Install your fifth-wheel trailer hitch in your truck bed with this kit. Custom brackets reduce the amount of time required to install the hitch. Brackets, base rails, and hardware included. 1-800-940-8924 to order Demco 5th wheel hitch rails part number DM8552031-71 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Demco products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches. 5th Wheel Hitch Rails reviews from real customers.
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Demco 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
- DM8552031-71
Highlights
Custom Fit for Your Vehicle: Mounting brackets install to your truck's frame.
Compatible with Many Fifth Wheel Hitches: Works with B&W, Curt, Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Husky, Reese, and Valley hitches using industry-standard rails.
Installs Faster with No Frame Drilling: Custom brackets mount to existing holes to cut install time drastically.
Provides a Solid Mounting Base: Above-bed steel rails offer secure attachment points for your fifth wheel hitch.
Built to Last in Tough Conditions: Black powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion over time.
Complete Setup in One Kit: Includes 2 base rails, custom brackets, and all required hardware.
Features to know about
No Drilling: Custom Brackets Make Installation Simple
The Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit uses custom-fit brackets that line up with existing holes in the frame, so no drilling is required. The brackets mount beneath the bed to create solid attachment points for the above-bed rails, cutting installation time and avoiding obstacles along the frame. With the brackets, base rails, and hardware included, the setup offers a clean, secure foundation for your fifth wheel hitch.
Works with Multiple Fifth Wheel Hitches: Industry-Standard Rails Add Flexibility
These base rails follow the industry-standard mounting pattern, so you can use a wide range of fifth wheel hitches including Demco, B&W, Curt, Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Husky, Reese, and Valley. The rails have three sets of mounting slots—29 inches, 20-1/2 inches, and 10 inches apart on center, spaced 22 inches front to back—so older and newer hitches fit right in. That means you can keep using your current hitch or change to another brand later without replacing the rails.
Built Strong for Long-Term Use
Each rail and bracket is made from black powder-coated steel that resists corrosion and stands up to heavy towing use. Once mounted, the sturdy steel provides the secure platform your hitch needs for safe coupling and smooth towing mile after mile.
Complete Kit for a Ready-to-Use Setup
The package includes two base rails, custom brackets, and all required hardware. With everything matched to work together, you get a solid installation kit that’s ready to mount your preferred fifth wheel hitch right out of the box.
Specs
Compatibility
Compatible 5th-Wheel Hitches: Demco Premier Series, B&W, Curt, Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Husky, Reese, and Valley above-bed 5th-wheel trailer hitches
Vehicle Fit: Custom-fit brackets mount to existing holes in your vehicle's frame
Installation Fitment: No drilling required
Construction and Design
Material: Black powder coated steel
Corrosion Resistance: Sturdy, black powder coated steel resists corrosion
Mounting Style: Above-bed base rails with under-bed mounting brackets
Number of Rails: 2 base rails included
Installation
Type: Custom installation kit
Features: Drastically reduces installation time and avoids known obstacles along your truck's frame
Included Components: Base rails, brackets, and hardware
Specifications
Manufactured In: USA
Warranty: 5-Year limited warranty
8552031 Demco Hijacker Premier Series Custom Mounting Brackets for 5th Wheel Above-Bed Base Rails
6071 Demco Bed Rails for Hijacker Premier Series Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches
Fast shipping. Was easy to install with everyday tools, nothing fancy. Wish the drill template for the bed was a little better, but I was able to get the first 2 holes then just use a tape for the other 2. Still working great a year later. 3507090
by:
Brian W
12/10/2025
2017
Ford
F-350 Super Duty
The instructions for installation are very clear. The rear in-bed rail mounted using the factory holes in the bed of my 2017 F350. The front rail required drilling through the bed. The frame brackets mounted through factory holes in the frame. The only difficulty I had was that the DEF tank made one of the holes very difficult to access on one side. Otherwise, it was straight forward, and I mounted this kit in about 2 hours. 3459784
by:
Steve
04/30/2022
2019
Ford
F-250 Super Duty
Not knowing anything about the etrailer company I contacted a local RV service company I trust. They assured me etrailer is a trustworthy company. I placed my order received instant confirmation then as soon as it was shipped they provided tracking numbers I was able to track my order the whole way. My parts showed up as promised in time for install. 1292389
by:
Wayne
10/13/2023
received the rails along with the hitch. Everything was well packaged onto one pallet and cellophane wrapped. no shipping damage. Inspected all components - no issues. installing this weekend. 1680697
by:
Phil K
01/11/2020
Super easy installation. Less than an hour to install 737554
by:
Bruce J
09/26/2020
Ford
F-350 Super Duty
This hitch was easy to install in our F350 Superduty. Has worked well So far I have no complaints 893260
by:
Jack
01/15/2017
Great customer service and the product install easily and works great. 332681
by:
Kathy
02/23/2021
2021
Ford
F-250 Super Duty
Package arrived on time and in good condition, thank you etrailer 967013
by:
Tom M
12/28/2016
2017
Ford
F-250 Super Duty
2017 Ford F250. This product worked great. Installed it in 2 hours. The only thing negative was directions could have been more detailed with photos for someone doing this for the first time. It is a great product to only drill two holes in bed and utilize existing bed mount holes. 328495
by:
Bruce
04/08/2023
2019
Ford
F-250 Super Duty
Nice product, but directions leave little to be desired. 1552943
by:
Doug
08/27/2022
2018
Ford
F-350 Super Duty
1380945
by:
Donald
03/23/2021
2019
Ford
F-350 Super Duty
992246
by:
Gary
03/29/2025
3287944
by:
Timothy
01/24/2022
2021
Ford
F-250 Super Duty
1251335
14
14
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See what our Experts say about this Demco 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
Hey Tim, the Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP56001-53 you mention is actually not going to work with your 2022 Ford F-250.
