“Boxing in” fifth wheel pin

[scottydl]

Any idea what the previous owner of my fifth wheel was doing here? See attached photo. A piece of cardboard and some black duct tape was used to “box in” the rear side of the pin it looks like. Is that just to protect the area and have a place to tuck the cables?

I was thinking of using a hard synthetic material like a black cutting board cut to size, and attaching with epoxy to accomplish this mission — rather than a flimsy cardboard box, if this is even needed.

 

[Derby6]

Keep birds out when in storage?

 

[Kirk]

I was thinking of using a hard synthetic material like a black cutting board cut to size, and attaching with epoxy to accomplish this mission — rather than a flimsy cardboard box, if this is even needed.

If it were needed, the manufacturers would have added something. Sometimes owners do strange things to solve imaginary problems. It looks like you just found one and there is a good chance that you will find more of them.

 

[NMDriver]

I would wrap mine in mesh to keep the birds out when in storage so that is a likely reason and cardboard could be taken off easily when he was ready to use it. I have had Doves nest on top of the hitch extension, inside the pin box, and on the steps while in storage.

 

[Joezeppy]

I would also guess birds or bees/wasps. A friend of mine has a terrible problem at home with birds getting into his A/C units so he has to cover them every time he gets home after a camping trip.

Side note, he first figured this out when sweeping off his roof one weekend at a campground and heard chirping coming from the A/C, LOL.

 

[scottydl]

Simple enough! I’ll just remove it all completely then. And yeah I guess the bird thing makes sense, as the prior owner used in a seasonal spot (it never moved) and stored long-term not far away. Now it’s parked at home in my side driveway and will be regularly visited/moved, so some of those issues won’t be as likely.

 

[SMR]

Birds make sense to me too......
I've cleaned out a few birds nests in ours, I had a bird start one about week after we arrived at my MIL's house.

 

[Derby6]

I had no nests but quite a bit of bird **** on the front part of hitch. Trailer was under cover but front is open and I suspect they could sit there and sun themselves. This year I plan to bungee or tape some cardboard or plastic to keep the BS off the hitch. No plan to enclose it. Just cover/protect.

 

[scottydl]

As long as my entire rig isn’t held together by this cardboard and duct tape, I think I’ll be okay then.

 

[Derby6]

Lol. That’s funny.

 

[outofhere]

It may of also beena Mellon saver they could of stord a grill or bikes underneath the front

 

[DutchmenSport]

I'm in the "bird" category too. I've had birds build nets inside my pin-box several times. If they build, I leave the nest alone until the babies are gone. If we are parked "longer" term, I'll put a pillow in the box. I use that space for storing a couple items, like the foam pads I put around the king pin so I won't knock the noggin!

 

[scottydl]

I love the shady retreat area you created under there too! Never thought of using the space that way.

 

[DutchmenSport]

I love the shady retreat area you created under there too! Never thought of using the space that way.

When the wind pick up and the awning has to come in (or else!!!!) ... this is a great place to hang out and still be outside!

I made that dangling table from the king pin box. The chains are stored in the same spot when traveling, and yes ... if I don't catch it in time, birds will build nests right on top of all those chains.

The television is a small Roku. No need for wires or cables (just electricity) and we watch streaming internet stations with that one. Easy set up. Great alternative when the awning seating just doesn't work out.

 

[scottydl]

And the rug can always go out, since it would be on the pad and not the grass. Genius!!

That hanging table just made my project list.

 

[longhaul1]

I use builders hardware cloth on the back of my 5ers pin box to keep mud daubers/paper wasps/bird nests out. I made it removable when camping/traveling.
Some folks use window screening for the same purpose.

 

[TXMOOSE]

Not to change the subject but Mr. Dutchmen that is a cool idea. Reminds me of my TV set up off my loft bedroom set up with the apartment off my parents house. My pop moved me in there when I was 16. I was moving out he said move in there and save. Good idea it was.
But the bee nests I could see , the bird nests, well that seems really inconvenient for the birds and people . Or maybe they boxed it off cause they had one of those sheds built around or just put stuff under it and got a head of grease in that area. Or was it bird dump.