Ok, I know this sounds kinda wimpy :) but, I have a Blue Ox hitch set-up for my travel trailer, and the hitch head must weigh about 50 pounds. As I mature gracefully, I'd like to find a way to pick it up more easily and move it around, besides leaving it installed on the truck. Ideas? Thanks!

I have Blue Ox and I've been thinking of the same thing. I'm north of 60 and have partially torn rotator cuff. It seems a lot heavier this year than when I purchased it 3 years ago.It took about 3 days for my shoulder pain to subside after our Memorial Day weekend camping trip lat weekend.

This is the exact reason I plan to get an Andersen set-up. I've messed with the Equalizer head and know I can't manage it.

You could take a little four wheel dolly from harbor freight and extend the spots where the wheels connect high enough to get a low floor jack under it. Lift it to hitch height and take the weight off the truck, pull your pin and lower onto its wheels. Roll it into the garage. I've done something similar for a wheelchair lift on the back to allow the person to remove the 120lb lift and roll it into the garage.Or something like thisLink

Heavy hitch head, ideas on lifting/moving it? | Good Sam Community

ktmrfs
Explorer II
Jun 07, 2017
gmw photos wrote:
I got a small $10 furniture dolly from harbor freight. Screwed a short stack of scrap 2x6's on it to build up to the right height. I can roll it over to the back of the truck, slide the blue ox out of the receiver right onto it, then roll it over to the corner under the workbench. No lifting required and it was cheap.

Did similar for my air safe air hitch. If you think the blue ox is heavy, my class VI air safe is over 100lbs. '

heavy, but well worth it for the amount of traveling we do.
gmw_photos
Explorer
Jun 05, 2017
I got a small $10 furniture dolly from harbor freight. Screwed a short stack of scrap 2x6's on it to build up to the right height. I can roll it over to the back of the truck, slide the blue ox out of the receiver right onto it, then roll it over to the corner under the workbench. No lifting required and it was cheap.
RPreeb
Explorer
Jun 05, 2017
When we are on a trip with the TT the hitch stays on the truck. When we get home, it lives on the garage floor in the corner closest to the back of the truck to minimize any necessary transport. I'm 70 and still don't have any trouble lifting my Husky Centerline TS enough to get it on the receiver.
atwowheelguy
Explorer
Jun 05, 2017
I'm two days from age 69. I've always said that one sign for me to give up motorcycling will be when I can no longer load the bikes in the truck or on the trailer by myself. I think when I can no longer lift the hitch and handle the trailer by myself, it will also be time for me to give up the camper trailer. One rotator cuff was partially torn and one was severed and then anchored to an artificial tether. One thing that has helped is that I spend an hour in the gym five days per week. I recommend it.
TenOC
Nomad
Jun 05, 2017
Get a Hensley Arrow. You will love it for towing and the heavy head stays on the TT. PS I am 80.
Huntindog
Explorer
Jun 04, 2017
Proper lifting is the key. You need to lift it so that the weight is not offset from your body.

My way looks goofy, but is really easy and effective.

I remove my locking hitch pin, and install it in the top unused drawbar hole. Then I turn around, so my backside is to the hitch/TV. Then I spread my legs and back over the hitch head, srtaddling it. Next I reach down with both hands and grab both sides of the hitch pin. A slight lift and walking forward, and I have the head suspended between my legs. It is perfectly cntered with my body, allowing maximum strength.
A little duck walking gets me where I need to go very easily. To install, just reverse the procedure. Inserting the drawbar into the receiver is easier that you would think. You don't need to get it perfect while backing up. Just get it in the hole, then turn around to adjust it.
LarryJM
Explorer II
Jun 04, 2017
BarneyS wrote:
lss177 wrote:
Yea, I think a flat top yard wagon will do the trick, minimal lifting and easy to move around.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/edsal-14-in-Utility-Cart/3678590

Even with that wagon, I would use a HitchGrip handle as posted earlier in a link.
Barney

Photo from Amazon.com.

I agree and I bet you could easily rig up a bar so two people could lift and maneuver the hitch head using the hitch grip. However, I bet just using the hitch grip will work and for me it's a life saver inserting the drawbar into the receiver.

Larry
drmopar
Explorer
Jun 04, 2017
Harbor Freight and other places sell a Transmission floor jack, (about $50.00) with casters. You can roll up with your hitch head, raise up to the receiver, and then roll it right in. The nice thing about these jacks is that you can change the angle that you hitch will sit on jack. Super easy and no more wrestling with the head. Works great with my heavy Centerline hitch.
downtheroad
Explorer
Jun 04, 2017
BlueOx SwayPro here also...I use the Hitch Grip as already posted above..
Bad knee, bad back, bad hip...this thing is a must. Works great and has certainly saved me.
samsontdog
Explorer
Jun 04, 2017
Once I hook it up to my P/Up I do not take it off for 3 months that we are camping. I am nearly 80 {in 7 months} and I still take mine on and off at the end of camping season. I do take the bars off but leave the head on the P/Up
during camping season