Comparing The Demco Recon And Curt CrossWing 5th Wheel Hitches

Question:

Hi, I am in the market for a new 5th wheel hitch and am settled on either the Demco Recon or the Curt Crosswing. I would like to know the advantages and disadvantages of both. My tow vehicle is a 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD SRW short bed, and my camper is a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 268BH about 8000 lbs. dry weight. It has a Lippert Turning Point pin box, but I run it locked out. I currently have a Reese 16k slider hitch, but never use the slide function. Thank you.

asked by: Russ P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Demco Recon # DM8550043 and Curt CrossWing # C86JR have quite a few differences that separate the two similar designs. The Recon has an extra 1,000lbs of capacity and comes with a 15-1/2", 17-1/4", or 18" height setting. The CrossWing has a 16-3/8", 18-3/8", and 20-3/8" height setting so it can sit a bit higher, which could be beneficial depending on the height need for your trailer to sit level while towing.

Both heads have rubber dampeners to help with ride quality, but the CrossWing has a removable head unit that can help with visibility when trying to couple to the trailer. The head unit also pushes the king pin back approximately 5" for improved turning clearance. The locking arms function the same but the Recon's handle angles out a bit more to make it easier to reach if you're standing outside of the bed.

In my experience the paint job on the Recon does tend to rust sooner so the CrossWing's powder coating does seem to be the better of the two. The CrossWing also weighs quite a bit less at 87lbs, while the Recon weighs in at 124lbs, making it much easier to remove or install the hitch as needed.

Overall both function generally the same and would be a great option either way, but I personally just prefer the lower weight of the CrossWing and general appearance so I would choose it over the Recon.

expert reply by: Kevin C