Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Under Bed - 13,000 lbs
(585 reviews)
Price: $2,225.00
In Stock
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Under Bed - 13,000 lbs
Item # DM8550041
Retail:$2,629.00
Our Price: $2,225.00
You Save: $404.00
In Stock
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.
- All Info
- Reviews (585)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Demco Fifth Wheel Hitch - DM8550041
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Demco
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 13000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- Double Pivot
- 22-1/2 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- 3250 lbs Vertical Load
- 15-1/2 - 18-1/4 Inch Tall
Hitch slides automatically as you drive to give you 22-1/2" of additional clearance for tight turns. A wraparound jaw provides a smooth ride and a locking bar offers added security. Pivoting head allows easy hook up and helps to limit chucking.
Features:
- 5th-Wheel hitch mounts in your short-bed truck bed so you can tow your 5th-wheel trailer
- Automatic slider provides clearance required for your short-bed pickup to turn safety at slow speeds
- No more getting into and out of the truck to operate a manual slider
- Head slides toward the tailgate when you turn and back toward the cab when you straighten out
- Roller-and-guide assembly creates smooth and controlled movement
- Rotating hitch head turns up to 90 degrees with your trailer
- Rotation creates the force that propels the automatic slider
- Built-in brackets stabilize your pin box so the king pin won't rotate in the hitch - no need for a separate capture plate for standard, non-cushioned pin boxes
- Rail-free design allows for full access to truck bed when hitch is removed
- 2 Separate tracks allow for up to 2-3/4" of side-to-side clearance to keep pin box from hitting bed rails
- Wraparound, single-piece jaw provides a secure connection
- 360-Degree jaw-to-king-pin contact
- Less rattle and more security than slide-bar jaws
- 3/4" Thick, solid steel locking bar reinforces the connection of your coupled trailer
- Automatically locks into place when the jaw closes
- Double-pivot hitch head eases hookup and helps to limit chucking
- Pivots front to back and side to side
- 3 Height settings to fit your application
- Cushioning polyurethane dampeners help reduce noise and absorb road shock
- Spring-loaded handle with comfort grip allows for simple coupling
- Tethered safety pin lets you secure the handle in the open or the closed position
- Sturdy steel construction with rust-resistant black powder coat finish
- Custom underbed mounting kit (sold separately) required for installation
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Designed for use on 5-1/2' and 6' truck beds
- Fits standard pin boxes 12" - 14" wide
- Locking plates (sold separately) are required for use with the following cushioned pin boxes: Glide Ride, Mor Ryde, Trailair Tri Glide, and 5th Airborne
- Gross towing weight: 13,000 lbs
- Vertical load limit: 3,250 lbs
- Travel: 22-1/2" front to back
- Hitch height settings: 15-1/ 2", 16-3/4", and 18-1/4"
- 5-Year limited warranty
Note: This fifth-wheel trailer hitch is not compatible with Sidewinder or Revolution king pins. Do not use any device that changes the pivot point of your trailer's king pin with this hitch.
Automatic Slider Makes Cornering Easy
A slider helps to eliminate clearance problems during slow-speed turns. When you are towing a fifth-wheel trailer, your hitch must be situated on the cab side of your truck's rear axle. However, at slow speeds you can use a slider to slide the fifth-wheel hitch (and the trailer) toward your truck's tailgate and past the rear axle, creating enough space between the cab of your truck and the trailer to permit less-restricted turning.
Normally, you'd have to get out of your truck and pull a lever to release the slider before every turn, but what if there was an automatic system? Imagine having 22-1/2" of extra clearance while towing your fifth-wheel trailer. Now imagine having this without needing get out of the truck to move your slider. The Demco Hijacker Autoslide makes this fantasy a reality. The Autoslide automatically glides back smoothly when you make a sharp turn so you can maneuver effortlessly around tight corners within campsites and parking lots.
