Lifting my 5th wheel hitch

JOHN&LAURA wrote:
As I have posted earlier, we have moved up to a Grand Design 5th wheel and a new Ram 2500 CTD. I talked the DW into letting me get the B&W Companion sliding hitch that fits in the factory puck system. I am trying to come up with a way to lift this in and out of the Ram's bed. Has anyone ever tried a engine lift to do this? Harbor Freight has them for Under $180.00, for a 2 ton. I don't have any trees to wench from. Just trying to see if anyone has tried it. Thanks

I got a folding engine hoist from a local tool shop (not HF) for $100, and it came with an engine stand, too! The lift arm wouldn't reach the center of my short bed with the gate down, so I had an extension made at a welding shop. Found an old eye bolt with a 3" disc welded on it in my dad's junk pile. Slipped the eye bolt into the hook and the disc under the jaws of my Companion, loosened everything up, and pulled it right out. Set it down on a 1k lb capacity furniture dolly from HF I bought for $10. Rolled the hoist and hitch to wherever I needed them in the garage. Sold the stand for $50, too! :-) Ratchet straps would do just as well, I suppose, but never had the need for them.

Lyle