Will Demco Base Rail Kit # DM8553003-12 Fit 2000 Dodge Dakota

Question:

Im looking to find the base rail kit for a2000 Dodge Dakota 6 1/2 truck bed. Demco says part no. DM8553003-12 will work for this truck. I believe its a slider which is what I need for the hitch. Im in Canada and is there someone who could assist me with this item? Thank you

asked by: Gary N

Expert Reply:

The Demco Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails # DM8553003-12 that Demco suggested is indeed confirmed to fit your 2000 Dodge Dakota. You will just need to make sure that you have or are getting a Demco SL Series 5th Wheel Hitch like the 21K # DM6076SL-21K or the 16K # DM6076SL-16K. This is because the base rails included in the kit are uniquely designed for the Demco SL model hitches and will not be compatible with any other industry standard 5th wheel hitch.

If you have a different sliding hitch or plan on getting something other than the Demco SL hitch then you will instead want a kit that includes above-bed, industry standard base rails. For this I recommend the Reese Installation Kit w/ Base Rails # RP30035. This kit is also confirmed to fit your Dodge Dakota. The rails included with this kit will be compatible with just about any standard above-bed hitch (other than the Demco SL Series), such as the excellent Reese 20K 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider # RP30084.

I have attached a few short video demonstrations along with the written installation instructions for these products that you can check out as well

expert reply by: Chris R