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Povo · 09-11-2022, 11:48 AM

I saw some older threads on this subject but thought I would still ask this question (if I need to be redirected that is fine too).

I have a B&W Companion Slider Hitch (total weight about 280 lbs). I need to lift it out at least a few times a year (winter storage, etc.). Currently I use a winch to lift it out and put back in but this is bit more awkward in or new home as the space where the winch is located is very narrow. So my question is: is the mor/ryde pin box strong enough to handle lifting it out by keeping it connected and raising the front jacks? I could then rig up something lower it down onto to take the pressure off while being stored that way. I know it will be “interesting” getting it back into small hole in the truck bed to reconnect, but I can cross that bridge when I get to it.

CecilD · 09-11-2022, 12:24 PM

Yes. Trailer Saver makes hitches heavier than yours and the factory suggests doing just what you propose. I lift my heavier hitch in and out with the front landing gear with no negative issues, and my frame is not near as stout as that in your AF. Realigning during install is an issue but just takes patience and a spotter.

MtCamper · 09-11-2022, 12:34 PM

I don't know how the B&W sliders work, but did this with my turn over ball mount many times. If the slider works the same, release the tension on the ball mount, or better yet, remove the U bolts completely. Raise the camper and drive out, pull the turn over ball mount. Just reverse the process to reinstall. Don't worry about the hanging weight. The down weight when hitched up is much greater. I stored mine on the pin many winters on at least three different campers.

GPCPL · 09-11-2022, 12:47 PM

I've also got the Companion slider and the MORryde pin box. I use an old engine hoist to pick the Companion, then set it on the base of the hoist. The hoist has casters, so I can wheel it out of the way. The hoist is "foldable", meaning the boom drops and the legs fold up for storage. Stowed, the hoist is about 2' x 2' x 6' tall; deployed it is about 4' x 6' x 6' tall.
I know many do pick thier hitches using the 5er's landing gear, and I would assume the MORryde is capable of that. I think it would be tough to get the Companion off the pin box after its been lifted, and getting the hitch back into the truck may be difficult as well.
You mention a "new home". Not sure how long you'll be there, but if the foldable engine hoist sounds feasible, they are a couple hundred dollars from Harbor Freight, and you could sell it when you no longer need it. Best of luck on your decisions.

Povo · 09-11-2022, 03:47 PM

These are great (and encouraging) replies. There is plenty of room in our barn for the 5ver with the hitch remaining attached, less so to storing the hitch separately unless it is on a furniture mover and slid under it. The other side of the barn where the winch is located is my shop, but a very narrow space to pull in and out of and I would prefer not to be working around the hitch stored on a hoist in that area. So I like the idea of just keeping it attached to the 5ver when not in use. Have been just keeping it in the truck and taking it out when I need the whole bed (summers using it, winters like the extra weight in the back), but more and more I seem her my wife saying “what do you mean you don’t have room to go pick up (fill in the blank), you have a truck!” :laugh

Edd505 · 09-12-2022, 11:23 AM

I have a B&W none slider on a MORryde Rota-Flex pin box and have done exactly what you suggest when I need to remove the hitch away from home. Not an issue, at home I have an overhead electric winch in the shop.

Povo · 09-12-2022, 12:30 PM

I have a winch too. Ironically, our last house had a smaller garage but bigger space to maneuver in (to line up under the winch). Our new barn has a big space for the RV (which I used to have to store somewhere else) but a much narrower space to pull the truck under the winch that I installed. I can do it, but it’s not very convenient and I am trying to make it as easy as possible.

Old-Biscuit · 09-12-2022, 01:13 PM

The hitch carries several thousands of Pin Weight
King pin holds/connects thousands of trailer weight to hitch

It is MORE than capable of holding 280# of hitch weight

I lift my hitch out of truck and leave it hanging from king pin all the time....for years

Povo · 09-12-2022, 01:25 PM

Awesome. this is what I needed to hear.

xc-mark · 09-12-2022, 03:32 PM

If you leave it hanging on the pinbox I would suggest putting a pad lock on the jaw unlock handle. You dont want someone to play around with unlocking the jaw and have it fall on them!

Povo · 09-12-2022, 03:33 PM

Great idea!

Old-Biscuit · 09-12-2022, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xc-mark

If you leave it hanging on the pinbox I would suggest putting a pad lock on the jaw unlock handle. You dont want someone to play around with unlocking the jaw and have it fall on them!

If someone is messing around with my hitch it needs to fall on them........

txcpl · 09-13-2022, 05:20 AM

That hitch is heavy, and sometimes it doesn't want to come out of the truck bed. From experience. I would use the landing gear to lift the hitch out of the truck bed. I don't prefer to keep that downward pressure on the pin box, so I would build some sort of saw horse platform to lower the pin box onto. Just my opinion.

mote · 09-14-2022, 04:58 AM

We have the B&W companion that fits in the gooseneck ball location. It's also pretty heavy. I used to take the head off first, then pull the base. Still was a little more pulling that I wanted to do. We have a small JD 1025r tractor with loader. I purchased a set of pallet forks that will just reach the hitch in the truck. I then use chain from the forks to hitch to pull it out and then carefully carry it out of the truck bed and set it down on a couple of HF furniture dollies to roll it around the barn floor.