The Autoslide has a built-in roller-and-guide assembly that allows for smooth, controlled, and automatic movement. As your truck turns, this assembly also turns. When the assembly turns, an arm in the base of the hitch moves down 1 of 2 tracks in the interior of the base. This action causes the head to be pushed down one of the exterior tracks in the base. So, when your truck makes a sharp, slow-speed turn, the roller-and guide assembly inside the Autoslide forces the hitch head to slide down toward your truck's tailgate in a smooth, controlled motion. This way, any time that your truck turns more than 10 to 15 degrees, the Autoslide will ensure that there is enough clearance for your trailer to complete the turn as well, and it will do so without any jerking or binding.
In order for the roller-and-guide assembly to function as designed, the pin box must be stabilized on the hitch head. Normally in a 5th-wheel hitch, the king pin moves inside of the hitch head so that the trailer can turn. With the Autoslide, the king pin remains fixed inside of the jaws of the hitch and it is the hitch head itself that turns. This is thanks to the capture brackets on the sides of the head that brace the pin box from both sides to hold it in place on top of the hitch head.
To stabilize your pin box on the hitch head, simply push the capture brackets up against your pin box once the trailer is coupled and tighten the outer bolts and the inner jam nuts. The Autoslide head and brackets will fit standard pin boxes that are between 12" and 14" wide. If you have a Glide Ride, Mor Ryde, Trailair Tri Glide, or 5th Airborne pin box, you must install a special locking plate (sold separately) as well.
When you straighten your rig out again and your trailer moves back in line, the hitch head will rotate back to center and slide back toward the cab into the straight towing position.
Secure Wraparound Jaw with Locking Bar
The single-piece, strong wraparound jaw completely surrounds your trailer's king pin for 360 degrees of contact. This wraparound jaw provides a more secure connection than standard 2-piece jaws that close in on the king pin from the sides. The increased jaw-to-king-pin contact on the Autoslide offers tighter tolerances around the king pin, which minimizes both rattle and chucking, for a smooth, quiet ride.
A 3/4" solid steel locking bar spans the area in front of the jaw. This bar provides an added barrier of protection against accidental disconnection so you can have peace of mind that your trailer is secure. The locking bar is attached to the jaw and to the spring-loaded handle. The bar automatically locks when the jaw closes around your king pin.
Double-Pivot, Cushioned Hitch Head
The double pivoting, cushioned head improves your towing experience dramatically by helping to reduce jarring and unwanted noise. Built-in pins allow the hitch head to pivot back and forth and side to side. And hooking up is easy because the hitch head will automatically pivot to the proper angle when it comes into contact with your pin box.
Three polyurethane dampeners help to cushion the movement from the pivoting head and to reduce towing noise. Two of these dampeners are built into the head assembly to cushion the head's side-to-side pivoting. The third dampener cushions the back-and-forth motion and must be installed in the hitch prior to use. Installation of this third dampener is easy - simply press the dampener up into the pre-drilled hole underneath the hitch head.
Easy Installation
The Autoslide hitch is specially designed to fit a Demco UMS custom underbed mounting kit (sold separately). The hitch comes pre-assembled for an easy installation. All you have to do is bolt on the side plates and attach the head to the hitch base.
The side plates have 2 functions. They contain the feet that fit into the receivers in your truck bed, and they allow you to raise or lower the hitch head to better match your pin box height. After you choose your desired height setting, simply bolt the side plates to the hitch base with the included hardware. Then lower the hitch into the 4 UMS receivers in your truck bed. Turn the handles to lock the feet into the receivers and secure the handles with the included safety pins. The hitch can be removed to give you full truck bed access. Simply remove the safety pins, turn the handles to unlock the feet, and lift the hitch out of the receivers.
Clearance Formula for Short Bed Trucks
Use the formula below to ensure there will be enough space between your truck cab and trailer when executing a 90-degree turn.
(A+B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the center of fifth-wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of Travel (22-1/2")
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)
For example: If the distance from the center of the hitch to the cab is 36", 36" + 22" = 58". If your fifth-wheel trailer is 102" wide, take half (51"), then plug in: 58" - 51" = 7" of clearance.
Note: At least 4 inches of clearance is recommended to safely execute a 90-degree turn.
