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This hitch slides automatically when you turn to give you 14" of clearance for tight turns. A wraparound jaw provides a smooth ride and a locking bar offers added security. Base secures in underbed mounts and removes for full bed access.
Features:
Specs:
Note: This fifth-wheel trailer hitch is not compatible with Sidewinder or Revolution king pins. Do not use any device that changes the pivot point of your trailer's king pin with this hitch.
Most often used on trucks with 6-1/2' beds, a slider helps to eliminate clearance problems during slow-speed turns. When you are towing a fifth-wheel trailer, your hitch must be situated on the cab side of your truck's rear axle. However, at slow speeds you can use a slider to slide the fifth-wheel hitch (and the trailer) toward your truck's tailgate and past the rear axle, creating enough space between the cab of your truck and the trailer to permit less-restricted turning.
Normally, you'd have to get out of your truck and pull a lever to release the slider before every turn, but what if there was an automatic system? Imagine having 14" of extra clearance while towing your fifth-wheel trailer. Now imagine having this without needing get out of the truck to move your slider. The Demco Hijacker Autoslide makes this fantasy a reality. The Autoslide automatically glides back smoothly when you make a sharp turn so you can maneuver effortlessly around tight corners within campsites and parking lots.
The base of the Autoslide has a built-in rack-and-pinion gear system that operates automatically. As your truck turns, the pinion in the base also turns. This activates the rack gear, which causes the rotational force of the truck to be converted into the linear sliding action of the hitch. So, when your truck makes a sharp, slow-speed turn, the gears inside the Autoslide force the hitch head to slide down toward your truck's tailgate in a smooth, controlled motion. This way, any time that your truck turns more than 10 to 15 degrees, the Autoslide will ensure that there is enough clearance for your trailer to complete the turn as well, and it will do so without any jerking or binding.
In order for the rack-and-pinion assembly to function as designed, the pin box must be stabilized on the hitch head. Normally in a fifth-wheel hitch, the king pin moves inside of the hitch head so that the trailer can turn. With the Autoslide, the king pin remains fixed inside of the jaws of the hitch and it is the hitch head itself that turns. This is thanks to the capture brackets on the sides of the head that brace the pin box from both sides to hold it in place on top of the hitch head. This is done to ensure that there is enough resistance within the hitch when your truck turns to properly activate the rack-and-pinion gear mechanism.
To stabilize your pin box on the hitch head, simply push the capture brackets up against your pin box once the trailer is coupled and tighten the outer bolts and the inner jam nuts. The Autoslide head and brackets will fit standard pin boxes that are between 12" and 14" wide. If you have a Glide Ride, Mor Ryde, Trailair Tri Glide, or 5th Airborne pin box, you must install a special locking plate (sold separately) as well.
When you straighten your rig out again and your trailer moves back in line, the hitch head will rotate back to center and slide back toward the cab into the straight towing position.
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 Autoslide offers tighter tolerances around the king pin, which minimizes both rattle and chucking, for a smooth, quiet ride.
A 3/4" 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 hooking up is easy because the hitch head will automatically pivot to the proper angle when it comes into contact with your pin box.
Three polyurethane dampeners help to cushion the movement from the pivoting head and to reduce towing noise. Two of these dampeners are built into the head assembly to cushion the head's side-to-side pivoting. The third dampener cushions the back-and-forth motion and must be installed in the hitch prior to use. Installation of this third dampener is easy - simply press the dampener up into the pre-drilled hole underneath the hitch head.
Easy Installation
The Hijacker Autoslide hitch is specially designed to fit in the underbed rails of your Ford Super Duty factory fifth-wheel towing prep package. The hitch comes pre-assembled for an easy installation. All you have to do is bolt on the side plates and attach the head to the hitch base.
The side plates have 2 functions. They contain the feet that fit into your OEM tow package receivers, and they allow you to raise or lower the hitch head to better match your pin box height. After you choose your desired height setting, simply bolt the side plates to the hitch base with the included hardware. Then lower the hitch into the 4 puck receivers in your truck bed. Turn the handles to lock the feet into the pucks and secure the handles with the included safety pins. The hitch can be removed to give you full truck bed access. Simply remove the safety pins, turn the handles to unlock the feet, and lift the hitch out of the receivers.
Clearance Formula for Short Bed Trucks
Use the formula below to ensure there will be enough space between your truck cab and trailer when executing a 90-degree turn.
(A+B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the center of fifth-wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of Travel (14")
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)
For example: If the distance from the center of the hitch to the cab is 36", 36" + 22" = 58". If your fifth-wheel trailer is 102" wide, take half (51"), then plug in: 58" - 51" = 7" of clearance.
Note: At least 4 inches of clearance is recommended to safely execute a 90-degree turn.
Alternate Instructions
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars (244 Customer Reviews)
This hitch slides automatically when you turn to give you 14" of clearance for tight turns. A wraparound jaw provides a smooth ride and a locking bar offers added security. Base secures in underbed mounts and removes for full bed access.
Very high quality product. Used on a extended cab short bed F250 and the sliding mechanism provides plenty of clearance between the Fifth Wheel front and the truck's cab. Fits Ford's factory fifth wheel bed mount holes perfectly. Used to tow a 42' fifth wheel regularly. Foot print is small enough to allow me to retain my tool box in the truck during towing. The hitch is heavy! Do not plan to try to install with one person with out an engine hoist or gantry crane. Two strong people can, but extreme caution should be taken as the hitch weighs nearly 300lbs and is awkward.
