Community Forums

wanderville · 01-14-2018, 09:30 AM

Hey there,

We’re leaving our 5er at my mother’s place for the winter, and have a companion hitch installed in her pickup. She suggested that we unbolt the hitch from the truck and leave it dangling from the fifth wheel for the winter. I... have my doubts. Is this a normal and safe practice, for the rig and the hitch? I’d love to know I’m worrying for nothing.

Thanks!

KenD · 01-14-2018, 09:50 AM

I've been pondering the same thing. The only problem I see is getting it back in the receiver in the spring. I'm sure it's doable and would surely beat dragging that heavy bitch out all by my lonesome 🤔

Ken D

RichR · 01-14-2018, 10:11 AM

some folks do this and seem to not have a problem.

CecilD · 01-14-2018, 10:17 AM

The up and down forces on a pin box and hitch while towing are far greater than the static weight of the hitch just hanging there. I use my pin box to lift my 300# hitch out of my truck as recommended by the hitch manufacturer. I then lower it onto a hydraulic table ($500 Harbor Freight) and roll it into the garage. This is to keep it out of the weather.

Reverse the process in the Spring. Jack up the hydraulic table and latch the hitch onto the pin. My hitch weight is not exactly centered on the jaws so the rear of the hitch would drop down making reinstall more difficult. I built a shim that I install so the hitch stays flat. Reinstalling the hitch on standard rails is a little tough as the truck needs to be positioned just right. A little jockeying is in order.

bddadles · 01-15-2018, 07:10 AM

I have seen several people do this but I personally would not do it. Get someone to help if you need it.

Brad

IC2 · 01-15-2018, 07:27 AM

If you have a B&W Companion they are not too difficult to remove at about 70 pounds per piece and store under cover. If there is no good storage location, it wont be a problem to leave it hooked to the 5ers pin. You do need to take a couple safety precautions. The first is to lock the release handle so a neighborhood kid wont be tempted to yank on it dropping 140 pounds on his foot or a thief wont decide it would look better in his truck. Also, you need to lock the two pieces together, preferably with two long shackle locks or at least long bolts and Nylock nuts. Again, 70 pounds of steel on a kids foot will hurt both of you - him physically, you in the wallet

quartlow · 01-22-2018, 07:57 PM

Mines hanging on it at this very moment.

Scottybdivin · 01-22-2018, 08:50 PM

I've done it both ways, when I had my Companion. I found it easier to just remove the two halves. If you have the factory OEM installed pucks, all the easier.

Old-Biscuit · 01-22-2018, 08:57 PM

Mine hangs from king pin in off season......and goes back in truck come camping season.

IF you have 'kids' or mischievous adolescences you might want to use a padlock on hitch so handle can not be moved and release hitch.........or NOT

egwilly · 01-23-2018, 08:38 AM

I see theft as an issue with this (theft of the entire rig)

JIMNLIN · 01-23-2018, 06:58 PM

Your hitch maker can best answer that question.

oldbird1965 · 01-24-2018, 11:01 AM

I do it all the time with my trailer saver hitch.

wildcatter · 01-24-2018, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMNLIN

Your hitch maker can best answer that question.

it's not just the hitch maker, the frame maker (more than likely lippert), will probably say don't do it. Maybe I will give them a call to see, I am curios as to what they have to say.

wingnut60 · 01-25-2018, 02:54 AM

I cannot believe that the constant weight of the hitch (+/- 200lbs?) comes even close the the stresses put on that same pin/hitch plate by normal towing. Hang it on the pin if it works for you, just do the safeguards mentioned so that no one can open the jaws.
I used to do this, but had problems lining up the truck/post on the B&W, so I don't do it any longer. Easier to take it apart and lift it out.