6004 Demco Hijacker Adapter Plates for Underbox Mount 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
6330 Demco High Jacker Head Assembly for Auto Slide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 13,000 lbs
8550049
Installation Details
Customer Reviews
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Under Bed - 13,000 lbs - DM8550041
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (584 Customer Reviews)
Hitch slides automatically as you drive to give you 22-1/2" of additional clearance for tight turns. A wraparound jaw provides a smooth ride and a locking bar offers added security. Pivoting head allows easy hook up and helps to limit chucking.by: Dan03/18/2018
The hitch is great. I installed it myself and it worked very well pulling a 5th Wheel Trailer across the country last year. I have learned however that one must start out from corners slower to avoid a large "clunk" as the hitch slides in the frame per the inherent design. Great Product!
by: Douglas 04/19/2021
by: Darin 09/24/2021
by: Vance05/09/2022
Well built fifth wheel hitch. Haven't got a chance to tow our new Montana High Country 295RL. But I know a guy that has towed his fifth wheel with this same hitch. I'm sure this 18K hitch will be excellent! Or I wouldn't have bought it. I recommend e trailer for everything.
by: John07/15/2022
Demco auto slide hitch works very well with my crew cab short bed Ram. Fits under my tonneau cover nicely. Trouble free thus far. Had to purchase a Demco plate for the camper to make the Rhino box hitch work. etrailer personnel were great in helping ensure I had the right products and kept me well informed of shipping dates.
by: Anthony 04/19/2024
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT. I purchased 2 different 5th Wheel Hitches before I purchased this one. After hitting the cab of the truck, I wanted to get a slider. I did my research for several months and just kept coming back to the Demco. This hitch automatically makes the adjustment when I need it, even when I don't realize I need the extra room. I never have to get out of the truck to release the hitch to slide back. I put the hitch together with no problems, of course it came about put together anyway, and the Instructions were good. the locking down ont he truck seems to be easier than other I had. The only regret I have is that I didn't buy this one sooner.
by: Bugs07/20/2020
Item works exactly as described. I have a shortbed (6.5') Ford F350. Probably towed our 5th wheeler 5000+ miles with no problem. Then last year it happened! We were making a sharp turn in an uneven lot and POW, the 5vr hit the rear window and it exploded. After that I became gun shy about turning with the 5vr attached so I started looking at sliding hitches. A slider that you had to get out and unlatch to make work, didn't make sense to me. At what point do you get out? So, an auto slider hitch was purchased. Now when I get to a certain degree turn the auto-slide hitch moves back in its carriage and then auto-slides to the normal location once straightened out. Not gun shy anymore.
Pro:
Well packaged
Well made
Easy install
It WORKS.
Cons:
Price
Very heavy
Some clunking after it straightens out from a turn
by: John T.09/20/2019
Very happy with my Demco Autoslide hitch after one year. We pull a Montana 3120 35 ft 5th wheel with a 2019 Ford F-350 short bed. Took a month long 6,000 mile trip from Colorado to New England/Canada this Summer. Lots of hilly/curvy roads and some remote campgrounds with tight corners and some near 80 degree back ins. Never came close to trailer contacting the truck. I’ve had no jerking or other issues when turning or stoping/starting. Works great. The only drawback is there isn’t much room for error when you back up to hook up the trailer, so it takes a little practice to get used to correctly lining up your Demco Hitch to the trailer. The first couple of trips, it took me 3 or 4 attempts to properly line it up. No longer an issue for me after a few trips and you get used to the angles. It weighs about 300 pounds. I got a small chain hoist which I installed in my garage rafters and easily lift the hitch in and out of my truck and just let it hang front he rafters until I need to use it.
by: Ray F09/26/2019
The Demco Auto slide takes the worry out of towing my fifth wheel trailer with a short bed F-350. I have had no problems with backing into tight camping spots. And since everything is automatic I have one less thing to worry about while traveling with a fifth wheel.
The only problem is that it is a little on the heavy side, so I just leave it in the truck when not towing. Problem solved.
