How to Lift a 5th Wheel Hitch Out of a Truck?

When it comes to towing a large RV or trailer, a 5th-wheel hitch is a necessary piece of equipment. These hitches are designed to provide a stable and secure connection between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The time comes when you decide to remove the 5th wheel hitch.

Whether it’s for maintenance, storage, or simply to switch to a different towing setup, lifting a 5th wheel hitch out of a truck can be a daunting task for those who have never done it before. So, I am going to write this complete guide for people who are new and don’t know how to start.

What will you get in this blog post? I will walk you through the process of lifting a 5th-wheel hitch out of a truck in a step-by-step manner, ensuring that you have all the necessary information to make the process as smooth and safe as possible. So, without taking any more time, let’s get started.

Related Article: How to Unlock Trailer Hitch Lock?

What is the 5th Wheel Hitch?

A 5th wheel hitch is a type of towing device that attaches to the bed of a pickup truck and allows the truck to tow a large trailer, such as a recreational vehicle (RV). The question might come to your mind: why is it called the 5th wheel hitch? 

The hitch is called a “5th wheel” because it remains above the rear axle of the truck and creates a pivot point for the trailer, similar to the way a fifth wheel on a semi-truck trailer allows it to pivot. This type of hitch allows for a more stable towing experience compared to other types of hitches, such as a ball hitch.

Advantages and Disadvantages of 5th Wheel Hitch

Advantages	Disadvantages
Increased stability and control while towing	Can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces
Can handle heavier loads than other hitch options	Can be more expensive than other hitch options
Provides a more direct connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle	Can be difficult to install and maintain
Allows for more level and stable towing for both the tow vehicle and the trailer	Can be difficult to back up with a long trailer attached

I’m pretty much sure that you now have a better understanding of the 5th wheel hitch out of the truck. Let’s get into more details now.

Step by Step: How to Lift Wheel Hitch out of a Truck?

Removing the 5th wheel hitch from your truck is not a very tedious job. All you need to have is a bit of information and you’ll be good to go. But I am going to give you complete steps that will ease your way in removing the 5th wheel hitch. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Collect all the tools 

In removing the 5th wheel hitch, you’ll need some tools. Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary equipment on hand. The list of these tools is as follows; 

• Jack
• jack stands
• wheel chocks
• lug wrench

Step 2: Position your truck

You will need to park your truck at a level surface and engage the break so that it does not move from its place. I recommend using wheel chocks to secure the wheels of the truck to prevent it from rolling.

Step 3: Loosen the lug nuts

Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheels of the truck where the 5th wheel hitch is attached. Do not remove the lug nuts completely at this point.

Step 4: Jack up the truck

Use the jack to lift the truck at the point where the 5th wheel hitch is attached or connected. Make sure the jack is securely in place before raising the truck.

Step 5: Remove the lug nuts

In step 3, I told you not to completely remove the lug nuts and just lose them. Now that the truck is raised, use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts completely. Be careful when handling the lug nuts, as they can be heavy.

Step 6: Remove the hitch

Have you unscrewed the lug nuts? If you’ve done so, then you should be able to see that the hitch is removed from the truck. Carefully lift the hitch out of the truck and set it aside.

Step 7: Lower the truck

Once the hitch is removed, lower the truck back down to the ground using the jack. Make sure the truck is securely back on its wheels before removing the jack stands.

Step 8: Tighten the lug nuts

 Use the lug wrench to securely tighten the lug nuts back onto the wheels. You should follow all the steps carefully to avoid any sort of confusion. I’m pretty much sure that if you follow these steps diligently then you will be able to lift the 5th wheel hitch with ease.

Note: Always remember to use caution when working with heavy equipment, and never exceed the weight limit of the jack or jack stands.

By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can safely and easily lift a 5th wheel hitch out of your truck and be back on the road in no time.

This guide is SEO friendly and can be used as a blog post to help customers and readers who want to learn how to lift a 5th wheel hitch out of their truck.

