Comparing The 18k and 21k Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitches For A 2024 Ram 2500

Updated 01/13/2025 | Published 01/12/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ram Prep Package - 21K

(734)

$2395.00

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ram Prep Package - 18K

(734)

$2115.00

Question:

Hi, Ive got a question on a Demco autoslider 5th wheel slider hitch: Ive got a Lippert 1716 with a GVWR of 18,000lbs the RVs GVWR is 15,000lbs, I dont plan on getting a bigger RV ever. Would it be safer just to go with the 21k so theres a little more wiggle room than needed? Regardless of the 18k/21k, Im confused as to whether I need a slider plate for the Demco. Is this required? Part numbers DM89GV, DM69GV

asked by: Sawyer L

Expert Reply:

Hi Sawyer,

Manufacturers typically recommend that you have a safety net of roughly 15-20% of the hitches capacity leftover so it is ok to go higher but only to a certain extent. For example, if your trailer's GVWR was 15,000lbs and you switch to a hitch rated for 25k or 30k you'd likely notice the difference in the hitch's stiffness. Essentially, the higher the capacity the harder the head of the hitch is going to be to turn because it's designed for more weight.

A GVWR of 14k to 16k is pretty normal for a majority of the 5th wheels on the market so if you don't plan on going larger ever the 18K option would be more than enough capacity to get the job done. Most people won't overload their camper like they would a cargo hauling trailer so you might end up coming in quite a bit under your GVWR and have a larger safety net than you think. Personally, I'd go with the 18k # DM69GV over the 21k # DM89GV based on what you've said.

Both the 18k # DM69GV and 21k # DM89GV would come with everything you need, but would require that you have the factory puck system from RAM. The slide is built into the base of this hitch and the head would automatically slide back as the weight of the trailer presses on the head of the hitch, turning it. If you don't have the puck system then let me know and I can see what attachment hardware you'll need to install the hitch.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Sawyer

1/13/2025

Thank you Kevin, I appreciate your prompt reply. I'll look into getting the 18k slider. I've got the factory puck system in my Ram so I think I'm set in that respect. One last question for you: How much does the 18k (#DM69GV) slider weigh? I read somewhere that it was upwards of 300lbs but that seems excessive. Thank again.

Kevin C.

1/13/2025

@Sawyer It's no lie unfortunately, the # DM69GV is approximately 320.9lbs. in total. The base of this hitch is the majority of the weight at almost 200lbs so you would need a team to get it in and out the truck or Demco's 5th Wheel Lifting Bracket # DM6100 and an engine hoist.