How to Store Your Fifth Wheel Hitch and Trailer for Long-Term Durability

Owning a fifth wheel hitch and trailer is a great investment for anyone who loves to travel and explore the outdoors. However, proper storage is crucial to ensure their long-term durability and prevent damage or deterioration. While you can consult the professionals who installs fifth wheel hitches about the primary measurements, there are also things you can do manually. In this article, we will discuss some tips on how to store fifth wheel hitches and trailer to keep them in good condition for years to come. For the best quality equipment that provides you with long-term durability, visit TULGA Fifth Wheel Hitch products here.

1. Clean and Inspect the Equipment

To begin, it is recommended to clean and inspect your fifth wheeler hitch and trailer. To clean the surfaces, use a mild detergent and water. You can use a brush or scrub pad to remove any dirt, grime, or debris. Inspect the equipment for any signs of damage or wear and tear after cleaning it. When checking the equipment, check for any cracks, dents, rust, or other problems that could impact its performance or structural stability.

• To start, use a mild detergent and water to clean the surfaces of both the fifth wheel hitch and trailer. To remove dirt, grime, or debris, utilize a brush or scrub pad.
• Inspect the equipment carefully for any indications of damage or wear and tear after cleaning it. When testing the equipment, be sure to check for any cracks, dents, rust, or other issues that could potentially impact its performance or structural integrity.

Guide: Examine the pivot points, locking mechanism, and release handle for any indications of wear or damage. Ensure that the locking mechanism smoothly engages and disengages, and that the release handle functions properly.

Guide: Check the brake system thoroughly for any indications of wear or damage. Make sure to inspect the brake pads, rotors, and brake lines for any indications of corrosion or harm.

Guide: Examine the tires for any indications of wear or damage. Check for any cuts, bulges, or punctures that may result in a blowout. Make sure to check that the tires are at the appropriate pressure.

Guide: Look over the lights and electrical system for any indications of harm or deterioration. Ensure that the wiring, bulbs, and connections are in good condition and working properly.

Finally, make sure to examine the frame and undercarriage for any indications of rust or harm. Make sure to inspect the suspension, axles, and bearings thoroughly for any indications of wear or damage.

2. Grease the Moving Parts

Use a lube on the fifth wheel hitch's pivot points, locking mechanism, and release handle, as well as any other parts that move. This will keep the hitch from getting rusty or corroded and keep it running smoothly.

• Start by cleaning the hitch's hinges, locking system, and release button. Use water and a light detergent to get rid of any dirt or dust. Use a clean cloth to dry the hitch fully.
• Once the hitch is dry, put some lubricant on the points where it moves, the locking device, and the handle for releasing it. Use a grease or oil that is made for fifth wheel hitches. Spread the oil out evenly and make sure to cover all the parts that move.
• Use a clean cloth to wipe off any extra oil that may have dripped or built up on the hitch. This will make it harder for dirt and other things to stick to the grease.
• After putting grease on the hitch, check the locking device and release handle to make sure they work. Engage and disengage the locking device a few times to spread the lubricant evenly.
• Do this every few months or as needed to make sure that your fifth wheel hitch's moving parts stay oiled and in good shape.

By doing these things, you can help keep your fifth wheel hitch in good shape and stop rust and corrosion from hurting the parts that move.

3. Drain Water Tanks

If your fifth wheel trailer has a fresh water tank, a gray water tank, or a black water tank, make sure to empty all of them before putting the trailer away. This will help stop mold and mildew from growing in the tanks and pipe system and causing damage. Here are the benefits of this operation: 

• If water is left in the tanks when it's cold, it can freeze and spread, which can damage the tanks and the plumbing system. This won't happen if you drain the tanks before putting the trailer away for the winter.
• Once water sits in the tanks for a long time, it can get stagnant and cause mold and mildew to grow, which can cause bad smells and health problems. This is less likely to happen if the tanks are drained.
• Regularly draining the water tanks keeps sediment, trash, and minerals from building up, which can cause corrosion and shorten the tanks' lives.
• Water tanks can be heavy, so emptying them before a trip can reduce the total weight of the trailer, making it easier to pull and using less gas.
• If you empty the water tanks before filling them with fresh water, the water will be cleaner and less likely to get contaminated.

Thus, you can protect fifth wheel hitches and trailers from damage, lighten them, improve the water quality, and make them last longer if you drain the water tanks frequently.

4. Take Out the Gas Tanks and Batteries

To avoid leaks and other problems, take out the propane tanks and batteries and put them in a cool, dry place. Make sure to take the batteries out so that the electricity doesn't get drained. Well, how is this beneficial for your fifth wheel hitches?

