ffpm
Boonies
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Joined: 11/23/2011
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I was wondering how long it should take to put in a 5th wheel hitch, and take it off. I plan on getting a 5th wheel, but need to be able to load equipment in the bed of my truck once at the campground, to go out and play. So I would need to take out the hitch in the bed. Lots of toys.
Does this seem reasonable to do? I want to park the trailer for a month at the campground, and so I wont be installing the hitch to tow the trailer for a while. I just dont know if it is a big job, or something I can do on my own with a couple of wrenches.
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tkarvelis
Pittsburgh
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Joined: 01/29/2010
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Depending on the hitch and trailer, the easiest way is to leave the hitch connected to the trailer and use the front legs to lift it out of the truck. Make sure the hitch is locked on the trailer so no one pulls the handle and drops the hitch on someone.
I remove mine and place it on a hand truck when not in use. I use my truck for work, so I need my bed.
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agesilaus
North Florida
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Joined: 05/06/2008
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B&W Companion hitches lift out in one piece. Most others have a base and a hitch both of which have to be disconnected and removed to get a flat truck bed.
Glendale Titanium 29E34TS fifth wheel
2012 Ford F-350 4WD Lariat 6.7L
PullRite OE Series Super5th 18K
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BB_TX
McKinney, Texas
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Joined: 04/04/2005
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Most have pins that can be pulled and the hitch lifted out within a few minutes.
The B&W turnover with the Companion hitch leaves the bed flat when the hitch is removed.
My Pullrite (as most do) has rails in the bed. But having the rails is not a problem for something like an ATV. I pull 2 pins and lift the top part of the hitch off. Then pull 4 pins and pull the base off.
Or as mentioned, you can leave it attached to the trailer, pull the pins, raise the trailer enough to drive out from under the trailer leaving the hitch hanging from the pin.
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flifisher
Central Coast of California
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Joined: 10/26/2006
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I have a Pulrite as well but I had the super rails installed. The mounting rails unpin and the bed is clear of any mounts. Four small holes in the bottom of the bed for the pins. I unpin the plate from the body, slide the base on carpet to the top of a cart I made and pull the rails. The body is heavy if you lift it out.
Good luck
2007 Dodge Mega Cab 2500 SLT 4X4 6.7 CTD Jake Break Super Gluide with Super Rails
2008 Jayco Eagle Super Lite 30.5 RLS
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the bear II
Torrance CA.
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Joined: 02/14/2008
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I've seen a couple of RVers leave the hitch hooked to the 5th wheel and lift it out of the bed using the 5th wheel landing gear. To put it back in they position the truck and lower the hitch back down into the bed. They leave the hitch hanging from the pinbox. Both of them had covers they put around the hitch mostly to keep people from banging into the hitch.
I have the B&W Companion hitch. It takes less than 15 minutes to remove it or put it back in.
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Here'n'There
Texas
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Joined: 10/09/2008
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My 20K Draw-Tite (Reese) hitch comes out in 1 or 2 pieces depending on your strength (it's kinda heavy).
With both sections removed, only the two rails remain bolted to the bed of the truck. They stick up (without looking) less than 2" I would guess.
Here'n'There
2009 Carri-Lite 36SBQ 5th Wheel
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab Long Bed Diesel Dually
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Role of the C133 in Viet Nam
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HarleyEnough
PA
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Joined: 09/19/2006
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I have a Reese Elite 25k which has 4 feet that slide into 4 holes you put in your bed (you can order a ford super duty with these holes and feet already installed). Leaves a perfectly flat floor and takes less than 10 seconds to remove. Of course it weights a ton. One person can move it to the tail gate but it takes two people to get it from the ground to the tailgate. I use a movable engine lift in my garage to take it in and out.
The hitch rail slide through the wheel wells between the frame rails and bed. So the hitch sits right on the rails which sit on the frame.
http://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?showtopic=97362
2011 Dodge Ram Laramie 3500 Crew Cab Long Bed SRW
2006 KZ Sportster 41GKx2 Toy Hauler
KZOwnersForum.com
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Peg Leg
Anderson, IN
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Joined: 06/20/2004
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With the B&W Companion you can remove the head and then the base. I have installed the B&W Turnover ball already. The polymer (can't remember what they are actualy made of) bushing make it quieter. I have an artificial leg (above knee) and I think this one is the easiest to handle by myself.
2012 Chevy 3500HD Dually 4X4
Crew Cab long bed 6.0 gasser 4.10
06 Hitchiker II LS 29.5 FKTS
Yamaha EF3000iSE
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chuggs
Florida
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Joined: 06/16/2010
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My wife and I can pull our SuperGlide out in about 10 minutes.
I pull two pins and the head assembly lifts out. Next remove the 4 rail pins that hold the base. We lift it up...and ferry it to the tailgate... Jump down...lift it up and ferry it to a place nearby to store. 6 pins total...and I'm not kidding --- it's a 10 minute job or less. Install is just the reverse.
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