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Old 06-11-2019, 06:52 PM   #1
LZScout
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My Way of Removing a 5th Wheel Hitch

Having recently moved, I had to come up with a new method of removing my 5th wheel hitch from the bed of my short-bed F350 pickup. At my old residence, I had constructed a block and tackle arrangement attached to the rafters, using 1/8” cable and a boat winch attached to the wall. I never really liked the arrangement and worried a bit about the weight (approx 200 lbs) I was hanging from the rafters.

Another issue is the greater finished ceiling height in my new garage of 15’. At age 62, I’m not real thrilled about working that high off the ground. So I started looking for other options and this is what I came up with. I found an engine hoist I believed could reach into my truck bed even with the tailgate closed. I found one at Northern Tool:

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...0934_200640934

The lift comes with an adjustable boom that can be extended in length at the price of reduced load capacity. As the stock version is extended, the weight capacity drops from 2000 lbs to 500 lbs at maximum length. This length was 16” too short to reach the point where I could lift the hitch vertically. I replaced the stock square tube with one that was 48” long. The extra length would reduce the weight capacity but I figured it would safely lift the 200 lb hitch. I’ve tested it and it seems to lift the hitch easily and seems very stable without any tendency to tip forward, even when I apply additional weight. The new tube required new holes to be drilled that matched the ones in the stock tube. A little glossy black Rustoleum spray paint and it was good to go.

I initially set the lift up in the rear of the vehicle with the tailgate closed. I use the lift to raise the hitch clear of the attachment points, then drive the truck forward enough to lower the tailgate. After the tailgate is lowered, I pull the truck out from under the hitch. Alternately, I can simply pull the hitch out of the truck as the lift is on wheels. I then lower the hitch onto a rolling cart that I made to move it around the garage.

Here are a couple of pictures of the lift in action.

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As you can see, the “Load Leveler” that comes with the Strongway Engine Hoist keeps the hitch nice and level. Four sets of chains and attachment points came with the load leveler. I did have to purchase 4 - 12” lengths of suitable chain and 4 removable links to lengthen than 4 chains to reach the load leveler. The only other thing I did was remove 3 links of the chain that is attached to the hook that connects the boom to the leveler.

Hopefully, this can work for others.

Lantz
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Old 06-11-2019, 07:08 PM   #2
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Very nice! I had wondered about using an engine hoist to lift out the hitch as an alternative to a ceiling mounted option. This would work best for me since my garage (really an old horse stable that got enclosed) is detached and not terribly useful for vehicles - ton of tools and equipment stored there though.
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Old 06-11-2019, 07:31 PM   #3
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You could have gotten an Andersen Superhitch and your 5 year old could have removed it.
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Old 06-11-2019, 07:37 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cayovelez View Post
You could have gotten an Andersen Superhitch and your 5 year old could have removed it.


