Storing Hitch on Pin - Montana Owners Club

bsmeaton · 08-23-2006, 11:51 AM

Does anyone disconnect their 5th wheel hitch from the rails and leave the hitch hanging from the pin for storage?

I just saw two 5th wheels at the storage lot with the hitches attached. If there are no adverse affects from leaving it hanging like that, it would be a nice way to open up the pickup bed for the winter without storing the hitch in the garage.

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2003 2955RL - 5.5KW Gen - great for the lake!
New '06 F350 Stroker towmoter in July - love the new trans shift and integrated brake controller.
'95 SeaRay 200BR named Dam-It - occassional tow buddy

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Brad & Dory

Bob & Lee · 08-23-2006, 12:00 PM

Brad,

I sent you a PM

Bob

Bob & Lee
U.S.ARMY(Retired)Full time since 2 January 2004
2004 3685FL 1997 F250HD,460, Ext Cab,Auto,4X4

bsmeaton · 08-23-2006, 12:30 PM

Bob,
Actually came in by email - I responded via email and PM.

Too cool!

Glenn and Lorraine · 08-23-2006, 12:46 PM

No problem whatsoever. Have a couple friends that do just that. Instead of unhitching just pull the pins and raise the trailer. Works just like a hoist.

Glenn
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Glenn and Lorraine

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to drag around our 2004 Montana 2955RL 32'
using a PullRite 16K SuperGlide Automatic Sliding Hitch

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Cat320 · 08-23-2006, 02:02 PM

There is a very long and interesting thread on this subject on the RV forum. Lots do it this way, along with car engine dollies, blocks and tackle, boat trailer winches and multi pulley systems, and more.

bsmeaton · 08-23-2006, 02:31 PM

Thanks Glenn and Cat -
I did find a couple of threads - looks like the biggest inconvenience is getting it realigned on the rails.

Yippee, finally can have a truck for more than just carrying the hitch around.

Driftwoodgal · 08-24-2006, 03:07 AM

bsmeaton,

We don't leave ours attached to the hitch, but we do take ours out of the truck and use a chain to attach it to the legs on the Montana. We use a lock on the chain to prevent it from walking off.

Our hitch comes apart in two sections so it is lighter to lift out of the truck and then back into the truck. We keep it under the Montana to keep it from rusting as much.

You are paying extra money for gas or diesel to haul that thing around in the back of the truck bed.

Colleen

Glenn and Lorraine · 08-24-2006, 03:30 AM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by bsmeaton

Thanks Glenn and Cat -
I did find a couple of threads - looks like the biggest inconvenience is getting it realigned on the rails.

Yippee, finally can have a truck for more than just carrying the hitch around.

Brad, forget realigning while it is still attached to the king pin. Just set the hitch on the bed as close as possible and remove it from the king pin. Raise the trailer and pull the truck away. Now manually align the hitch. That is alot easier than manually picking up and removing the hitch from the TV and than manually picking it up and placing it back in the TV.

Trailer Trash 2 · 08-24-2006, 04:28 AM

I store mine that way all the time, the only thing you have to be careful when lifting it out of the rails not to bind them, because the angle will change when you start lifting it all together. I then put padlocks through the holes and the relese bar.

Don, Georgia and Smokey.
AKA: Trailer Trash 2
FORD F-350 Turbo Diesel, Clydesdale, Banks Stinger, Prodigy Controler,
Pullin a Super Fine 2004 / 2980-RL

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bsmeaton · 08-24-2006, 04:52 AM

Glenn,

The best I had hoped for was just setting in back in the truck and moving it around to get back on the rails. I have enough trouble hitting the 1 pin in the 1 hole. It's a comedy sometimes to watch Dory and I get the boat on the back Montana hitch.

Don, locks on the rail pins? Is that to prevent theft by another truck?

Brad

sreigle · 08-24-2006, 03:14 PM

Couldn't you just set it down anywhere in the truck bed, release from the pin, pull the truck out and then position the hitch?

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Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
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steves · 08-24-2006, 03:34 PM

Unless I have backward pressure on my king-pin, my release handle will lock up and not release the king pin. I don't know what it would do if it was sort of just hanging there or just being supported by the truck bed.

Steve & Betty (AKA steves)
2005 3400RL Montana
2006 F350 PSD SRW CC LB 4X4 King Ranch

bsmeaton · 08-24-2006, 03:54 PM

I think my Reese will just let go when I pull the handle. I've never had to apply back pressure that I could recognize.

Trailer Trash 2 · 08-24-2006, 07:18 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by bsmeaton

Glenn,

The best I had hoped for was just setting in back in the truck and moving it around to get back on the rails. I have enough trouble hitting the 1 pin in the 1 hole. It's a comedy sometimes to watch Dory and I get the boat on the back Montana hitch.

Don, locks on the rail pins? Is that to prevent theft by another truck?

Brad

No Brad, the mounting holes on the hitch, the part you are leaving on the trailer pin, that great big thing. Im sure that you have holes in the hitch to secure it to the truck, that pins go through, theft can happen by anybody in need if a pin table, all they have to do is pull the disconect lever and the have a hitch,

Don, Georgia and Smokey.
AKA: Trailer Trash 2
FORD F-350 Turbo Diesel, Clydesdale, Banks Stinger, Prodigy Controler,
Pullin a Super Fine 2004 / 2980-RL

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bsmeaton · 08-25-2006, 03:04 AM

Thanks Don,
I do have a lock for the release lever that I use routinely. I'll have to get some for the base pins.

sreigle · 08-25-2006, 08:11 AM

I also have a lock through one of the pins. My reason is in case someone gets cute and tries to pull the pins out I'll have at least one keeping things tied to the truck. It might mangle some hardware but it won't take off on its own.

Mine releases fine when I'm on level ground. Otherwise I have to back into it so the pin is not fully against the jaws. Someone posted they put the truck in neutral after lowering landing gear and chocking wheels. I'm going to try that unless the ground is so even the truck might roll away.

I would think lowering the hitch into the truck and pulling the handle would work, when the hitch is stored on the pin. If not, pushing the hitch with your feet, just a little, should free it. I haven't tried it but it makes sense to me.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

Trailer Trash 2 · 08-25-2006, 05:05 PM

Usually when I rehitch I remove the locks, get the hitch inside the bed of the truck and get it as close as possable to the rails, then pull the relese handle it falls down a inche or so then pull forward a foot lift it into the rail and pin it, then lower the trailer so it lines up and back it in, hook it up, lift the front levelers and go campin.

Don, Georgia and Smokey.
AKA: Trailer Trash 2
FORD F-350 Turbo Diesel, Clydesdale, Banks Stinger, Prodigy Controler,
Pullin a Super Fine 2004 / 2980-RL

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