Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
Custom Underbed Installation Kit for Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch

Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
part number: DM8550045-5W

Heavy-duty fifth-wheel hitch comes in 2 lightweight pieces for fast, easy installation. Sturdy wraparound jaw has a locking bar for added security. Pivoting head allows easy hook up and helps limit chucking. Polyurethane bumpers ensure a smooth ride.

Features:

• 5th-Wheel hitch mounts in your truck bed so you can tow your 5th-wheel trailer
• Wraparound, single-piece jaw provides a secure connection
  • 360-Degree jaw-to-king-pin contact
  • Less rattle and more security than slide-bar jaws
• 3/4" Thick, solid steel locking bar reinforces the connection of your coupled trailer
  • Automatically locks into place when the jaw closes
• Double-pivot hitch head eases hookup and helps to limit chucking
  • Pivots front to back and side to side
• 3 Height settings to fit your application
• Cushioning polyurethane dampeners help reduce noise and absorb road shock
• Spring-loaded handle with comfort grip allows for simple coupling
  • Tethered safety pin lets you secure the handle in the open or the closed position
• Sturdy steel construction with rust-resistant black powder coat finish
• Lightweight, 2-piece design makes installation and removal quick and easy
• Custom underbed mounting kit required for installation
• Made in the USA

Specs:

• Gross towing weight: 21,000 lbs
• Vertical load limit: 4,000 lbs
• Hitch height settings: 15-1/2", 17-1/4", and 18"
• 5-Year limited warranty

Note: This fifth-wheel hitch is not compatible with rotating pin boxes.

Secure Wraparound Jaw with Locking Bar

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.

Double-Pivot, Cushioned Hitch Head

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.

Easy Installation

This hitch is designed to attach to the 2-5/16" ball on your custom underbed installation kit .

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.

6169 Head for Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
6201 Base Assembly for Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 21 K
8550045 Demco Recon 2-Piece 5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch - 21,000 lbs

Custom Underbed Installation Kit for Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
part number: C60722-5W

Install the Demco Recon fifth-wheel hitch in your truck bed with this kit, which is custom fit for your vehicle. Underbed design allows for full truck bed access. Kit also doubles as a complete gooseneck trailer hitch when the fifth wheel is removed.

Features:

• Lets you install your Demco Recon 5th-wheel trailer hitch (DM8550045-5W) in your truck bed
• Doubles as a heavy-duty Curt Double Lock gooseneck trailer hitch
  • Includes rails, gooseneck hitch head, safety chain loops, and hitch ball
• Provides full truck bed access when you're not towing
  • Removable ball in center of bed is mounting point for hitch
  • Safety-chain attachment points stay flush in truck bed
• Resists corrosion with black powder coated steel
• Installs with included Grade 8 hardware
  • 4" Hole in bed is required
  • No welding required

Curt Double Lock, Curt Double Lock Gooseneck Hitch

This fifth-wheel installation kit doubles as a gooseneck trailer hitch. When you aren't towing your fifth-wheel trailer, simply remove the Recon hitch and the hitch ball to free up the ball hole that this kit will create in your truck bed.

The Curt Double Lock underbed gooseneck trailer hitch provides a sturdy, secure connection for towing your gooseneck trailer and also allows for a clean, unobtrusive look for your truck bed when you aren't towing. To tow, simply pull the included handle out to unlock the hitch. Then insert the chrome-plated hitch ball into the ball hole. You may need to rotate the ball to line it up with the dual locking pins. When the ball drops into place, rotate the handle counterclockwise until the locking pins snap into position. Because there are 2 locking pins instead of 1, you get extra security for your towing setup.

Get full bed access when you're not towing. Just remove the ball, flip it upside down, drop it back into the ball hole of the hitch, and use the handle to lock the ball in place. A rubber cover is included with the Double Lock. When the ball is stowed upside down in the hitch, place this cover over the ball hole to keep out dirt and grime and create a clean look for your vehicle.

