Choosing Between the Demco Autoslide and B&W Companion for 2020 Ford F-250 without OEM Prep Package

Question:

Question...I am looking to purchase the Demco auto slider fifth wheel hitch for my 2020 F250, with an under bed kit. However, I would rather have the BandW under bed fifth wheel kit instead of the Demco kit. Looks and seems a lot more sturdy. Question is will this set up work? The BandW under bed kit with the Demco auto slider? Thank you

asked by: Michael S

Helpful Expert Reply:

I can understand why a hitch like the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550022 (18k) or # DM8550037 (21k) is so attractive; they provide a much better solution for towing a 5th wheel with a short bed truck when it comes to not having to get in and out of the truck each time you need to make a tight turn. With that said, they're not compatible with B&W Turnoverball Underbed kits like the # BWGNRK1116-5W since the hitches connect to the underbed kit in two very different ways.

In order to use a B&W Turnoverball underbed kit you will need a B&W Companion hitch like the # BWRVK3400-5W which is designed to fit in the gooseneck hitch on the Turnoverball system. I don't believe there to be a major difference in the durability or sturdy-ness of the Underbed Rail and Installation Kit for Demco Hijacker UMS 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches # DM8551009, because most of what you're seeing as the difference is because there is a gooseneck hitch built into the B&W kit; otherwise these kits would look mostly the same and the points where these kits install on the frame of your 2020 Ford F-250 is going to be the same.

I do prefer the B&W system just because it also gives you the ability to tow a gooseneck trailer, which that flexibility is important for some users; however, there really isn't any noticeable difference in durability and stury-ness between the two and either one would do a great job. I think it really comes down to whether you need the gooseneck built in and how much you value the auto-slide feature.

I've linked some installation and review videos of these hitches for you to have a look at, as well.