I am extremely happy with the product.
by: Daniel 02/28/2024
Solid hitch and fits as expected. Only 4 stars due to the limited hitch up angles. You really have to be within about 5 degrees of straight with the hitch in order for the system to function. Did not have this much of a problem with my other auto slide hitches, but this is the only one I could find with the weight rating I needed for my combo.
by: Tommy08/25/2023
Well the Demco 5th wheel hitch is great! Great product, well built, great value! but, the delivery was terrible. I ordered the hitch on 8/10 and it didn't ship until 8/18! I was promised a delivery date of 8/17, but no one at e-trailer could find the hitch and did not get any answers from the shipping company. After many phone calls, they finally located the hitch with the shipping company, Estes, and the hitch was delivered on 8/22. I would use e-trailer again, but they need better control over the shipping.
by: Adam12/29/2018
My wife and I are full-time RVers, and have used this slider hitch from the get-go while traveling around seeing the country over the past year. We are happy with our purchase, which has proven to be both easy to hook up, adjust, and functions well, as advertised.
The only matter I think you may want to address are the thick plastic removable maintenance access covers which tend to bow, and the areas around the attachment holes have melted, in the hot weather. Perhaps instead using a light metal for the covers would be better solution.
We are very happy overall with this hitch, and plan to keep it . Thank you.
by: Bob T12/16/2020
This review is for the Demco Autoslide 21k and accompanying OEM rail adaptor I purchased for a 2020 Ram 3500 Megacab DRW. I've owned it one year. Overall, the hitch performs as I expected. It is high quality, very sturdy and seems like it will last for a long time. I had it installed at the dealer when I purchased the truck. It automatically slides to protect the cab in my 6'4" bed without any incidents. I tow a standard fifth wheel RV. There are a few negatives, which are not necessarily shortcoming of the product but, instead, necessary evils to allow me to have a short bed. First, it is BIG and BULKY. I believe this is just a function of the mechanism required to allow the autosliding feature and I am not really sure there are any other lighter alternatives with this feature. The fact it requires two parts (OEM Puck Rail and hitch), make it even more bulky. It takes up almost the entire bed and prevents most auxillary tank / tool box combos from fitting. Even standard size storage bins will not fit in my bed. I would prefer if they had a custom OEM all-in-one hitch for my truck like they do for the Ford. It adds significant weight, which decreases carrying capacity, which can be at a premium in hauling a heavy fifth wheel. I've never even tried to take it out of the bed due to the weight and difficulty. I also am not very happy with the adjustable catch plate design. It requires significant manipulation loosening and tightening 8 nuts when hitching and unhitching. This requires a step ladder to reach the nuts. I also found out after the fact that it does not come with the right size catch plate attachments for my hitch and I had to purchase a separate part, which added unexpected expense and delayed my taking the RV on its first trip. Overall, I am satisfied with the hitch.
by: Milt06/15/2022
This was the best solution for my Dodge RAM 2500 towing my Alliance 340RL 38' 5th Wheel. My son helped me install the rails under the bed and now it is very easy to remove the hitch when I am not using it. It is very strong and I highly recommend this for anyone with a short bed truck.
by: Stewart Y.07/31/2016
Very high quality product. Used on a extended cab short bed F250 and the sliding mechanism provides plenty of clearance between the Fifth Wheel front and the truck's cab. Fits Ford's factory fifth wheel bed mount holes perfectly. Used to tow a 42' fifth wheel regularly. Foot print is small enough to allow me to retain my tool box in the truck during towing.
The hitch is heavy! Do not plan to try to install with one person with out an engine hoist or gantry crane. Two strong people can, but extreme caution should be taken as the hitch weighs nearly 300lbs and is awkward.