Gooseneck Specs:

• Gross towing weight: 30,000 lbs
• Tongue weight: 7,500 lbs
• Ball size: 2-5/16"

60607 Curt Double Lock Gooseneck Hitch Center Section
60637 Curt 600 Series Gooseneck Hitch Installation Kit

Item # C60722-5W

Customer Reviews

Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs - DM8550045-5W

Custom Underbed Installation Kit for Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - C60722-5W

Average Customer Rating:  4.6 out of 5 stars   (72 Customer Reviews)

Order: RelevanceNewestRating - High to LowRating - Low to High Heavy-duty fifth-wheel hitch comes in 2 lightweight pieces for fast, easy installation. Sturdy wraparound jaw has a locking bar for added security. Pivoting head allows easy hook up and helps limit chucking. Polyurethane bumpers ensure a smooth ride. Install the Demco Recon fifth-wheel hitch in your truck bed with this kit, which is custom fit for your vehicle. Underbed design allows for full truck bed access. Kit also doubles as a complete gooseneck trailer hitch when the fifth wheel is removed.

by: Kevin11/14/2022

I like it’s design and how it sits in the bed. It seems to want to rotate some while pulling. I see some reviews that other people are having this problem also. Some have put a bolt down through the base into the truck bed. I haven’t wanted to do that as of yet. Otherwise I like the hitch.1468598

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by: Johnny03/08/2024

Easy to set up and use I borrowed a buddies cause I bought a camper and didn’t have a hitch set up in the bed of my truck just had the goose neck ball pulled real nice so I order o e just like it1744766

by: Gary 11/17/2023

I bought this to replace a Demco Autoslide hitch. The Autoslide was great but too heavy for me. Because of my bad back, this was a great choice! The hitch is awesome, easy to put in and out. Quiet and smooth towing. Thx E-Trailer!1694059

by: Barry 03/27/2024

Hitch works great and delivery from etrailer was fast.1754591

by: Todd 10/03/2021

So far so good pulling my fifth wheel around. I went this route so I could have dual purpose and not corner myself with just a drop in plate with my trucks factory fifth wheel package. No issues with this hitch, locks tight and no slop.1170705

by: Peter Bay08/18/2023

Part was delivered vey damaged. Looks like a couple thousand miles has already been put on it and it’s not even installed yet! Missing Lynch pin .313 is missing! Not happy at all.1650108

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by: David10/10/2021

Very noisy!! Makes you think something broke. It’s good if you don’t want to break the bank. But when parking you’ll hear the loud noises coming from the hitch. Other than that it works fine.1175632

by: Tracy 11/03/2022

Ultra Fast shipping and delivery Josh in costumer service awesome for getting dimensions quickly from Demco not listed easy install just waiting on RV to arrive to go pick it up.1462326

by: Roger O08/23/2022

Love it. It works well 1371054

by: Dallas06/20/2022

2008 Dodge Ram Pickup

Easy install. This set up makes switching between 5th wheel and Gooseneck a breeze.1315016

by: Curtis09/21/2020

I like the hitch but for some reason after a long trip it seems to get loose and buck a little bit even after I torque it to spec! Other than that it's a great hitch.884601

by: Justin S12/23/2020

2020 Ram 3500

It is heavier built than I expected, haven't gotten to use it yet, but I'm itching to. Extremely happy with the set up of the hitch. The welds are all clean and solid. I will write another review after my first use. But overall I'm extremely happy with the hitch so far. Good job Demco and thank you etrailer for a very easy and stress free transaction.928366

by: Daniel 12/29/2021

I like the ability to remove the entire hitch and only leave a small round plug on the bed floor.1233524

by: Jess H. 10/10/2019

2008 Dodge Ram Pickup

Easy to read and install. Just received it although it covers my safety chain brackets, should be a easy fit!
716979

by: Steve 05/26/2023

Jesica was the best I needed it asap said Friday it arrived on Thursday very satisfied1587507

by: Travis 05/07/2023

well built and good design! I like it alot and think you will too!1573218

by: Kelly 03/27/2020

2017 Ram 2500

Great product 771212

by: Gustavus05/17/2022

1996 Dodge Ram Pickup

1299124

by: Charles 12/26/2020

As described 930913

by: James 07/11/2023

2015 Ram 3500

1621192

by: Dustin 10/04/2022

1437818

by: Kelly 06/24/2023

2018 GMC Sierra 2500

1608338

by: Teddy 12/11/2021

2018 Ram 3500

1222365

by: John05/08/2024

Parts arrived for the DM 8550043, received only the hitch base plate and adjustable shaft for the hitch head. Have been told that the hitch head is shipped separately. Now have a problem with the hitch plate fitting the bed rails. The holes for the pin that secures the hitch plate to the rails are to close to the bottom of the hitch plate photos are given of the problem a pencil was used for reference. There is NO WAY the pin will go through the rail and hitch plate. Waiting on a solution from etrailer. The hole that you can barely see the pencil is tailgate rails pin fits fine.2002515

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by: Robert05/23/2024

The hitch took about 45 minutes to put together. Including putting on the side plates. I wanted the extra two inches of travel that the Recon gives you over the competitors. I would have gone with the auto slide but there was not a adapter plate to fit my old nine inch wide pin box.3143301

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Ask the Experts about this Fifth Wheel Hitch
Do you have a question about this Fifth Wheel Hitch?