Instead, you're going to have to use the Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches # DM8552031-71 which will work with both your F-250 and your Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider # RP30051.
Also, for the wiring harness the Bargman... view full answer...
While the best and most certain way to tell if your 2018 Ford F-250 has the puck system is to call your local Ford dealer with your VIN, it should be pretty easy to tell otherwise. If your bed looks like the accompanying photo - with four accessible holes (pucks) and a gooseneck in the middle - you have the puck system.
You can also tell based on how your B&W Companion mounts. If you insert it into the pucks you have the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider for Ford Towing... view full answer...
All your calculations are right on. The truth is that most people do overload their trucks, because adding more and more options to be able to achieve a higher towing capacity can get pretty costly, pretty quickly.
I took a look at the Ford Trailer Towing Guide that you mentioned. It indeed states that your 2019 F-250 Diesel, crew cab, 4x4 160 in WB and 6-3/4 ft box and 3.31 axle ratio, is limited to a gross trailer weight rating (GTWR) of 14,100 lbs. That is only as long as your fully... view full answer...
The Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # DM8550034 weighs roughly 276 lbs. This is pretty much the only drawback of the Hijacker but it's worth it due to the huge added convenience factor.
It can be used on a 2019 Ford F-350 Short Bed with the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit part # DM8552031-71 which weigh roughly 66 lbs. view full answer...
There are two ways to install the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # DM8550043 on your 2019 Ford F-250 which will depend on whether or not you have the puck system (see photo). If you don't have the puck system then you can use the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit part # DM8552031-71 or any other above bed mounting kit so long as it contains industry standard base rails. This kit will install using pre-drilled holes in the frame so there... view full answer...
In order to install the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider part # DM8550035 for above-bed base rail kits or part # DM8550037 for below-bed base rail kits on your 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty you will need a set of 5th wheel base rails. We currently have two different sets of base rail kits for your truck; under-bed and above-bed.
The above-bed base rail kit like the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches... view full answer...
Your 2019 Ford F-250 with a short bed is going to need a sliding fifth wheel hitch to ensure your trailer does not come into contact with your truck's cab and damaging it. The good news is there is one great option for a fifth wheel hitch that is going to make your towing experience with a short bed truck much easier because it won't require you to get out of your truck and activate the slider - the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch.
The correct Hijacker Autoslide will depend on... view full answer...
An autoslide 5th wheel hitch is going to make your life much, much simpler if you are towing a 5th wheel trailer with a short bed truck like your 2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty. The best autoslide hitch is the Demco Hijacker because of its highly secure jaw system which ensures a complete, secure connection to your trailer's king pin as well as its cushioned head which will give you a smoother and quieter ride while towing.
The Hijacker is available in two different towing capacities, 18,000... view full answer...
Hey Bob, thanks for writing in, and let's start with the hitch for your 2022 Ford F-250. You made a superb choice going with the Demco, as the Autoslide is as good as it gets for a sliding hitch. There are options for both 18,000 lb capacity and 21,000 lb capacity, and I'll give you part numbers for both, as well as the custom base rail kit that fits your '22 F-250:
- 18,000 lb Capacity: Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # DM8550034
- 21,000 lb Capacity: Demco Autoslide... view full answer...
Generally speaking yes, you will need a sliding fifth wheel hitch in order to make full turns while towing a fifth wheel trailer with a 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty with 6-3/4' bed. For this, I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # DM8550035 with Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches part # DM8552031-71. This option has an auto-slide feature so there will be no getting in and out of the truck when... view full answer...
