Lifting 5th Wheel With Jacks - Montana Owners Club

David & Wanda · 12-29-2021, 12:00 PM

Has anyone ever used the hydraulic jacks on their rig to lift the 5th wheel hitch up enough to drive the truck out from under it and then lower it to the ground? I was brainstorming using the lip on the front of the rig hitch to tie a rope or small cable and then attach it to the hitch body after removing the hitch apparatus. I have a BW Companion. I am still trying to figure out how to get the base on the ground. Any ideas or past experience doing this? I store my rig in a rented shed so can't rig anything up using the building.

AZMont · 12-29-2021, 01:56 PM

I use an engine hoist to lift my Pullrite #2315 (285 lbs.) out of my 2020 Ram with the factory puck system. It works well. But, you have to put 2 4x4's across the engine hoist base rails in order to put the hitch down on the hoist to roll it to where you want it to go.

77cruiser · 12-29-2021, 04:10 PM

I've seen guys leave it hooked to the trailer & lift out of the truck, if that's what you are trying to do.

**Carl n Susan** · 12-29-2021, 04:40 PM

I wouldn't use the trailer jacks to lift the hitch per se. Getting it down to the ground is a challenge. Using a engine hoist or chain hoist to remove the hitch is fine if you want to store at home. Otherwise if you want to leave the hitch at the storage facility, leave the hitch attached (don't unlatch) to the RV when you park. Lift the front to just take the pressure off the hitch, unlock the pucks, and lift the hitch off the truck while still hitched to the RV. The Pin is more than strong enough to support the hitch in storage.

RMcNeal · 12-30-2021, 04:00 AM

I have a hitch mounted crane for my truck to lift the lawn mower, generator and other heavy items in/out of the bed. Maybe that would work for you?
https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/8103...r%20Categories

Ahdmeyer · 12-30-2021, 06:51 AM

another one here for the htich mounted crane use it to load propane tanks and anything else heavy

https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Soluti...s%2C210&sr=8-3

al meyer
3931fb
az

Montana Man · 12-30-2021, 07:02 AM

Like others said, leave the hitch connected to the trailer and just raise the trailer then drive away.

scuba dude · 12-30-2021, 07:12 AM

I have the same hitch as you, Go to Harbor freight you will find a lift with wheels that works well and wheels for moving things around with.

David & Wanda · 12-30-2021, 08:03 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I was unaware of the hitch mounted crane. I think I will go in that direction. It will be nice to "reclaim" the truck bed without having to go to the chiropractor. lol

dieselguy · 12-30-2021, 08:58 AM

For those of you that leave the hitch dangle from the pin box ... just how hard is it for you to get lined exactly back up so you can locate the hitch back into the truck bed? Just curious.

RipNC · 12-31-2021, 06:06 AM

David,

My Companion hitch breaks down into 2 - 75# pieces w/o tools. I can pull or set it in 5 minutes (or less). I keep a light, cheap furniture dolly and put it back together on that and roll it under the rig (when on concrete pad).

phillyg · 12-31-2021, 11:03 AM

I've left the hitch on the pin, raised the front jacks a bit and driven the truck out from under. My rationale is that the pin weight is 3000lbs +/-, and my hitch is less than 300lbs, so no harm.

bcrvman · 01-02-2022, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David & Wanda

Has anyone ever used the hydraulic jacks on their rig to lift the 5th wheel hitch up enough to drive the truck out from under it and then lower it to the ground? I was brainstorming using the lip on the front of the rig hitch to tie a rope or small cable and then attach it to the hitch body after removing the hitch apparatus. I have a BW Companion. I am still trying to figure out how to get the base on the ground. Any ideas or past experience doing this? I store my rig in a rented shed so can't rig anything up using the building.

I am nearly 80 yrs old and NOT in super shape, but I separate the two pieces first and the wife helps me move the heavier part. I can do it myself but I have a sore back the next day.
You can certainly use the hydraulics to lift the hitch off the truck, but I have no idea what you do then since you can't lower enough to get it on the ground.

bcrvman · 01-02-2022, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselguy

For those of you that leave the hitch dangle from the pin box ... just how hard is it for you to get lined exactly back up so you can locate the hitch back into the truck bed? Just curious.

I would say verrrrrrrrry difficult. Easier to find a friend to help take it off in 2 pieces.

Clyde n Deb · 01-02-2022, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselguy

For those of you that leave the hitch dangle from the pin box ... just how hard is it for you to get lined exactly back up so you can locate the hitch back into the truck bed? Just curious.

Not that bad. If I don't hit it quite right on the first try, I just set it down, unlatch the hitch, pull the truck out and align it, repin it, hookup and go.

bigdawgfinley · 01-02-2022, 02:19 PM

I built a hoist that attached to the pin box using a 12 v winch. Pictures attached.

c2itcliff · 01-02-2022, 02:20 PM

Consider replacing pinbox with a Reese Goosebox and get ride of fifth wheel all together.

Montana Man · 01-02-2022, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdawgfinley

I built a hoist that attached to the pin box using a 12 v winch. Pictures attached.

Good idea!

phillyg · 01-02-2022, 02:39 PM

That's genius. You win the internet today.

Mr Malibu · 01-02-2022, 03:09 PM

Lifting The Hitch with the pin box shouldn’t be a problem most of the pin boxes are raided anywhere from 16 to 20,000 pounds. Personally I have a three piece Q 20 from Kurt that comes apart in three pieces and it makes it pretty easy
Even if you do leave it hanging from the king pin you have a little bit of swinging room to get it close. should be no problem lining it up to reattach .

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