I’m happy with hitch. Check out these videos of install for Ford prep package and hitch. Using the hitch on a 2017 Ford F-350 SRW shortbed. I’m pulling a 2015 Keystone Carbon 327 37’ toy hauler
We ABSOLUTELY love the Demco 5th wheel hitch. It is tough getting it in and out of the truck bed and we do certainly 2 strong people but it is well worth the effort. It works perfectly and is super easy to maintain. We did buy the cover for the head unit and love it. We would HIGHLY recommend this product. We pull a Grand Design 43' toy hauler.
Awesome hitch. The autoside makes it a breeze to backup and turn, I would definitly buy the hitch again. I have had no problems with the power coat and the hitch looks as good as the day it was installed.
Hitch works fine. Took me a while to find the right shims to get it to fit in the pick system. No hoist and by myself a little heavy to wrestle up and down to change shims. Would be nice if the instructions called out the shims to use based on the truck make and model.
I have used the Demco Hijacker Autoslider hitch for a year now. It works perfect together with the capture plate for my 5th wheel. Heavy? YES, but this thing is a beast and works just like it was designed. I have towed our 16k pound 5th wheel with my short bed F350 for over 3000 miles now. Plenty of room to make turns without worrying about crashing my back window or cab. I also don't have to get out of the truck to release the slider when at the campsite, fuel station or other tight spaced situation we might encounter especially at night or during inclement weather. Once set up it only takes me minutes to install/ uninstall with a winch mounted in the ceiling of my garage using the Demco 5th Wheel Lifting Bracket.
This hitch is well worth the purchase, and etrailer treated us really well I guess I would say they have treated us very well on all of our purchases. The hitch worked very well on our trip home from Oregon all the way back to Alaska. I never had to worry about tight turns at all.
the Demco slider hitch I bought has performed as expected with no problems so far. I feel confident when taking sharp turns that my 5th wheel will keep its distance from the cab of my truck. The product is heavy duty and looks great too.
First time i ordered from etrailer. Emily was a great help. Fast freight shipping,. The Demco fifth wheel auto slider is a whole lot of hitch. You need a strong friend to assemble and install this hitch.
Best purchase I made. Unit is made with high quality and works great. Fit into the truck bed with ease. I would recommend this hitch to anyone looking for a high quality 5th wheel hitch.
Kent V - 10/11/2017Purchased this hitch 1 year ago. We travelled over 11,000 miles in our 4 month trip this past summer. This hitch performed flawlessly. It is sometimes hard to hook up if you are not perfectly straight with the trailer but after a little practice its not a problem. Very well made and I would buy it again.
Had this for a year. Works very well. A bit heavy to remove but worth the confidence knowing this hitch is built heavy duty. Also not having my truck damaged is priceless. There is a routine that needs to be followed to lock in side rails. I put magnets on each side with a wrench on a tether so that I just reach down a grab the wrench for each side. Keep in mind, you need to back straight to hook up. Not designed to back in on a angle. That all being said, very pleased with this hitch and the great customer service from etrailer
I am very pleased with the products and service provided by etrailer
Looks great, had to guess on head height, guess I'll find out the first hook up.
The product arrived intact and unscathed despite the long journey. I have not installed it yet but it is one beefy mother! Glad I went with the 21K just in case I decide to go with a bigger camper. The only thing is that 350# isn't as light as it used to be especially if you are alone to bring it into the garage! LOL
It is a very nice hitch. (works great) The only draw back is you have to be square with the trailer. But other then that, it works as advertised and I think it will last a long time. I'm well satisfied with the hitch.
Great item. Easy to install and remove, But i have a tractor w loader that helps me do it. Makes turning a breeze, dont have to get out and unlock or lock like other brands.
The hitch has been working great. Most people who haven't ever seen one. It works great both forwards and backwards in tight situations. We have recommended this to all who have looked at it. Great unit.
Good service and very fast. It was a little higher priced but I got free shipping so it equals out. Definitely a keep. Thanks
Love this Demco product. Lisa at etrailer is superb. etrailer is top notch.
works like it is abvertised
Overall great product.
Review from a similar Hijacker Autoslide in Fifth Wheel Hitch
Very happy with my Demco Autoslide hitch after one year. We pull a Montana 3120 35 ft 5th wheel with a 2019 Ford F-350 short bed. Took a month long 6,000 mile trip from Colorado to New England/Canada this Summer. Lots of hilly/curvy roads and some remote campgrounds with tight corners and some near 80 degree back ins. Never came close to trailer contacting the truck. I’ve had no jerking or other issues when turning or stoping/starting. Works great. The only drawback is there isn’t much room for error when you back up to hook up the trailer, so it takes a little practice to get used to correctly lining up your Demco Hitch to the trailer. The first couple of trips, it took me 3 or 4 attempts to properly line it up. No longer an issue for me after a few trips and you get used to the angles. It weighs about 300 pounds. I got a small chain hoist which I installed in my garage rafters and easily lift the hitch in and out of my truck and just let it hang front he rafters until I need to use it.
Victoria B - 10/02/2019 John T - 09/23/2020Review from a similar Hijacker Autoslide in Fifth Wheel Hitch
The Demco Auto slide takes the worry out of towing my fifth wheel trailer with a short bed F-350. I have had no problems with backing into tight camping spots. And since everything is automatic I have one less thing to worry about while traveling with a fifth wheel. The only problem is that it is a little on the heavy side, so I just leave it in the truck when not towing. Problem solved. I am extremely happy with the product.
Victoria B - 10/07/2019 Raymond F - 09/27/2020Info for this part was:
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