How To Use The Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch With A Lippert Turning Point Pin Box

Updated 11/17/2021 | Published 11/06/2021

Question:

I have a 2018 Ram 2500 short bed with OEM pucks and am buying a 2022 Jayco Eagle HT 28.5 RSTS 5th wheel. The trailer comes with a LCI Turning Point hitch. Will the Demco hitch work with the LCI Turning Point in the locked position, i.e. acting like a standard 5th wheel?

asked by: Trace M

Expert Reply:

To use your Lippert Turning point with your Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000lbs # DM8550034 you would need to lock out the Turning Point pin box and use the 5th Airborne Custom Wedge for Hi-Jacker Fifth Wheels # SWW-05 to lock the king pin of your pin box in the jaws of the Demco 5th wheel hitch.

Since you have a 2018 Ram 2500 with a short bed I'd recommend switching the 5th wheel hitch to a standard hitch and utilizing the Lippert Turning Point pin box as it's going to give you the best turning clearance as it pushes the pivoting point back 22" instead of just the 14" that the Demco Hijacker will give you.

You stated you have the OEM puck package so I'd recommend the Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package - Single Jaw - 20,000lbs # RP30918 which will drop right into the pucks in the bed of your 2020 Ram 2500 for easy installation or removal. This Reese M5 5th wheel hitch will require the Sidewinder Wedge Kit # RP44FR to be used with your Lippert Turning Point pin box.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Locking Out A Lippert Turning Point Pin Box
(click to enlarge)

Trace M.

11/8/2021

I was planning on the auto slide Demco because a location I go to will not allow me to get the truck directly in line with the trailer. I would be 15 - 20 degrees out of alignment. My understanding that to use the Turning Point in its rotating configuration requires the truck to be within 3 degrees of alignment with the trailer. Is that correct?

Victoria B.

11/16/2021

@Trace That is a tricky hitching/unhitching situation. I spoke with Lippert and was able to confirm that the truck and trailer need to be within that 3 degrees of alignment in order for the wedge on the pin box to seat into the 5th wheel hitch. While the Demco Autoslide is a great option, this hitch requires the truck and trailer to be no more than 10-15 degrees out of alignment for hitching/unhitching, so it doesn't sound like it will be a solution for your situation. I wish I knew of something that would allow for easy hookup. If you have the clearance with your truck and camper, my only thought is to use the Turning Point as a rotating hitch while towing, but remove the wedge and lock the pin box out when maneuvering into and out of the camping spot that doesn't allow your truck and trailer to be aligned.

Trace M.

11/17/2021

@VictoriaB Thank you for researching this for me.