jimpav
Well-known member
I don't know how many folks out there use their truck for other things besides towing our trailers...........more specifically how many take out their 5th wheel hitch for doing other things like getting a truck load of mulch or carrying /moving things, but I seem to do more of that than towing. The hitch assembly is quite heavy for one person to remove from the truck bed, so instead of getting my partner to help, I decided to mount an overhead hoist in my garage. I shopuld have done this a long time ago!!!! Not only can I remove the entire hitch in one piece, but I can also pick up my 3K generator and place it in the bed myself. The hoist is rated to lift 440 lbs (double cable configuration), which easily lifts the hitch or generator. I got it from Harbor Freight for around $124, and bought a small piece of unistrut. The unistrut width fits exactly the width of the 2X6 beam overhead. I used 3/8" X 3 1/2" lag screws, and 4 1/2" lags for the hoist "U" mounting brackets. The only thing I would have done differently, if I had more time, would have been to put in a rail system to be able to move the load to the other end of the garage. At least now I can remove the hitch quickly, and safely any time I need bed space to carry something. (see photos)