You can correct me if I’m wrong, but I didn’t think Anderson offered a sliding 5th wheel hitch, something necessary in my short bed pickup. Plus, I’m really happy with my Pullrite Superglide Hitch. To each , his own.
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Old 06-11-2019, 07:39 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cayovelez View Post
You could have gotten an Andersen Superhitch and your 5 year old could have removed it.
He has a slider, Anderson has nothing for him
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Old 06-11-2019, 07:40 PM   #6
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My solution:
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Old 06-11-2019, 07:47 PM   #7
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I have a Chevy Silverado 3500 short bed and get about 80-85 degrees of turning with my Andersen. My buddy had a very expensive sliding hitch and I convinced him into getting an Andersen and he won't go back to a slider. Both of our trucks are short bed.
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Old 06-11-2019, 08:24 PM   #8
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Exactly how I remove mine only it has a ready made “pin” with an eye on it. Just lock it in the jaws and use the picker to lift and pull out
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Old 06-11-2019, 08:56 PM   #9
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I actually created this thread to show my method of removing a 5Th Wheel Hitch. I really don’t want to get into a debate about the different brands of 5th wheel hitches. If you’ve got another method of removing and storing your hitch, feel free to contribute.
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Old 06-11-2019, 09:08 PM   #10
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My apologies. I was not trying to be a jerk about it. LZScout sorry.
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Old 06-12-2019, 12:23 AM   #11
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That is pretty much how I take mine out, with an engine hoist cherry picker. We had to modify our extension tube also to reach the hitch.
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Old 06-12-2019, 05:29 AM   #12
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There has recently been a thread on here about removing the hitch with the the trailer jacks,meaning leave the hitch attached to the trailer and release the pins/pucks to hang the hitch on the trailer front. Noted was no foreseeable damage to the hitch or trailer. With proper weather protection (if needed) and security, this sounds like a welcome option verses buying a special jack assembly.
Most of the time my hitch stays in the truck under a tonneau cover. If I ever need to remove it I will just use the trailer for short term use of the truck bed.
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Old 06-12-2019, 06:56 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoking View Post
My solution:
I have the same hoist and similar setup . I ran support steel to two legs against wall and a long piece up in attic across 6 trusses. I bought an adjustable cart for putting table saws and shop tools on with wheels. I lift hitch up. Drive out from under. Lower onto cart. I made my stairs into shop hinged (space under stairs had been wasted anyways) and I push hitch under landing for storage. Drop stairs down. Good to go. During summer I will leave hitch in most of time as it is cover with my box lid.
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Old 06-12-2019, 08:19 AM   #14
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LZscout (the OP) modified his engine hoist by adding a beam extension to the hoist. His works for his application and is one way to accomplish the task of lifting his hitch.

My only suggestion for anyone considering modifying their engine hoist beam length is to make sure you don't extend it beyond the C/L of the C/G. In other words, don't make the beam length too long or when you pick up the hitch, you may find that as soon as you take your hands off the hoist, it topples and the hitch falls back into your truck bed or, you hit a bump or pebble, the hitch starts swinging and crashes to the floor. Stay safe and make sure your engine hoist is stable and won't tip beyond the center of gravity of the hoist base !!!!!
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Old 06-12-2019, 08:30 AM   #15
cookinwitdiesel
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Hanging a weight lifting plate off a peg on the main stand can help with balance too when the boom is extended and carrying the hitch.
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Old 06-12-2019, 08:55 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cookinwitdiesel View Post
Hanging a weight lifting plate off a peg on the main stand can help with balance too when the boom is extended and carrying the hitch.
There are a number of ways to compensate for "too much weight" beyond the C/G. My point was to caution those who might think, "I'll do that too" without considering the implications. Just a couple days ago a crane in Dallas fell. That wasn't supposed to happen, but for "some reason" the balancing act didn't go as planned. Except for size of the crane, the same thing can happen to a Harbor Freight engine hoist with a fifth wheel hitch "hung too far past the wheels"......
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Old 06-12-2019, 08:58 AM   #17
Mikendebbie
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hitch removal

I had a heavy hitch a few years ago - but my youngest son was still living at home and with both of us on the job - hitch removal was easy. He moved out and I decided we needed to switch to travel trailers because I was not going to fight the heavy hitch by myself. When we bought the current rig - I had read about the Demco Recon - and I can take it out and put it in by myself without risking a hernia or back injury! Don't get me wrong - it is not "light as a feather" - I take my time and think about the lift before I tackle it and after 18 months I am happy with my choice.
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Old 06-13-2019, 04:06 AM   #18
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I built a mount for an 500 pound capacity electric winch from angle and plate steel secured from a local shop. A little welding, grinding and painting and I mounted it to the 2x8 ceiling joists with 8, 6" lag bolts. Had to add a longer control cable on the winch though.

Hang the hitch from 2, 1500 pound capacity nylon lifting straps, mount the rails in the truck bed and back the truck under it.

Takes me about 20 minutes to install or remove the hitch. All the hitch parts are set on a dolly and can easily be rolled anywhere in the garage for storing it.

Works for me.Click image for larger version

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Old 06-14-2019, 10:26 AM   #19
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Didn't the crane fall over in high winds?
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Old 06-14-2019, 03:52 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoking View Post
My solution:
This is exactly what I use for my B&W Companion
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