Is Demco Autoslide 5TH Wheel Hitch Or Reese Sidewinder Pin Box a Better Option For Short Bed Truck?

Question

Question:

I recently bought a F-250-68inch box, 6.2 and a 2016 Keystone Cougar Xlite 28RKS with hitch weight of 1415lbs dry weight of 8170lbs and GVRW 10,000lbs. This is first journey in pulling a 5th wheel and I need some neutral advise. My 5th wheel came with 16K-Reese Sidewinder air ride pin box. The person I bought it from pulled it with Dodge-2500 610inch box that he used to pull it. He said it pulled great and was able to turn 90 degree. The local RV dealer parts manager who seems legit said he would install it if thats what I wanted. He also said he would never sell his customers with a short box anything other than an Auto-Slide, he sells Demco-Auto Slide, He suggested I would run the risk of busting a cab window or crushing front of camper using the the Reese Sidewinder. From what Ive read it sounds like the Reese Sidewinder would give me up to 22inch clearance. The RV parts manager said Demco Autoslide would give me 14inch clearance. I trust the RV guy but he said he sells Demco as thats what he owns and trust. I also trust and know the guy I bought the Keystone from and know he wouldnt lie to me about it pulling great with the sidewinder. Can you shed some light on this on pros and cons of each and whether you think I should spend the extra money on a Demco auto slider vs installing the Reese Sidewinder that came with n was used with the 5th wheel I bought. Thanks

asked by: Chuck M

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Expert Reply:

To begin both the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550034 and Sidewinder # RP77FR are both great options for towing your 2016 Keystone Cougar Xlite 28RKS. Personally I tend to side with going with the Demco as it is easier to adapt with different trailers. I tend to notice most campers tend to trade in campers as they learn what they really like and don't like. With the Demco you may need to get a different locking plate depending on the pin box with that camper. The Reese being bolted to the camper will tend to fit a limited amount of campers. And as Lippert keeps coming out with new pin box bolt patterns you may have to get a whole new sidewinder pin box when you upgrade your camper.

As your 5th wheel came with the Sidewinder already I recommend just keeping it in place. Like I said it is a great product, just know in the future you may have a decision to make if you get a different camper.

expert reply by: Bud M

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Answer 1

To use your 5th Airborne Premium Fifth Wheel Air Ride Coupler - 21,000 lbs Capacity #5AB-E1621-610 on your Demco Hijacker AutoSlide you will need a capture plate. The Demco Hijacker Autoslide Locking Plate for Standard 5th Airborne Pin Boxes…

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Answer 2

Rotating pin boxes like your friend's Sidewinder are only going to work with fixed hitches along with a wedge kit to prevent the king pin of the pin box from rotating inside of the jaws of the hitch, moving to pivot point between the trailer and…

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Answer 3

The lock code could be located on the key itself, on the face of the lock core, or one a sticker attached to the lock (see photos). Once you find this you can then order the correct replacement key assuming you have a Global Link, Fastec (FIC),…

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Answer 4

I have a couple recommendations for you that will depend on your bed length for your 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 and there is not a puck system style mount for your truck. First if you have a 5-1/2' or 6-1/2' bed I recommend the Demco UMS Underbed…

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Answer 5

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 6

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 7

Hey David, from previous customers of ours who have the same 2020 Keystone Raptor 424 we have determined that your pin box style is the Lippert 1621 which means for a Gen-Y gooseneck adapter you'd want the #GY58GR that you referenced.

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Answer 8

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 9

I spoke with my contact at Trailair and from your serial number we were able to determine that your trailer came with a 1621 HD pin box which is a long pin box style. I was unable to obtain the exact part number for your Trailair pin box but from the…

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

There should be a sticker or plate on the pin box itself that lists the manufacturer and model of the pin box. If it is not present then there are some measurements you can take to determine the model of the pin box. I have included a link that…

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Answer 12

If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer…

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