Lifting the Reese onto the rails:
It was getting difficult to lift the Reese into and out of the bed of the RAM. We built a wheeled trolley out of hard maple, tied 6 joist together and employed a chain hoist. The Reese is lifted off of the rails and the trolley is rolled over a shelf so the Reese call be lowered and stored for the winter. In the spring the Reese is hoisted up and rolled over the truck bed and lowered onto the rails. My back and knuckles love it!!
I feel your pain...literally. That's a good idea that I will have to copy soon. I take the head off the base to make it easier to lift up but it still weights in at about my limit.
I have found out I have that same disease.
Dave your system is more elaborate then mine. I fastened a boat winch to one of the 2/6 studs where I could reach it from the floor. Then ran the rope up to the ceiling joist thru a couple pulleys. It lifts the Reese out real nice.
I have found out I have that same disease.
Dave your system is more elaborate then mine. I fastened a boat winch to one of the 2/6 studs where I could reach it from the floor. Then ran the rope up to the ceiling joist thru a couple pulleys. It lifts the Reese out real nice.
That's way too easy. You need to make things more complicated.
Had a Boat Winch Failure years back while putting up grain bins. We are luck to have feet!
I use a com-a-long attached with supports, to the garage ceiling. Jack it up then back up the truck into position. Use a rated strap to attach the hook to the hitch. Definitely stay clear if it fails. Hitch weighs approximately 300 pounds.
That is awesome Dave. Old age is contagious. Most everyone will catch it in their lifetime. One thing common with the Old Guys is you learn to work smarter not harder. Most often out of necessity!
I've hung my hitch on the pin for 19 years with 3 different rigs. I live in Montana so it hangs there for 4 or 5 months every year. If I didn't think the king pin or frame was strong enough to take the load. I'd never hitch it up and hit the road.
I usually just use my engine hoist to lift it in and out of the bed. Once in the box I just slide it up into the pucks - undermount rails with Reese elite. It just drops into the holes in my smooth bed. But I also have a kubota with a FEL to do the job if necessary. Won't hurt hanging it from the pin box but I like my hitch out of the way even though my 5th wheel is stored indoors and out of the elements.
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Scott
2013 CrossRoads Cruiser Patriot CF345RF
2011 Ford F350 Lariat FX4 CC 6.7L Turbo Diesel (Heavily Modified)
Saskatoon, SK