Removing a TS3 Trailer Saver from my truck bed

soos wrote:
We unbolt it and leave the whole hitch on the pinbox when we need to.

sue

OK -- I tried this method and when one corner started sticking, and the hitch started coming out crooked, I stopped.

I'm assuming from Sue's post, that the weight of the TS3 is not a problem hanging on the pin box. This would definitely be easier for me -- storing it ''in place'' than on the ground.

Does this all sound correct? No problem, that is, with the pin box?

I use an engine hoist from Harbor Freight and I extended the boom. I wrap a nylon lift strap around the head and lift it up and out. I could see where it would be hard to get the thing back in place if still hooked up to the pin. I use my lift for the TS3 and to lift and change the lawn mower blades and folded it does not take a lot of space. I put in and take out the TS3 every time. Need the bed of the truck more than we pull the camper.

Leland2 wrote:
Got a TS3 in the bed of my F350. Thnking of removing mine to haul a ATV. I'd have it lifted out with a tractor and chains, I guess.

Has anyone done this? Thanks.

I got a 2-ton engine hoist (with engine stand) on sale for $99 several years ago. I had the boom lengthened to reach the center of my Companion over the tailgate, and use that to lift it right out. I set it down on a $10 furniture dolly. Hoist folds up to about a 2x3' footprint. Sold the stand for $50. :-)

Lyle

Leland2 wrote:

soos wrote:
We unbolt it and leave the whole hitch on the pinbox when we need to.

sue

Can you (or anyone) write about how this is done?

I removed the pins holding the TS3 to my truck bed, and raised the front of my 5ver. The TS3 started raising off center and seem to get stuck in one or more corners. I couldn't hold the switches (raising the front of my 5ver) and straighten the TS3 at the same time so gave up on it.

It really didn't look like the TS3 was going to lift properly out of the truck bed. Also, it looked like there would be some difficulty lining my truck up to get the TS3 to lock in position.

When lifting mine out I just kick it down on one corner to break it loose if it binds a bit, It is no big deal. Going back in if a couple corners are lined up it will settle in with a little guidance

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Yep.....2 strong men while you supervisor

Otherwise...chain it up and lift it out with tractor or overhead chain hoist

Or -
a HF electric hoist (available in several capacities)
or
a "cherry-picker" type engine hoist. (Etc.)

Even strong men have been known to drop "stuff" on their feet..:D

.

I remove mine a lot, just use a comealong hooked top the rafters in Garage but used to use an engine hoist.

soos wrote:
We unbolt it and leave the whole hitch on the pinbox when we need to.

sue

Can you (or anyone) write about how this is done?

I removed the pins holding the TS3 to my truck bed, and raised the front of my 5ver. The TS3 started raising off center and seem to get stuck in one or more corners. I couldn't hold the switches (raising the front of my 5ver) and straighten the TS3 at the same time so gave up on it.

It really didn't look like the TS3 was going to lift properly out of the truck bed. Also, it looked like there would be some difficulty lining my truck up to get the TS3 to lock in position.

We unbolt it and leave the whole hitch on the pinbox when we need to.

sue

Yep.....2 strong men while you supervisor

Otherwise...chain it up and lift it out with tractor or overhead chain hoist

I have forks for my John Deere tractor. I place a 1” diameter nylon rope around and under the “head/jaws” of my TS3 and lift out of my F-350 with the tractor and forks. It takes about five minutes from start to stop and I complete the task alone. At the end of every camping season I remove the TS3 and reinstall at the beginning of the season. No problem at all. Good luck.

Lakeside