• Which Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch Do I Need for a 2019 Chevy Silverado 3500?
  
• There's a couple different Demco Recon 5th wheel hitches so I am sure one of them will fit your 2019 Chevy Silverado 3500 depending on what you're set up for already. I have listed the options below: The Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch item # DM8550045-5W attaches to a gooseneck ball. If you do not have the puck system or a gooseneck hitch installed you can add a gooseneck hitch using the B&W Turnoverball item # BWGNRK1016. The Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch item # DM8550043
  view full answer...


• Lightweight Fifth Wheel Hitch Solution for 2019 Nissan Titan XD Long Bed with Factory Rail Kit
  
• I have a really great fifth wheel solution for your 2019 Nissan Titan XD that has the factory rail kit with the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W. This hitch will attach to the factory gooseneck ball of your rail kit, is lighter weight at 150 lbs, easily breaks down into smaller pieces to make managing the weight of the hitch much easier as well, and has a jaw design that holds the king pin of the trailer very tightly which translates into a very quiet and smooth ride quality.
  view full answer...


• Which Demco Recon Fits 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty
  
• For your 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty, you can use either of the Recon hitches, the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter # DM8550045 or # DM8550045-5W. These are exactly the same thing, we just add the "5W" to the end of the part number for the purposes of our fit guide. But there is no difference at all between the two so both will be able to install on the gooseneck ball of your 2015 F-250.
  view full answer...


• Are Safety Chains Required with the Demco Recon
  
• The Demco Recon # DM8550045-5W doesn't require the use of safety chains, and most 5th wheel pin boxes don't have safety chains, so there's not any requirement to do so when using this 5th wheel hitch. If you've got a spot on your pin box to add safety chains (or they're already installed) you can connect them to any existing safety chain loops in the truck bed.
  view full answer...


• Product Comparison Of The DM8550045-5W And DM8550045 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
  
• The Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 21,000lbs # DM8550045-5W is a standard 5th wheel hitch while the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Single Jaw - 21,000lbs Item # DM8550045 is a "Gooseneck" to 5th wheel trailer hitch. If your truck has a gooseneck hitch in the bed the # DM8550045 will allow you to hook up to it instead of having to install a different rail or puck system in your truck like the # DM8550045-5W would require.
  view full answer...


• Can The Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch Work In A 2016 Ram 3500 Short Bed
  
• Hi Troy, While the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W will technically fit/mount in the bed of your 2016 Ram 3500, I don't recommend it. Having a short bed means the pivot point for the trailer it closer to the cab which means you could accidentally hit the cab with the nose of the trailer when making a tight turn. Instead you'd really want a sliding 5th wheel hitch like the B&W Patriot # BWRVK3270. This hitch requires base rails # BWRVK2605 in order to mount so you'd
  view full answer...


• Is B&W BWGNXA2062 Gooseneck Ball Compatible With Demco DM8550045 Recon 5th Wheel Hitch
  
• The B&W # BWGNXA2062 Gooseneck Ball and Safety Chain Anchors for Ram Under Bed Gooseneck Hitch would indeed be compatible with the Demco # DM8550045-5W Recon 5th wheel hitch, but it might not be the correct setup for you. With a short bed truck like yours you'll need to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch to prevent the front of your 5th wheel from contacting the back of the truck cab during turns, unless the front corners of the 5th wheel are dished in. Also, the Recon isn't compatible with
  view full answer...


• Is There a 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram 3500 with Round Gooseneck Hole
  
• Yes, we do offer fifth wheel hitch options for trucks with gooseneck hitches. The most universal of these options is the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # DM8550045-5W which is what I recommend using. This assembly will attach to the gooseneck hitch ball and provide a connection for a fifth wheel trailer. It's pretty lightweight at around 150 lbs and the super secure locking jaw system will give you peace of mind and a smooth ride. Please note, they do offer direct drop-in fifth
  view full answer...