by: David G01/27/2019
I INSTALLED THE DEMCO HIJACKER AUTOSLIDE FITH WHEEL HITCH IN MY 17 F250 WITH THE FACTORY PREP PACKAGE. THE HITCH FIT PERFECTLY INTO THE FACTORY PUCK SYSTEM. DID NEED A FRIENDS HELP DO TO THE WEIGHT OF THE UNIT. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE OPERTION OF THE AUTOSLIDE AND THE FACT THAT I DON'T REALLY HAVE TO WORRY TO MUCH ABOUT THE TRAILER CONTACTING THE CAB OF TRUCK SINCE I HAVE A 6 FOOT BED. THIS IS THE FIRST FIFTH WHEEL HITCH I HAVE EVER USED BUT WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE THAT HAS A TRUCK WITH A SHORT BED. ONLY 4 STARS BECAUSE OF THE LEARNING CURVE OF HITCHING UP AND THE THING IS PRETTY HEAVY. ONCE I LEARNED THAT THE HITCH AND THE TRUCK HAVE TO BE PRETTY STRAIGHT IN LINE DUE TO THE CAPTURE PLATES HITCHING UP HAS BECOME A NONE ISSUE. I DID PURCHASE AN ENGINE HOIST SO THAT I CAN REMOVE THE HITCH FROM THE BED OF MY TRUCK BY MYSELF IF I NEED TO, BUT FOR THE MOST PART IT JUST STAYS MOUNTED. I ALSO LOVE THE FACT THAT IT HAS A HIGHT ADJUSTMENT WHICH ALLOWED IT TO STILL FIT UNDER MY BEDS TONNEAU. OVERALL VERY SATISFIELD WITH PURCHASE
by: E Shoeboy07/01/2021
I have a 2017 Ford F-250 (Crew Cab, short box), and a 40’ 14,000lb 5th wheel. I’ve owned this Demco Autoslide for 1 year, and I absolutely love it. I purchased a 5th wheel for the maneuverability, but my expectations were blown away with this Autoslide. I also have the Extang Xceed hard tonneau cover, and when folded up (laying flat on the panel closest to the cab) I can maneuver however I want without removing the tonneau. If im going to make a really sharp turn on uneven ground I’ll stop and flip my tonneau all the way up, but very rarely do I have to do that. Also removal & install of this hitch is about as easy as removing & installing a 5th wheel hitch can possibly be. I use a rope, pulley, & my side by side. Highly recommend this Demco hitch.
by: Danny04/24/2024
This 21K unit is very well built. It does have some weight to it so some help installing would be much easier.my installation was completed solo and took approx 1 hour in a GMC 3500 Denali.
by: Dan02/11/2019
I have owned this unit for over a year now. Here are the pro's and cons that I have experienced.
Pro- I have pulled with this hitch in some really tight spaces in forward and reverse and still have the rear window in tact.
Con- Heavy, really heavy.
Pro- heavy duty,smooth riding, and double jaw lock makes a great connection.
Con- manufacturer recommends 1/8 of separation between the slides on the top of hitch. When backing upon 40' wheeler in some tight spaces it is hard to align without opening the slides a bit more. This is not he issue. Remembering to tighten them in the rush of leaving is the hard part.
Pro- once you are attached to your truck there is nothing more you need to worry about until you disconnect.
Con- If you are a weekender like me and use your truck for work the rest of the week, you will need at least one person to help lift in or out pre or post travel. Works pretty well with gantry crane.
by: Eddie 03/14/2024
Extremely happy! While the item is HEAVY! The ease of taking it in and out of the bed is pretty good. I would recommend 2 people. The unit itself is well built and simple to use. Thanks, etrailer for the recommendation!
by: Mike G09/15/2018
Installed in my 2014 Silverado. This looks to be a very heavy-duty hitch that doesn't require a capture plate.
by: Richard H. 05/13/2016
This hitch has been used daily since i purchased it. I deliver fifth wheel travel trailers all over the country. This hitch has worked flawlessly from day one. This hitch is one of the only products that I've ever bought that is exactly what it was described to be. Im not one to do reviews, so the fact that im doing this one , in itself, says a lot about the quality of your product. The design and looks are much better than any other hitch ive seen. It just looks better in the truck bed than others do.
by: Neil04/04/2022
wow what a great hitch . Got the no drill bed rails and the bolted rite up to my B&W gooseneck hitch . Ashley E did a great job answering all my questions . Only took a few days to get here too. Took me about 2 hours to install everything and if you have a short bed truck this is the only way to go .
by: Mark 11/04/2023
This hitch has worked great for the last year. I can put the truck a full 90 degrees to the camper with no issues on my standard bed (6'8") truck. I never have to worry about taking out my back window either going forward in tight turns or backing up. The only negative is the weight of the hitch. I use an electric hoist to take the hitch in and out of my truck. Very quick and easy with the OEM puck system. The guys at Etrailer were great to work with. Best price I could find and delivery was quick and easy.
by: Steven 05/31/2023
I have a F350 Super Duty Short bed.
