Demco makes a 5th wheel lifting bracket that looks really nice. Only problem is it's $50. I have a winch in the ceiling of my basement, that for years I've used a strap to pull my hitch out. With my new b&w hitch it would be pretty difficult to use a strap. A friend and I made a few of these lifting bracket for ourselves. Only have a couple dollars in them, and they seem to work really well. They're modeled after the ones from demco, with a few changes.

Looks nice. Separate the head from the base and they are not all that heavy.

When I have to pull mine, which isn't very often at all, I separate the two pieces and take them out one at a time. A little awkward, but not that bad. But that would be handy for use with access to a winch.

I just use the 5th wheel.......with 5vr hitched I pull the hitch pins and raise it using landing gear legs.Leave it hanging from king pin.

I have a hoist mounted in the bed of my truck. I use it to place my generator in the bed when we take it. Off load the B&W slider hitch base when I don't need it and to reload it it back into the bed. Purchased it for $75.00 at HF.

Flinthillswinger wrote:I have a hoist mounted in the bed of my truck. I use it to place my generator in the bed when we take it. Off load the B&W slider hitch base when I don't need it and to reload it it back into the bed. Purchased it for $75.00 at HF.Please post a picture of your setup.

5th wheel lifting bracket | Good Sam Community

Dan_Henry
Explorer
Aug 08, 2019
I made bracket to remove my BW. Took a piece of steel about 2 X 5 X 1/2. Drilled a 1/2 hole in the middle installers 1/2 eye bolt to put the hook of my chain hoist in. Put the bracket in the king pin hole close the latch then lift the hitch, I am on The road and the bracket is at home or I would post a picture.
Dan
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Aug 06, 2019
Me Again wrote:
Here is the answer from B&W:

Chris,

Thank you for your inquiry. The head latches are strong enough to hold all the weight of the Patriot. You can lift it out of the truck with the king pin of your trailer. If you have any questions please let me know. I'd be happy to help.

Thank You,

Casey

Once again the B&W "HeavyWeights" come thru!

But this certainly does NOT suggest other hitches will tolerate such downward forces. ;)
twinstick
Explorer
Aug 06, 2019
Perfect
Me_Again
Explorer III
Aug 05, 2019
Here is the answer from B&W:

Chris,

Thank you for your inquiry. The head latches are strong enough to hold all the weight of the Patriot. You can lift it out of the truck with the king pin of your trailer. If you have any questions please let me know. I'd be happy to help.

Thank You,

Casey
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Aug 05, 2019
My concern with the B&W hitch would be the stress put on the rubber blocks that support the head. Seems like the hitch would be trying to pull the rubber loose while hanging there.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Aug 05, 2019
Me Again wrote:
I am going to send B&W a question about lifting that way. Chris
I use the same bracket to lift my B&W slider out, but I never considered this question. Thanks for asking them - and subscribed to this thread.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Aug 05, 2019
I am going to send B&W a question about lifting that way. Chris
twinstick
Explorer
Aug 04, 2019
I'll take my chances. I never touch my hitch when it's hanging. I pull it up, drive out from under it, then drop in on a dolly.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Aug 04, 2019
Good point on the safety aspect hanging the lighter duty Patriot. With the head pins I would not hesitate. My Dad hung his Companion for several years from his PinBox.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Aug 04, 2019
twinstick wrote:
Demco makes a 5th wheel lifting bracket that looks really nice. Only problem is it's $50. I have a winch in the ceiling of my basement, that for years I've used a strap to pull my hitch out. With my new b&w hitch it would be pretty difficult to use a strap. A friend and I made a few of these lifting bracket for ourselves. Only have a couple dollars in them, and they seem to work really well. They're modeled after the ones from demco, with a few changes.

I would never lift my Patriot(think less expense head) hitch that way or leave it hang on the king pin, as it does not have the pins on each side like the Companion models, that is a second captive feature of the head. Just bumping one of the latch release arms on either side could cause the head to separate from the base.

They make the Companion slider for pucks for all three brands now.

Chris