• Will Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch # DM8550045-5W Work with High Rise Gooseneck Ball
  
• I spoke with my contact at Demco regarding compatibility of the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch # DM8550045-5W and the Husky OEM gooseneck ball you mentioned that has a 1 inch rise. He said that unfortunately the Recon will only work with a standard height gooseneck ball (4 inches) so one with a rise will not allow for a secure connection. In order to use this hitch you would need to replace your existing ball with a standard size like the Curt # C60601.
  view full answer...


• Will Demco Recon DM8550045-5W Work In Short Bed 2015 Ford F-350 Truck
  
• Yes, the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs part # DM8550045-5W will fit the 6-3/4 foot bed as long as it has the OEM prep package with a 2-5/16" factory ball. However, the fixed hitch may not provide the amount of clearance you need to make sharp turns with your trailer. We do recommend at least 6" from the bed rails to the overhang of the fifth wheel trailer and 4-5" between the tailgate and the trailer for turning clearance. I have attached a
  view full answer...


• Recommendation for Best Fifth Wheel Hitch on 2020 Ram 2500 Long Bed with Tow Prep Package
  
• We regard the B&W Companion, part # BWRVK3600 as the finest option for your 2020 Ram 2500 with the factory tow/prep package. B&W hitches are extremely durable, offering a limited lifetime warranty. The hitch features a 1 inch thick jaw assembly that grips the king pin very tightly, which results in a smooth ride without much of the banging and crashing you'd experience with other hitch offerings. The cam-action locking handle prevents the hitch from binding up if the truck and the 5th wheel
  view full answer...


• Compatibility For Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W
  
• The Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W is designed to fit any standard 2-5/16" gooseneck ball. It will not fit with offset gooseneck balls or those with a riser built in. As long as your Curt Removable ball does not have a rise or offset you will be able to use this hitch.
  view full answer...


• Flat Bed 5TH Wheel Hitch For a 2019 Ram 3500 With Factory In Bed Gooseneck Hitch
  
• The Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W is going to be the closest 5th wheel hitch to a B&W Companion Flatbed Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch # BWRVK3050. This will mount to the Hitch Ball # C60618 in the factory in bed mount on your 2019 Ram 3500. If you need the 10-1/2" height of the Companion versus the 15-1/2" of the Recon you do have the ability to remove the center section of the factory in bed hitch and install the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer
  view full answer...


• Revolution Pin Box and Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch on 2017 Ford F-150
  
• The Revolution Pin Box and other rotating turret type pin boxes are not compatible with the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # DM8550045-5W. The best 5th wheel setup would be to use the Reese 20K, # RP30928 mounted with the Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit, # RP50087-58. Then use wedge kit, # RP44FR to lock the king pin so that only the rotating turret is moving. Please note the linked product review and installation videos below.
  view full answer...


• Head Dimensions on Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W
  
• I went out to our warehouse to take a couple measurements on the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W referenced in your question. The head plate has a width of 12 inches and a length (front to back before it starts to bend) of 9-1/4 inches. I have attached your image with these dimensions labeled that you can also check out. This particular hitch can be secured to the factory gooseneck ball on your Ram 3500 if equipped and it is absolutely compatible with modern 5th wheel
  view full answer...


• Does Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch DM8550045-5W Fit with Bed Mat
  
• The Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W that you referenced would require direct contact with the truck bed underneath it. You'd have to cut out a bed rug or mat installed in the truck bed to allow the hitch to install.
  view full answer...


• Solution for Locking Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch # DM8550045-5W to Truck Bed
  
• I reached out to my contact at Demco regarding security options for the Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W. He said while they don't offer anything for this purpose they are perfectly okay with somebody using a locking hitch pin in place of the coupler pin that's installed to secure the base to the gooseneck ball. The included pin features a 1/2 inch diameter and 4 inch length so you will need something that matches those dimensions. The closest option we have available comes
  view full answer...


• Mounting Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch on 2018 Ram 2500
  
• We definitely have the parts needed to mount your existing Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch (our part # DM8550043) in the bed of your new 2018 Ram 2500. If your Ram isn't equipped with the factory prep package (those pucks in the bed designed for mounting certain 5th wheel hitches) then I recommend the Demco Above-Bed Base Rail and Custom Installation Kit # DM8552025-71. This kit includes custom brackets that will use existing holes in your Ram's frame rails so you don't have to
  view full answer...