This slider works as expected. The ease of backing or tight turns makes this product excellent without the need to pulls pins for extension. I can remove or install in 7 minutes without a problem without any assistance. I am pulling a 44 foot trailer and have not experience any chucking or sway even in windy conditions. Tows very smoothly
25
581
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Demco Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2005 Ford F-150 5-1/2 ft BedThe Atwood AB-34 is a tube style pin box which means there are no Sidewinders available that will fit it. I do have a solution though. Since you have a 5-1/2 foot bed there is one slider on the market that can slide back and provide enough clearance. The Demco Hijacker part # DM8550041 can slide 22-1/2 inches automatically so it would be a great solution. Then for a fifth wheel rail kit confirmed as a fit you would want the part # RP50081-58 which is a custom fit rail kit for you truck...
view full answer... - Can B&W Companion be Used to 5th Wheel Tow with 15 Chevy Silervado 1500 with 5-1/2 BedThe Custom Underbed Installation Kit # BWGNRK1057-5W will fit your 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 5-1/2' bed and while you can technically use the Companion Slider # BWRVK3400-5W, it (and any other standard slider hitch) will not provide enough turning clearance for your trailer and 5th wheel trailer. Since you have a 5-1/2' bed you need something that will give you at least 22" of turning clearance and we do have a few options for you. The first option is to use the Demco 13K Autoslider...
view full answer... - Will the 13K Demco Autoslide # DM8550041 Work with a 2018 Ford F-250 6-3/4' BedYes, the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550041 is compatible with your 2018 Ford F-250 with a 6-3/4' bed. This hitch actually installs in the Demco Underbed Rail and Installation Kit # DM8551009 instead of a traditional "OEM prep package". If you don't already have a 7-Way in the bed of your F-250 then I also recommend the Demco # DM8555002 which help make connecting and disconnecting the wiring in your pickup much easier.
view full answer... - Recommended Best 5th Wheel Hitch for 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 5-1/2 Foot BedThe best hitch for your 2017 GMC 1500 Denali is really based on preferences. My recommendation for the best is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550041 with the Underbed rail kit # DM8551008 because it gives you a completely clean bed when not in use and then provides you with a hitch that has 22-1/2 inches of travel that automatically moves as needed to give you the turning clearance needed. I've attached a video of this hitch installed in a 2017 Chevy 1500 to assist. The biggest benefit...
view full answer...
- 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit Recommendations for a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 5-1/2 Foot BedYes, you can install a 5th wheel trailer in your 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 with 5-1/2 foot bed. But because the bed is so short you will need a special hitch in order to have clearance between the trailer and the truck cab when making turns while towing. For that I recommend the new Demco auto-sliding 5th wheel hitch # DM8550041. This hitch has an astonishing 22-1/2 inches of travel for the clearance you will need. It is rated for 13,000 pounds which is likely more than what the truck can tow...
view full answer... - Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2011 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 foot BedWe have one slider hitch that can slide back far enough to give you the needed clearance to make tight turns with your 2011 Ford F-150. For that we have the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550041 which will automatically slide 22-1/2 inches back when making tight turns. To install the hitch you'd need the rail kit part # DM8551001 which is custom fit for your truck as well.
view full answer... - Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch & Underbed Kit for 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5-1/2-Foot BedUsually a very short bed truck like your 5-1/2-foot-bed 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 does require a 5th wheel replacement pin box, a Reese Sidewinder or Revolution, in order to have enough turning clearance for tight maneuvers. Sidewinders provide a substantial 22-inches of additional clearance. But you do have an option in the Demco under-bed mounted slider hitch # DM8550041 and mounting kit # DM8551008. Most slider hitches provide 10- to 14-inches of additional turning clearance but...
view full answer... - Determining Pin Weight for 8k Trailer and Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2014 Ford F-150There is not an easy way to verify the tongue weight of a fifth wheel trailer if you do not already have the trailer. The best way to find the tongue weight of your fifth wheel trailer is to use a commercial scale like those at truck stops or at material supply centers. First you should weigh your tow vehicle without the trailer connected. Next, connect your trailer to your tow vehicle and drive it on the scale. The difference between the two weights is the tongue weight. Since you do...