• Propane tanks can leak gas if they are broken or not fastened properly. If you take the propane tanks out of the trailer before putting it away, gas leaks and possible fires or blasts won't happen.
• If batteries are left in the trailer for a long time, they can get damaged. Batteries can be damaged by things like high temperatures, wetness, and corrosion. Taking the batteries out and putting them somewhere cool and dry can help protect them and make them last longer.
• This operation keeps propane tanks and batteries from being stolen. These are valuable things that thieves might want. Taking them down and putting them somewhere safe can help stop theft and damage.
• Taking out the propane tanks and batteries can make the trailer lighter, making it easier to pull and using less gas.
• Besides, it makes maintenance easier. Taking out the gas tanks and batteries can make it easier to do things like clean and check the trailer.

By taking out the propane tanks and batteries, you can stop gas leaks, protect your batteries, stop theft, lighten the boat, and make it easier to work on. This can help make sure that your fifth wheel hitch and trailer are in good shape and ready to go whenever you need them. 

5. Cover the Gear

Use a flexible, weather-resistant cover to protect the fifth wheeler hitch and trailer. This will help keep the equipment safe from things like rain, snow, and sun, which can damage it over time. Make sure to tighten the cover so that it doesn't blow off in strong winds. Why is it important to cover the gear?

• Putting a cover over the equipment can keep it from getting damaged by things like UV rays, rain, snow, and wind. This can stop fading, breaking, rusting, and other damage that can happen when something is exposed to the weather.
• When a fifth wheel hitch or trailer is parked outside, things like leaves, dirt, bird poop, and tree sap can build up on them. Covering the tools can keep dirt and dust from building up, which makes it easier to clean and maintain.
• If the equipment is covered, pests and rodents won't be able to make nests in it or damage it while it's in storage.
• A cover can make it less clear that valuable equipment is inside, making it less likely that crooks will try to take it.

Covering the equipment can help it last longer by keeping it from getting damaged by the weather and reducing the number of times it needs to be fixed.

By covering your fifth wheel hitch and trailer's equipment, you can protect it from damage caused by weather, stop debris from building up, keep pests and mice away, stop theft, and make it last longer. This can help make sure your tools are in good shape and ready to use whenever you need them.

6. Store in a Dry and Protected Place 

Store the covered fifth wheel hitch and trailer in a dry, protected place like a garage, shed, or covered storage unit. This will help keep moisture from building up inside the tools and causing damage. If you don't have a covered place to store the trailer, you can park it on a flat area and put blocks under the tires to keep them from getting flat. How is this helpful in fifth wheel hitch storage?

• Moisture can cause rust and rusting, which can hurt your hitch and make it last less long. This kind of damage can be avoided by putting your hitch in a dry place.
• Over time, hot or cold temps can also damage your hitch. Temperature changes can hurt your hitch, but putting it in a protected area can help.
• A place that is out of sight and out of mind can also help prevent theft.
• Keeping your hitch inside or in a protected area can help you make more room in your garage or storage area.

By putting your fifth wheel hitch somewhere dry and out of the sun, you can keep it from getting damaged by water, keep it safe from extreme temperatures and UV rays, keep it from being stolen, and save room. This can make your hitch last longer and make sure it is in good shape and ready to use whenever you need it.

Conclusion

Proper storage is crucial to ensure the long-term durability of your fifth wheel hitches and trailers. By following the tips outlined in this article, including cleaning and inspection, lubricating moving parts, draining water tanks, removing propane tanks and batteries, covering the equipment, and choosing the right storage location, you can protect your valuable investment from damage and deterioration. Whether you're storing your equipment for the winter or for an extended period, taking the time to properly prepare and store your fifth wheel hitches and trailers will help ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come. With these tips in mind, you can feel confident that your equipment will be ready to hit the road again when you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it essential to keep a fifth-wheel hitch and trailer in the appropriate manner?

It is imperative that you store your fifth-wheel hitch and trailer in the appropriate manner in order to preserve their long-term reliability. It is possible that it will help prevent damage and deterioration caused by exposure to the elements, moisture, and other conditions.

What should I do before putting my trailer and fifth-wheel hitch away for the winter? 

You need to give your fifth wheel hitch and trailer a complete cleaning and examination before putting it away for storage. You should also lubricate moving parts, drain water tanks, remove propane tanks and batteries, cover the equipment, and pick the correct storage place.

What kind of cover should I use for the hitch and trailer that are attached to my fifth-wheel trailer? 

It is preferable to choose a cover that is both breathable and resistant to the elements. This will keep the equipment from being damaged by the outside elements while also allowing air to circulate and preventing condensation from forming.

Where should I keep my trailer and the hitch for my fifth-wheel trailer? 

You need to find a place that is dry and protected to put your fifth wheel hitch and trailer in. Some good options are a garage, a shed, or a storage facility that is covered. If you don't have access to a covered storage area, you can park the trailer on a level surface and lay blocks under the tires to keep them from becoming flat spots. This will keep the tires from wearing down prematurely.

How frequently should I check on my stored fifth-wheel hitch and trailer to ensure that they are in good condition? 

Checking on your stored fifth wheel hitch and trailer on a regular basis, such as once a month or once every few weeks, is a smart idea to ensure that it stays in good shape and handle any problems that may crop up.