Comparing The Demco Recon And Curt CrossWing 5th Wheel Hitches
Question:
Hi, I am in the market for a new 5th wheel hitch and am settled on either the Demco Recon or the Curt Crosswing. I would like to know the advantages and disadvantages of both. My tow vehicle is a 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD SRW short bed, and my camper is a 2021 Grand Design Reflection 150 268BH about 8000 lbs. dry weight. It has a Lippert Turning Point pin box, but I run it locked out. I currently have a Reese 16k slider hitch, but never use the slide function. Thank you.
asked by: Russ P
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Demco Recon # DM8550043 and Curt CrossWing # C86JR have quite a few differences that separate the two similar designs. The Recon has an extra 1,000lbs of capacity and comes with a 15-1/2", 17-1/4", or 18" height setting. The CrossWing has a 16-3/8", 18-3/8", and 20-3/8" height setting so it can sit a bit higher, which could be beneficial depending on the height need for your trailer to sit level while towing.
Both heads have rubber dampeners to help with ride quality, but the CrossWing has a removable head unit that can help with visibility when trying to couple to the trailer. The head unit also pushes the king pin back approximately 5" for improved turning clearance. The locking arms function the same but the Recon's handle angles out a bit more to make it easier to reach if you're standing outside of the bed.
In my experience the paint job on the Recon does tend to rust sooner so the CrossWing's powder coating does seem to be the better of the two. The CrossWing also weighs quite a bit less at 87lbs, while the Recon weighs in at 124lbs, making it much easier to remove or install the hitch as needed.
Overall both function generally the same and would be a great option either way, but I personally just prefer the lower weight of the CrossWing and general appearance so I would choose it over the Recon.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20K
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned 360-Degree
- 16-3/8 - 20-3/8 Inch Tall
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5250 lbs Vertical Load
- 21000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/2 - 18 Inch Tall
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20K
- Shop: Demco Recon Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty - Single Jaw - Underbed - 21,000 lbs
- Q&A: Does Curt CrossWing 5th Wheel Hitch Work on Ram 2500 Towing Rockwood 5th Wheel
- Shop: Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram - 20K
- Q&A: Curt CrossWing or Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2021 Ram 2500
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: curt shockdrop
- Search Results: above bed rails 5th wheel hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: B&W Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Ram - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ram - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Universal Install Kit - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Q&A: Comparing Demco UMS Hitch and B&W Companion for a 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500 Puck System
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Q&A: Can Curt CrossWing 5th Wheel Hitch be Used With Turning Point Pin Box
- Video: B and W Custom Base Rails Kit Installation - 2022 Ram 2500
- Video: Hands-On with the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Plug
- Video: Curt EZr Double Lock Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Video: Demco Hijacker Underbed Rail Kit Installation - 2015 Ford F-350
- Video: Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Installation - 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Q&A: Will Curt Crosswing Fifth Wheel Hitch fit in B and W Above Bed Rails
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch rails
- Search Results: fifth wheel rails
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Demco UMS Double Pivot 5th Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Hitch Height Range of Demco Hijacker UMS for GM OEM Rail Kit
- Q&A: Suggestions For Helping with 5th Wheel Chucking with 2021 Forest River 2621WS Ultra-Lite
on 5th Wheel Hitch