Also Read: How to Remove a Rusted Hitch Ball?

Things to do once the hitch is removed

Once you’ve successfully removed the hitch from your truck, it’s important to properly store it to prevent rust and damage. You should clean the hitch thoroughly,  and make sure that no dirt or debris remains on the hitch.

I recommend you store the hitch in a dry, covered area, as this will keep the hitch out of the elements and prevent rust. If you don’t have a covered area, you can protect the hitch with a tarp or other protective cover to ensure its safety.

Other Ways to Lift the 5th Wheel Hitch

In the above section, I’ve gone into details and given you steps to follow if you want to lift the 5th-wheel hitch. But do you know that there are multiple ways that can help in lifting the 5th wheel hitch? Yes, there are multiple ways that can help you. Some common hitch lifting ways are listed below;

• Chain hoist
• Trailer hoist
• Load Leveler
• Hitch lifting devices
• Pick-up truck cranes
• Use an Engine Hoist
• B&W Fifth Wheel Hitch Lifting Device

I’m not leaving with just the name of those methods. In fact, You’re going to get more information about these methods as they can be useful for you.

1- Chain Hoist

A chain hoist is a manual lifting device that uses a chain and a pulley system to lift heavy loads. They are commonly used in industrial settings, but can also be used to lift a 5th-wheel hitch out of a trailer. The process involves attaching the chain hoist to the hitch and using the hand crank to lift it out of the trailer bed. 

Important Note: One advantage of using a chain hoist is that they are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. 

2- Trailer Hoist

A trailer hoist is a specialized device that attaches to the frame of a trailer and is used to lift the 5th wheel hitch out of the trailer bed. You can simply attach the hoist to the hitch and use a power source, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic system, to lift the hitch. 

Keep in Mind: Trailer hoist can be operated by a single person and requires minimal physical effort. 

3- Load Leveler

A load leveler is a device that attaches to the hitch and helps to level the load as it is being lifted out of the trailer. The process of lifting the 5th wheel hitch involves attaching the load leveler to the hitch and using it to level the load as it is being lifted out of the trailer. I love using a load leveler because it prevents damage to the hitch or trailer during the lifting process.

4- Hitch Lifting Devices

Hitch lifting devices are a type of specialized equipment that is designed to lift the 5th wheel hitch out of the trailer. These devices come in a variety of different styles and designs and can be operated manually or by using a power source. 

All you will have to do is to attach the lifting device to the hitch and use it to lift the hitch out of the trailer. One advantage of using a hitch-lifting device is that it can be relatively easy to use and require minimal physical effort. 

5- B&W Fifth Wheel Hitch Lifting Device

The B&W Fifth Wheel Hitch Lifting Device is a specialized piece of equipment that is designed to lift the 5th wheel hitch out of the trailer. This device attaches to the hitch and uses a hydraulic system to lift the hitch out of the trailer. Using this device to lift the 5th wheel hitch can be really expensive.

6- Pick-up truck cranes

A pick-up truck crane is a device that attaches to the bed of a pick-up truck and is used to lift the 5th wheel hitch out of the trailer. This is probably the simplest way; as you will just have to attach the crane to the hitch and use it to lift the hitch out of the trailer. 

7- Use an Engine Hoist

An engine hoist is a device that is designed to lift engines out of vehicles but can also be used to lift a 5th-wheel hitch out of a trailer. Although it is an easy-to-use process, its effectiveness can be questioned. I don’t think the usage of the engine hoist can work to the awesomeness.  

I’ve mentioned all the possible ways that can be beneficial in lifting the 5th wheel hitch. Using any of the above-mentioned methods can be good; however, their effectiveness varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Lifting a 5th wheel hitch out of a truck can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be done safely and efficiently, and easily. In this guide, I’ve given you a step-by-step guide so that you don’t remain confused in any way. With the hope of goodness, I’m signing off!