Easily remove this lightweight hitch when you're done towing and get a totally clean, free bed for hauling your gear. Custom underbed installation kit doubles as a gooseneck hitch so you can tow more than just your camper.
Features:
Specs:
Note: This fifth-wheel hitch is not compatible with rotating pin boxes.
The single-piece, strong wraparound jaw completely surrounds your trailer's king pin for 360 degrees of contact. This wraparound jaw provides a more secure connection than standard 2-piece jaws that close in on the king pin from the sides. The increased jaw-to-king-pin contact on the Recon hitch offers tighter tolerances around the king pin, which minimizes both rattle and chucking, for a smooth, quiet ride.
A 3/4" thick solid steel locking bar spans the area in front of the jaw. This bar provides an added barrier of protection against accidental disconnection so you can have peace of mind that your trailer is secure. The locking bar is attached to the jaw and to the spring-loaded handle. The bar automatically locks when the jaw closes around your king pin.
The double pivoting, cushioned head improves your towing experience dramatically by helping to reduce jarring and unwanted noise. Built-in pins allow the hitch head to pivot back and forth and side to side. And hookup is easy because the hitch head will automatically pivot to the proper angle when it comes into contact with your pin box.
Polyurethane dampeners help to cushion the movement from the pivoting head and to reduce towing noise. These dampeners are built into the head assembly to cushion the head's side-to-side pivoting.
This hitch is designed to attach to the 2-5/16" ball that comes with the included underbed installation kit. The kit is actually Curt's Double Lock gooseneck hitch, so you can tow a gooseneck trailer with this setup as well. When you aren't towing your fifth-wheel trailer, simply remove the Recon hitch and you'll be good to tow. If you're done towing entirely and want your truck bed to be free and clear for hauling, just pop out the chrome ball, flip it upside down, drop it back into the ball hole of the hitch, and use the wheel-well-mounted handle to lock the ball in place. A rubber cover is included to go over the ball hole and keep out dirt and grime.
Gooseneck Specs:
Assembling the hitch is quick and easy because of its lightweight, 2-piece design. First, attach the base to the 2-5/16" ball. A coupler pin is installed underneath the ball and the coupler is tightened to keep the Recon secure. Then simply slide the head assembly into the opening in the base. There are 3 different height settings to choose from - just slide the head up or down to find your desired height.
Once you have chosen your desired height, use the included pin to secure the head to the base. Finally, tighten the bolt to eliminate any movement and rattle.
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hello everybody, this is Jeff at etrailer.com. Today, we're gonna take a look at this Replacement Base Assembly for the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter. This has a 21,000 pound gross towing weight capacity. Now this part will replace just the base assembly that's on the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter, which is part number DM8550045. Now that adapter, we do sell separately on our website. Now this is just for the base assembly.
It does not include the hitch head. The hitch head bolts to this center post here. The hitch head, we do sell separately. It's part number DM6169. The center post right here that the hitch head attaches to, has three different height settings to fit your application.
And the hitch height is critical 'cause when you go to tow your fifth wheel, you do wanna make sure you're towing as level as possible. And hitch height is always measured from the top of the truck bed to the top of the hitch head. And now the hitch height settings on this center post, there's three holes in it. So it gives you a selection of three different hitch height settings. Either a 15-and-a-half inch, 17-and-a-quarter-inch or 18-inch hitch height setting.
You just pick the one that works best for your application. Now, this base also, when you do install this over the gooseneck ball, it does give you a three-inch offset for extra clearance of your fifth wheel. It is is a sturdy steel construction. Has a nice rust-resistant black powder coat finish on it. And it is a quick, simple installation.
Basically, this just installs over the gooseneck ball and it's held in place with the pin and clip. And also these two set screws right up front here. This part is made in the USA and again, the gross towing weight capacity on this base assembly is 21,000 pounds. But that should do it for the review on the Replacement Base Assembly for the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter..
The assembly seems very stout and sturdy overall. Was able to put the unit together in truck bed quite easily. will know more in upcoming weekend when fifth wheel trailer gets pulled home
The hitch is easy to ensemble.
Great design. Pulled my trailer great!
But when I hooked up the second time to the trailer the roll pin that goes in the locking bar fell out. Wasn't a really big deal. But if I hadn't had any tools and a 1/4" bolt with a lock nut I probably won't have been able to hook up. Maybe they could change that. The best adapter from gooseneck to fifth wheel.But all in all very happy with it.
To begin with I ordered the wrong hitch for my situation and contacted these folks and boy they was Johnny on the spot, Will understood my needs and in a couple of minutes he had me taken care of. Once the right hitch came it was as simple as can be to install, and backed the truck up to the trailer and the hitch hooked right up. This is a great product and I will definitely be referring this company to anyone that has trailer hitch needs. Thank you so much and great job.
I was a bit disappointed because when I installed the hitch per instructions, it still allowed a movement on the hitch. The hitch would actually move 1-2 inches when I would brake or accelerate the vehicle while towing.
I researched and found that it was a common issue and some people were advised by etrailer technical support to torque the attachment bolts tighter. I did this as well, but with the same results. So as a result I don't pull the fifth wheel very far and am look for a solution to the issue.
Used one time for over 1000 miles, works perfect. Only complaint was the packaging was damaged along with the hitch. All cosmetic but still disappointing.
Pulls my 40’ 5th wheel RV with ease
I have used this several times over the past year and I do like the simplicity of it. I did have a few issues with the base rotting on the bed of the truck a little. Sometimes it would rotate an inch or so to about 6 inches on long hauls. I called the manufacturer and they told me to increase the torque from 30 ft pounds to 40 ft pounds on the bolt that secures the base to the 5th wheel ball and that should resolve the issue. I have not used it since then but have 2 good trips coming up this month (March 2024) and May 2024. I will know then if that resolved the base rotating issue.