view full answer... - Gooseneck and 5th Wheel Hitches with Offset to Tow a Trailer with a 2012 Ford F-150 w/5-1/2 Foot BedIf you are towing both 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers then what I recommend for the gooseneck trailers is B&W gooseneck hitch # BWGNRK1104. Then you could add the 4 inch offset ball, # BWGNXA4085, and the 10 inch Extend-A-Goose coupler, # BWTEXA4200. However, the pivot point of the trailer will still only be 4 inches back from its original position meaning that you will get 4 inches of true offset, not 14. If your gooseneck trailer is a V-nose then the 4 inches might be enough to safely...
view full answer... - Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2004 Ford F-150 5-1/2 foot Bed There's only one slider hitch available that's going to give you the needed clearance to make tight turns without cab interference. That's the Demco Hijacker Autoslide part # DM8550041 which will slide back 22-1/2 inches automatically as you make tight turns so that you have the needed turning clearance. Then for a rail kit to install this hitch you'll need the Demco rail kit part # DM8551001 which is a custom kit for your 2004 Ford F-150. This means it will install without frame drilling...
view full answer... - Does Fifth Wheel Hitch King Pin have to Center Over Rear Axle of TruckThe center of the king pin of a fift wheel trailer needs to be centered over the rear axle. Since fifth wheel trailers are pretty heavy if you had the pin weight behind the rear axle you'd unload the front axle which would make braking and handling dangerous. I believe you have a 2005 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 foot bed. For bed this short there's one slider hitch that can slide far enough back to give you the needed turning clearance and it's the Demco hijacker auto slide part # DM8550041....
view full answer... - Towing a 102 Inch Wide 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 Short BedTo get the clearance you need to tow your 102 inch wide 1996 Gulf Stream Kingsley 5th wheel trailer a replacement pin box will not offer enough extension. Basically the distance from the back of the truck cab to the center of the king pin when the trailer is coupled has to be at least 4 inches more than half the width of the trailer. That means that you would need a cab to king pin distance of 55 inches. If you have the factory 5th wheel prep package in your 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 or an...
view full answer... - Is Demco Hijacker Autoslide Compatible with MOR/ryde Pin Box Yes, the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550041 referenced in your question is compatible with the MOR/ryde pin boxes. You will just need to add the Locking Plate # DM6025. This locking plate is designed specifically for the MOR/ryde pin box and will bolt to it in order to prevent the king pin from rotating inside the Demco Hijacker. All of the necessary hardware is included. I have attached the installation instructions on this product that you can also take a look at.
view full answer... - 5th Wheel Hitch for 2014 Ram 3500 Short Bed with RamBoxI'll start off by saying that because your 2014 Ram 3500 has the Ram Box cargo management feature, you will need to use a Sidewinder King Pin. The problem with the Ram Box is that is that it puts the rails of the bed too close together and it causes interference with the pin box of the trailer around corners. We have heard several customers say that with a Sidewinder pin box they were able to tow a fifth wheel trailer with a truck with a Ram Box. Sidewinders move the pivot point higher...
view full answer... - Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2005 Ford F-150 5-1/2 Foot BedI can help explain this evolution to you to help you better understand. The reason short bed trucks like your 5-1/2 foot Ford F-150 needed the sidewinder was because of clearance. A sliding hitch alone wouldn't give the camper/rv enough room when turning to not impact the truck cab. Due to popular demand the Sidewinder was born and allowed many short bed truck customers to tow because it moved the pivot point from a standard non-sliding hitch back 22 inches. The Sidewinder essentially...
view full answer... - Does Weight of Demco Hijacker Autoslide Affect Payload Capacity of TruckThe Demco Hijacker AutoSlide part # DM8550041 weighs a total of 332 lbs but since your payload capacity is the weight capacity of the truck's bed and this hitch is supported by the truck frame instead you do not have to factor the weight of the hitch against the payload capacity.
view full answer... - Truck and Trailer Clearance for 2009 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Short BedThere is not a specific distance that is required to have between the rear of the cab and the front of the box on the trailer. The 5th wheel hitch or gooseneck hitch is generally installed on the axle center line above the rear axle to distribute the weight properly on your 2009 Ford F-150. For towing a 5th Wheel it is recommended to use the Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin # RP34FR to move your turning point back 22" allowing you better maneuverability with the trailer on a 5-1/2' short...
