How to remove hitch from TV -- Use the FW ???

TenOC wrote:
I am new to FW. Moving from a TT to a FW in a few days. I am worried about removing the Demco Autoslide hitch from the TV. When talking to a neighbor who does NOT have a FW, he suggested to simply leave the hitch connected to the king pin and remove the bolts that hold the hitch to the TV. When raise up the FW with hitch attached and leave the hitch attached to the king pin while I store the FW. I think this will work when I unhook.

But I can see a major problem when I attempt to hookup. After I back the TV under the hitch and lower the FW, will the kingpin release from the hitch so I can re-attach the hitch to the TV. When I use the leaver to release the jaws of the hitch, can I then simply raise the FW out of the hitch or will it hang-up . . . . :h

Do any of you FW owners use the FW to remove (lift) the hitch from the TV?

1. As others have said, the weight is not a problem. Frame is designed for =much= heavier loads. ('Course, if it's a Lippert, then all bets are off. :B)

2. Wrap the hitch with a small tarp to protect from weather.

3. Use a hoist of some sort, come-along, chain hoist or engine hoist, to lift it out and put it on a cart of some sort. I found a cheap engine hoist for $100 that also came with a stand. Sold the stand for $50. I did have to modify the lift arm to get enough reach into the bed, so that's where the $50 went. $10 1k lb cap furniture dolly at Harbor Freight to drop it on. Other guys use a shop cart, either home-made or bought, that's about the same height as the bed and store the hitch on that. Use the lower shelf for storing other RV "stuff".

4. Find a local teen, or two, and give them a few to lift it in/out for you. :-)

Lyle