I wish I had known in advance that the hitch was coming in 2 parcels and that they wouldn't arrive together, but the hitch itself is great! Assembly is simple and I can quickly disassemble into 3 pieces for easy storage in a bay. Although it states that the top plate is 15 1/2" above bed, it is actually 16 1/2" at the lowest setting and I ended up adjusting my pin box to compensate so everything rides level. All things to be expected. It is much easier than hitching up to a gooseneck, especially since my tool box blocks the view of the hitch. It rides smooth with no discernible bucking on the road. I highly recommend this hitch and especially the people that I bought it from. etrailer has been great to deal with. Pics will follow when the weather clears.
Haven’t had a chance to pull with it yet but I like the way it looks and how sturdy it is. Looking forward to trying it this weekend. Reason I am giving this 4 stars is,I paid extra for shipping to have it here quickly and only half of it showed up in time. The bottom have took a few extra days and I never received any email or tracking number on it. I had to make a call just to see if it was actually coming. Then when it arrived, the box was completely destroyed and the hitch had some scrapes and the stickers are in rough shape. More then likely UPS fault but still the no info on the second package and it being shipped 36 hours apart is frustrating. Just glad I had a backup.
Over all assembly was easy and I will update more on it when we return home next week!
I just received my Demco Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter today. Installed it, hooked up to my first 5th wheel camper I just purchased, and pulled it home from about an hour away. Installation, hook up, and pulling was very easy and I am very pleased with the hitch. My rig is a 2007 GMC 2500 HD pulling a 2007 Sunnybrook Bristol Bay 3150 RL.
Seems to be very well made. Heavy duty. Item did come in damaged slightly on the corner because of poor packaging. It’s a heavy pc of metal in a flimsy cardboard box. I know it’s done during shipping but the packaging could be a little bit better. Over all it looks like a great product. Only complaint is that the head and base don’t ship together so I received the base in three days but have to wait another week for the head to show up. That’s why I am giving it 3 stars because I can’t put it in the truck and use it yet to give a full review.
It has rotated on the gooseneck ball once and the camper hit the truck other then that one time I haven't had any issues. Overall it's a good hitch
Working great after a year. Have pulled two different 5th wheels - both over 38'. Still some slight chucking, but nothing like my old hitch. Love the security of the slider bar and the 360 degree contact. I usually leave it in the truck, but will split it into two pieces when I need the full bed.
Easy to install and remove. Very solid towing my heavy trailer
Very quick shipment. The box did come damaged some but that was shippers fault not etrailer fault. The product was by far the best option To fit my budget and needs. Wouldn’t wanna try any other hitch. Installed in less than 15 min and was hooked up and towing in less than 30.
The hitch is much heaver and better built than it appears in the online photo.
It was easy to install over my gooseneck ball took less than 20 min. rides nice with almost no noise.
The set up also has about 3" of offset this was nice as I pull with a 6.5 bed ram 2500.
This hitch has performed its duty for us just fine. Light enough for an a younger person to put in and out of the truck easy enough. Like the fact that I can use a goose ball but still maintain the factory pin box on the camper. This set up in my 2024 6’ 9” bed duramax with our camper is capable of a 90 degree turn on flat ground, not that I take it that far often but it can go in the event I need to. In the event of a mechanical failure on the truck I have plenty of friends with traditional 5th wheel hitch set ups to help us get home. One thing I will note is that going by the factory directions of 30lb. Ft. On the retaining bolt allowed the plate to rotate about 1/4” in transit I now tighten it to 40 and it hasn’t moved since. Overall I’d buy this set up again. Works with my factory gooseneck prep package. I’m running a Reese 2 5/16” ball no problems!
Install was pretty straight forward. First time using it, noticed alot "chucking" from fifth wheel. Hitch never turned, so I know it's torqued correctly. Not sure if it's the hitch or something else. But the hitch itself is great. Like that you can remove when not needed to give you access to full bed. Plus not heavy like the other ones. Just started using it, so we'll see how it holds up.
Love this hitch. Had a couple of other gooseneck hitches and this one if the best. I'm able to install and remove super easy, with no help. I carry 3 tandem bikes around with a special build bike rack. Removing the main hitch and keeping the base works out perfect for transporting all 3 bikes.
Took about two hours to install. Of course that includes taking the old goose neck adapter off the camper. Looks nice and I will be trying it out from Anchorage, AK to Louisiana, in September.
Easy on and off.works great!Had shipping cosmetic damage and rectified the situation immediately.highly recommended product and the company
Hitch works great, easy to hook up the camper. I have a short bed truck and didn’t have any problems making turns when we drove through town or backing in the driveway. Ships out in two packages, set up isn’t a problem. Pretty self explanatory, if you’re loading or unloading from the truck either have someone help or break it down to at least two pieces. It’s pretty heavy all assembled. I would recommend this hitch versus drilling holes or welding on a gooseneck adopter to your trailer.
2nd one I've purchased from etrailer over the years. Excellent product and price. Easy install and great construction made in USA.Remember to have torque wrench and correct sockets to use. Good luck and enjoy
I installed the Demco Recon Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Hitch yesterday. The Hitch was installed on a Reese Remove A Ball Hitch and fit perfectly after cutting the rubber mat in the bed of my 2012 GMC Sierra 3500hd Duramax Diesel Dually. I will be hauling a Keystone Avalanche 5th Wheel.
This is a great hitch at a reasonable price. The 2 piece makes it easier for one person to install and remove from the bed of the truck. The thick one piece latch with the locking bar is a plus.
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