Letting the hitch hang from the kingpin?

[TNFLineage]

I have seen it twice now, a 5er in storage with the hitch dangling from the kingpin. Is this really wise? It would actually help me a lot in freeing up the back of my pickup for everyday use, and free up space on my garage floor when I do remove the Reese 20K slider. Thoughts please.

 

[TucsonJim]

I can't think of a reason not to do it. The kingpin is obviously capable of handling that kind of load. I'd just make sure it's oiled and keep an eye out for rust. Then, make sure you put a good padlock on it to prevent theft.

 

[Cate&Rob]

I have seen this too, in storage yards. Makes perfect sense. Pull the four pins between hitch and bed rails and leave the hitch with the 5th wheel. Not sure how you lock this up against theft . . . maybe just a pad lock on one of the four pin locations ?

Rob

 

[Canyonlight]

Our pullrite superglide manual has a section covering this as an acceptable option.

Rob - our hitch has a design to place a padlock in the hitch handle so the handle cannot be released thereby preventing disegaging the hitch from the fiver pin.

Dan

 

[TNFLineage]

Re: Letting the hitch hang from the kingpin.
Quote Originally Posted by TNFSolitude
Can you please comment yes or no as to whether it is allowable to let the hitch hang from the kingpin while my Solitude is in storage?
I started a thread on this topic, but the final word has to come from Grand Design, Lippert and/or TrailAir.
Thanks,
TomF


Hi Tom (@TNFSolitude),

As long as it is properly latched, there is no problem leaving it attached.

Best regards,
~ Janice

 

[pauliwalnutz]

This is from the manual of a Superglide Hitch

Can I leave the hitch attached to my trailer and use the trailer jacks to lift the hitch out of the truck?
Yes, you can use the trailer jacks to lift the hitch out of the truck. The hitch should not however be left hanging from the
king pin. Once you have the hitch lifted out of the truck you should have a stand available to lower the hitch onto for
storage.

 

[Canyonlight]

Paul--you are correct right there on my page 16 just as you state. The next question would be "why? " If ok to lift out of the tow vehicle it would not seem to be a design/strength/etc. issue. A concern (legal--although the may be concerned about our welfare as well) could be the pulling of the hitch pin release lever and thus maybe hitch damage and possibly kiss your toes goodbye as well !

Dan

 

[dirtclod-MGRV]

We do this all the time with our Andersen Aluminum Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection, why not only weighs 35#?