Comparing The Demco Recon And Curt CrossWing 5th Wheel Hitches

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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

1

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.

expert reply by: Kevin C

1

Answer 1

You'll need a wedge, but the Turning Point pin box is compatible with the Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #C86JR. What you'll need is the Wedge for Curt CrossWing 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #C85DR. This will bolt onto the…

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Answer 2

If you are wanting something light weight then the Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch item #C86JR is the right hitch for you. The CrossWing weighs in at 87 lbs. The main concern with using the CrossWing on your 2021 Ram 2500 is that…

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Answer 3

The correct wedge kit for the Curt Crosswing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #C86JR is the Sidewinder Wedge for Curt CrossWing 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #C85DR.

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Answer 4

While not required as it is a 5th wheel hitch, safety chains are always a good idea, including for the Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #C86JR. There are even specific chains and mounts for the CrossWing, the Curt Safety-Chain Loops…

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Answer 5

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 6

Hi Leon, Yep, you can use the Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #C86JR on your Ram 2500 for your Rockwood 5th wheel trailer. It will attach right to your truck's above-bed base rails and has a 20,000 lb capacity, which is well…

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Answer 7

The nylon bushing is not meant to be re-used. I would encourage you to do a height test before tightening it down all the way. 300 ft lbs is a lot of torque. The Crosswing #C92DR is designed to be dedicated to a single trailer. So the idea is that…

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Answer 8

Hello David, thanks for reaching out. There is actually a formula you can use to determine if you will need a slider hitch. The formula is as follows: (A + B) - C = Clearance A = Distance from the fifth wheel jaw center to the truck cab B = Offset…

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Answer 9

First, thanks for being a repeat customer, it is definitely appreciated. And to answer your question, you do not need anything else at all for your 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 long bed to use the Demco 5th wheel hitch; the following will fit directly…

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Answer 10

I'll start out by saying that this is going to be fairly normal with a trailer that size and there's really not a way to completely eliminate chucking; additionally there aren't adjustments on the hitch or trailer that can be made to help…

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Answer 11

Since the SL series Demco fifth wheel hitches aren't still made there isn't a base rail adapter that would allow it to fit the OEM rail kit of your 2021 Chevy Silverado 3500. Best solution would be to go with a new hitch like the Demco part…

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Answer 12

There is definitely one 5th wheel hitch that fits your 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 long bed with the factory puck system that stands out among the rest in regards to being the best value, and that is the Demco Hijacker UMS Double Pivot 5th Wheel Hitch…

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Comparing The Demco Recon And Curt CrossWing 5th Wheel Hitches

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