view full answer... - 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit Recommendations for a 2010 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot BedFor your 2010 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 foot bed you have 2 options. The first option is to use a Demco 13K HiJacker auto-sliding hitch. There are 2 versions of this hitch, # DM8550041 for under bed mount and # DM8550040 for industry standard above the bed rails. Either of these hitches has 22-1/2 inches of travel and slides automatically. If you go this route and choose the under bed version then the installation kit you will need is # DM8551001. If you choose the version for industry standard...
view full answer... - Recommended 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2015 Chevy Silverado and Revolution King PinThe only under bed system available for your 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the Demco Hijacker # DM8550041 along with the Underbed Rail Kit # DM8551008. This particular hitch is not compatible with the Revolution king pin on your trailer. I instead recommend looking at the Reese Select Plus 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30928, along with the Quick-Install Custom Base Rails # RP50064-58. This is an excellent hitch that features a forged, single-piece self-latching jaw that will provide...
view full answer... - Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2007 Ford F-150 5-1/2 ft BedA truck bed that is only 5-1/2 feet in length needs more slider clearance than what a standard slider hitch like the Curt E16 you mentioned can provide. You'll need around 22-1/2 inches of additional clearance and this hitch only provides 12 inches. We have one hitch setup that will work great for that though. The Demco Hijacker 13k Autoslider part # DM8550041 slides back 22-1/2 inches automatically as you make tight turns. To install it in your truck bed will require an underbed rail...
view full answer... - Recommended Fifth Wheel Hitch For 2010 Ford F-150 With 5-1/2 Ft Truck bedThere are two ways you can go when towing your fifth wheel with your short bed F-150. You can go with a fixed fifth wheel hitch and replace your fifth wheel pin box with a Sidewinder, or go with a sliding fifth wheel hitch like the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, part # DM8550041, along with the custom underbed rail and installation kit, part # DM8551001. This will give you 22-1/2 inches of front to aft travel and allow you to make those sharp turns. The great thing...
view full answer... - Install Kit for Demco HiJacker 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch on a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 with 5-1/2 Foot BedThere are a couple of Demco HiJacker autoslide 5th wheel trailer hitches. One fits above the bed rails and one fits below the bed rails. The benefit of the below the bed rails is that when the hitch is removed the bed is essentially clear for cargo. I can give you recommendations for both. For above the bed rails you can use either installation kit # DM8552009-71, which is a universal kit that will require drilling to install the frame brackets, or # DM8552013-71, which is a custom kit...
view full answer... - Recommended Fifth Wheel For 2014 GMC Sierra With 5-1/2 Ft Truck BedYou sure can tow a fifth wheel trailer with your 2014 Sierra. There are a couple options depending on the weight of your fifth wheel trailer. If your fully-loaded-ready-to-tow trailer weight is under 13,000-lbs, I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, part # DM8550041. This hitch features 22-1/2 inches of travel so that you can execute tighter turns. The Underbed Rail And Installation Kit for this fifth wheel hitch is part # DM8551005. With this kit installed,...
view full answer... - Determining Demco Hijacker Autoslide 13k Would Provide Clearance for 2012 Ford F-150 5.5' BedIt sounds like you might be using the wrong formula to determine if you have enough clearance to make 90 degree corners with your 2012 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 foot bed. The formula is: (A + B) - C = Clearance A = Distance from the fifth wheel jaw center to the truck cab B = Offset used (slider clearance) C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2. I was able to determine from the numbers you gave that we have the C figure determined and B since we know slider length of the Demco...
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Fifth Wheel Hitch?
Info for this part was:
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Installed by:
Jeff D
Video Edited:
Joshua S
Video Edited:
Dustin K
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Kristina F
Updated by:
Carrie F
Updated by:
Justice A
Written by:
Amanda M
At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.
Product Experts Available Now!
Call 1-800-940-8924
Dan
3/18/2019
Im very happy with the hitch. Ive towed for close to 15,000 miles. I did however travel over one very uneven road and cracked a weld on the adjustable side guide on the top plate. Great hitch!