goin2themountains
Aztec, NM
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Joined: 04/04/2007
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Normally during camping season, I will leave the hitch on the kingpin like described by other posters with the handle locked, when needing the bed to haul other things. In the winter, I round up a couple stout grandkids and put the hitch in a shed.
Puller: '04 HD2500 4x4 SB,EC Duramax/Allison. Airaid intake, 4in. exhaust turbo back, ORU leveler.
Pullee: '02 Keystone Cougar 276EFS Reese 16k w/ slider.
(map is for current 5er only)
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Chris
Shelter Bay, Wa
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Joined: 12/19/2000
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I left mine ganging on the kingpin for the first time the other day. Put a padlock on the release handle which I normally do while towing anyway. My plan, when ready is to just spot it somewhere back in the truck bed, pull out and move it to the rails and reinstall the two pins with padlocks and the two without. Then hook up when I am ready to tow again. Chris
My Rig
2001.5 2500 STD CAB AUTO SLT 4x4, CTD 4:10's, Bomb'd to Tow
2005 Cardinal 29WBLX.
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Fire44
Smyrna, Delaware
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Joined: 03/05/2005
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I leave my hanging all summer. Putting it back in can be a pain but I get as close as possible to being right on the mark, lower it into the bed, pull the release handle, move the hitch to were it needs to be and finish up. One time I got it just right and didn't have to unhook from the trailer...one time out of 100 and of course I was alone so no one believes me!!!
Gary
Gary
Delaware
2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax
2006 Outback 30FRKS
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roscoe
Priveledged resident of the gorgeous hudson valley
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Joined: 08/15/2001
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The second time I left the hitch attached to the trailer it wouldn't come loose no matter how I tried. Had to line up the four holes and get it positioned perfectly.
Think I'll buy a cheapo chain hoist.
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kennethwooster
Perryton Tx USA
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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It can't hurt anything. I tried it and had problems getting things lined back up when we came back in the Spring. I've learned that most hitches can be taken apart, and lifted out in pieces. My super glide is too heavy and its easier to use a hoist or cherry picker to line it back up into the truck. I do need a clean bed when not towing, and found the cherry picker easy to use, however if leaving it on the 5th works, I would say go ahead.
kenneth wooster- farmer
wife Diana-adult probation officer
365BSQS Quad slide 2007 Quantum
Ford F350 2005 model, 4X4 FX, King Ranch
18K SuperGlide Hitch
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Joined: 11/18/2001
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I have been leaving mine hanging on the pin box for years. The time it takes to put it back in the bed to tow the trailer is minimal. If the weight of JUST the hitch could hurt the trailer, I certainly wouldn't tow the trailer.
I put a lock through anything that can be stolen. Crooks will find a way. Locks keep honest people honest.
Frank
RV.net blog
For those of you looking for expert advice, here ya go!
Frank
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rjsurfer
North Carolina
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Joined: 10/19/2007
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Thanks guys for all the replies, I'm going to try it out after our next trip.
I didn't think aligment would be a big deal because the hitch can be slid around the bed between the rails to get everything just perfect before you put the pins in.
rjurfer
03 Dodge 2500 SRW,SB,EC
2008 Keystone Cougar 245RKS 5th Wheel
DRZ-400SM
DL-650
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jmpulse
Kelseyville, CA
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Joined: 01/18/2004
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I do this all the time.
As far as it being difficult to rehook up, I have yet to have a issue with it. I guide, while my wife backs the truck into position. This usally takes 2 tries, and about 15mins of time.
2005 29' Forest River Sierra FW
2004 2500HD Chevy Duramax/Allison
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wittmeba
Roanoke, Va
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Joined: 02/02/2001
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Chris wrote:I left mine ganging on the kingpin for the first time the other day. Put a padlock on the release handle which I normally do while towing anyway. My plan, when ready is to just spot it somewhere back in the truck bed, pull out and move it to the rails and reinstall the two pins with padlocks and the two without. Then hook up when I am ready to tow again. Chris
Hi Chris,
This is what I am saying too. It just isnt as easy as disconnecting. You dont want to drop it into your bed - at least not from too high - and once you are in your truck ready to pull the arm, you wont have enough hands to hold the hitch and pull the lever (you have to pull the lever to release it from the kingpin) - if you have someone else pull the lever it will help to avoid dropping the hitch.
Bruce & Carolyn Wittmeier
Viet Nam Vet 1968-69
I was born in Great Falls, Mt. My parents moved when I was 5.
I found them when I was 10 - they were in California.
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Chris
Shelter Bay, Wa
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Joined: 12/19/2000
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wittmeba wrote:Chris wrote:I left mine ganging on the kingpin for the first time the other day. Put a padlock on the release handle which I normally do while towing anyway. My plan, when ready is to just spot it somewhere back in the truck bed, pull out and move it to the rails and reinstall the two pins with padlocks and the two without. Then hook up when I am ready to tow again. Chris
Hi Chris,
This is what I am saying too. It just isnt as easy as disconnecting. You dont want to drop it into your bed - at least not from too high - and once you are in your truck ready to pull the arm, you wont have enough hands to hold the hitch and pull the lever (you have to pull the lever to release it from the kingpin) - if you have someone else pull the lever it will help to avoid dropping the hitch.
NO I do not plan on catching it. I will lower it into the bed close to the rails with the landing gear. Disconnect and pull out and set it in the rails by hand. Chris
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