Cover for my Jayco 5th wheel Pin Box / Hitch?

[ratified442]

New to me Jayco 5th wheel. Very excited and recently took it to Jellystone Park in NY. My duramax pulls it nice and easy. So far the family loves the trailer and the experience. But I have a concern. When I unhooked the trailer the pin from the hitch hangs down quite a bit. I've almost wacked my head several times. Also the kids keep their bikes and toys under there - I want to avoid an ER visit on vacation!! I have googled 5th wheel and pin box cover and haven't found anything good? I found a plastic decorative cover and a foam piece - neither of which will do. Anyone have any ideas?? I also want to keep the hitch from rusting if at all possible.

[ratified442]

Each to his own I guess. I figured why put on a glorified pool noodle ($1 at walmart) on my $$$ camper. I equate it to put a plastic sheet on my classic car when I could put on a fitted protected cover. The fitted cover will last longer and offer better protection. Honestly couldn't be happier with the hitchvest. I highly recommend it and would gladly spend the money vs. a hospital visit somewhere hours away from home!!

http://www.hitchvest.com in case anyone is interested. Happy trails!!!

[ependydad]

ratified442 wrote:
I saw that RV safe foam thing - not impressed. Cheap looking and based upon other reviews it doesn't last too long. Kind of like the pool noodle

I keep a cone in the truck and have used it thus far. I'm going to a my local RV dealer to see what they have - if anything.

I know you found the Hitchvest, but I just wanted to say- I'm 5 years into owning a RV Safe Zone pin cover and it's held up quite well. We do use a bungee cord to hold it on vs. just the straps for a pressure fit but that's mostly because it doesn't fit well on the Trail Air/Tri Glide pin box.

http://learntorv.com/product-review-pin-box-cover-by-rv-safe-zone/

I'm curious about this Hitchvest now, though. I'm going to check it out but $200 is way more than I'd be willing to spend.

[ratified442]

So I installed the cover this weekend fully. Really easy to install. We just winterized the camper (even though it was 90 degrees this weekend). With school and sports, we aren't going to have any time on weekends. Anyway, fits perfect and looks great. NO MORE BIRD nests!!! I do recommend this product. I have gotten a lot of compliments too. All the best.

[ratified442]

Just a quick update - I got my new cover last night after work. I'm quite impressed thus far. The cover was well packaged. The cover is well built and the material is really nice - like a soft cooler like material. I like that it's padded too. Feels sturdy. I'm going to put it on this evening and will report back with fit and other impressions. Hopefully, the birds nest isn't too big in the pin box - LOL.

[ratified442]

I agree - that was my thought too - but after speaking with the family that owned their cover I was convinced. I have spent A LOT of money on other "dress-up" items for the interior. Their pin box looked brand new still. Mine not so much. Also I have a small bird I'm constantly chasing away when I park it on the side of my house. They showed me that its waterproof and padded. I'm looking at it as an investment that will pay in the long run. If I don't like it I'll just return it.

[bluie5]

That Hitchvest looks pretty cool but you can buy a lot of pool noodles for $199.00.

[ratified442]

Quick update - went to my local dealer - he didn't have any suggestions. The family and I setup at Smiths Point Park (a local place to us) for the weekend. Took the dog for a walk and found a trailer that had just the cover. I spoke to the owner for a few minutes and ordered my cover tonight. The name of the product is call "hitchvest". I googled it came up with their website. I have to say I was very impressed. Exactly what I was looking for, or so I hope. I'll report back once I get it. Looks like it will also solve by bird nesting problem too!! Stay tuned.

[2naEagle]

I put a king pin stabilizer on it so you have to walk around it.

[ratified442]

I saw that RV safe foam thing - not impressed. Cheap looking and based upon other reviews it doesn't last too long. Kind of like the pool noodle

I keep a cone in the truck and have used it thus far. I'm going to a my local RV dealer to see what they have - if anything.

[MFL]

On Edit:
Quick goggle search found this at the RV Safe Zone...Pin Box Cushion
Might just be the ticket.....know nothing about them

https://rvsafezone.com/products/fifth-wheel-pin-cushions/

This is a good product. My neighbor has one installed on his while parked.

Jerry

[cpaulsen]

Basically........if you hit it once(like I did)........you will most likely never hit it again.

[Halmfamily]

I put a tall orange traffic cone on the ground under our kingpin. My kids never hit their heads on the kingpin, now the slide out that's another story.

[Old-Biscuit]

Biggest issue is nobody looks up when walking under the overhang on 5th wheels.....head ducking results into head whacking

Pool noodles split and pushed over any sharp points/edges
Pool noodle wrapped around king pin

Then hang a BRIGHT colored ribbon straight down from king pin all the way to the ground using a weight (fishing shot, wheel balancing weight etc) sewn into end of ribbon so it HANGS vs fluttering in the wind

It becomes a 'visual' and will help 'remind' folks big/little to pay attention

Otherwise....let them bang a couple of times. Fast learning scale or helmets for slow learners.


It took me 3 whacks before I got the idea.....king pin once/bedroom slide out twice (it is RIGHT above overhang when exiting from underneath it!!!!!!) :B



On Edit:
Quick goggle search found this at the RV Safe Zone...Pin Box Cushion
Might just be the ticket.....know nothing about them

https://rvsafezone.com/products/fifth-wheel-pin-cushions/

[ratified442]

Yeah I've notice the pool noodle thing - that just covers a small portion of the pin box - I was looking for something more encasing. I spent a bunch of money on the trailer - I don't mind spending a few bucks on something fitted if such a thing exists.

Shorter kids - hmmmm - I'm not sure anyone would trade for my ipad/iphone addicted children. Hopefully some great outdoors will cure then and then they'll be more marketable - LOL.