Yes, you can obtain the Replacement Side Plates for Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches part # DM6003 as this would then allow you to mount the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch part # DM8550038 on any truck with industry standard above bed base rails.
If you are looking at a newer (2017+) Ford F-350/F-450 then you can use the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit part # DM8552031-71 to install the above. view full answer...
The PullRite Superglide 2900 uses the industry standard rails. For your 2019 Ford F-250, the Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit # DM8552031-71 is a confirmed fit that will be compatible with your hitch as well as your vehicle frame.
You may also want to consider adding the Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug # 41157 to give you an easy connection access in the bed of your truck for a clean look. view full answer...
For a fifth wheel rail kit for your 2018 Ford F-250 short bed truck the Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit # DM8552031-71 would be what you'd want.
It provides you with industry standard rails that nearly all hitches are designed to work with and is a custom install kit which means it will install without frame drilling and in much less time. view full answer...
You could swap the base of your Demco Recon Recessed Hitch Adapter part # DM8550046 for the part # DM6180 which would then just require a base rail kit for your 2020 Ford F-350 like the custom fit # DM8552031-71 and you'd be set. view full answer...
Since you have a short bed on your 2017 Ford F-250 it is best to go with a sliding 5th wheel hitch. The sliding feature will help to keep your trailer from contacting the cab on your truck in tight turning situations.
The best option that we have to offer is the Demco Hijacker Autosliding 5th wheel hitch. The autosliding feature on this 5th wheel hitch makes tight turns much easier because you don't have to get in and out of your truck to lock and unlock the sliding feature like what you... view full answer...
It sounds like you have a Demco above bed mounted fifth wheel hitch and in which case you can mount this in a 2020 Ford F-250 using the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit part # DM8552031-71 or the Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter part # DM6175 if you have the factory puck system. view full answer...
The Grand Design Momentum 388M's GVWR of 18,500-lbs means only certain versions of the 2017 F-350 will have the required towing capacity for this 5th wheel. You will want to confirm your specific truck rating by checking your manual or by referring to the chart from the Ford Towing Guide that I linked for you. This shows the 5th wheel tow rating for all of the different variants of powertrain, axle ratio, cab, wheelbase and bed versions of the F-350.
With a trailer this heavy you naturally... view full answer...
For your short bed 2017 Ford F-350 we have a great fifth wheel hitch option that will provide you with a great towing experience and clear the tonneau cover box as well.
Since you have a short bed you have to use a slider hitch to allow you the needed turning clearance. Since getting out and activating the slider everytime you enter and leave a parking is a hassle (especially in bad weather) an automatic slider like the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550034 is your best option. This slides back... view full answer...
I looked up your 2017 Ford F-250's towing capacity and it looks to be between 12,300 and 13,300 lbs so towing a trailer that weighs 11,388 lbs is definitely possible but it really depends on how much weight you'd put in the trailer.
Since you have a short bed you'd need a slider hitch to allow you to make tight turns. For that I really like the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550034 which automatically slides back as you make turns to give you the needed clearance. For the rails to install in... view full answer...
We are going to have the correct 5th wheel that will work for you. Now, it's recommended that on short bed vehicles that a slider 5th wheel hitch should be used to ensure you will have enough clearance between your trailer and the cab of your 2017 Ford F-250 when making sharp turns.
I recommend that Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel, like # DM8550035 for the hitch and # DM8552031-71 for the bed rails and custom installation kit. The Demco Autoslide is rated at a 21K lbs capacity and will... view full answer...
I would be happy to help you set your 2021 Ford F-250 up to tow your 5th wheel trailer. The Demco Hijacker Premier Series Double Pivot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch item # DM6076P-21K you referenced is a great hitch and would definitely get the job done. As far as ease of access and using your bed goes you will need the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit item # DM8552031-71 to use this hitch. These rails do take up space inside your bed.
The best option... view full answer...
You're talking about the rails for your 5th wheel hitch. I recommend the Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit # DM8552031-71.
They are a custom fit for your 2017 Ford F-250 Super Duty so you won't have to drill into your frame to install it. view full answer...
The Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider, # DM8550034 is most often used on trucks with 6-1/2' beds as the slider helps to eliminate clearance problems during slow-speed turns. However, it can be installed in some long bed trucks. This model Hijacker Autoslide hitch is designed to attach to universal above-bed base rails such as the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches, # DM8552031-71. But will fit most... view full answer...
Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches Item # DM8552031-71 comes with industry standard above the bed rails. These rails have 3 sets of mounting slots for 5th wheel hitches. The outer most set is space 29 inches apart on center. The middle set is space 20-1/2 inches apart on center. And the inner set is spaced 10 inches apart on center. Front to back the slots are spaced 22 inches apart on center.
I am certain that your older... view full answer...
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