super easy to remove and store.

I went from the MorRyde cushioned pin box to the Reese Goosebox about a year ago and love it. I will be honest and say there is slightly more chucking (which isn't much) with the Goosebox compared to the MorRyde. Having said that, I wouldn't go back. The Goosebox is sooooo much more convenient. The ability to have the entire bed back in less that 2 minutes is amazing.

CAG · 06-24-2022, 12:48 PM

Some just pull the pins and leave it attached to the ball and the 5th wheel. Back under it, position as necessary and reattach.

My solution was and Andersen hitch with weight about 35 lbs and worked fine for the 40' toy hauler.

jetlag · 06-24-2022, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAG

Some just pull the pins and leave it attached to the ball and the 5th wheel. Back under it, position as necessary and reattach.

My solution was and Andersen hitch with weight about 35 lbs and worked fine for the 40' toy hauler.

esacnj · 06-24-2022, 01:56 PM

I have what Kahoneys has from Harbor Freight. I put 2 eye bolts into the header above my garage door and hang hoist from them. I back the truck into the garage door opening, lift the hitch and pull the truck out from under it. I lower the hitch onto a dolly and can roll it around. I do the reverse to put it back in the bed.

kirkelli · 06-24-2022, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slurugger

I will be honest and say there is slightly more chucking (which isn't much) with the Goosebox compared to the MorRyde. .

How much air are you running? I run mine down to 10-12 pounds and the chucking is no where near as bad as the MorRyde with the Demco Auto Slide.

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