Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch For A 2002 Ford F250 Short Bed

Updated 10/15/2025 | Published 10/10/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Replacement Head and Base Assembly for Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 18K

(9)

$1502.26

Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ford F250 and F350 - Gloss Finish

(26)

$296.36

Replacement Side Plates for Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Above Bed Mount

(70)

$183.55

Replacement Side Plates for Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Underbed Mount

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$342.40

Underbed Rail and Installation Kit for Demco UMS 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches

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$565.34

Question:

Will this setup work with my 2002 F250 shorted?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

Hi John!

The Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 18K # DM6077 can be used in your 2002 Ford F250 short bed, but not as it it currently stands. It is technically a replacement part as it needs a way to be attached. I have two options for that listed below:

Standard Above Bed Rails:
Side Plates for Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Above Bed Mount # DM6003

Demco Underbed Rails ( # DM8551000):
Side Plates for Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Underbed Mount # DM6004

If you wanted to go with the above bed rail set up and do not already have said rails, you can also grab the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ford F250 and F350 - Gloss Finish # C16443-104. They are custom fit to your truck and will handle the Autoslide perfectly. They are also quite a bit less expensive than the other options for your truck.

What kind of camper will you be towing?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Demco Autoslide Side Plates
(click to enlarge)

John

10/15/2025

Thank you. I’m looking at a 2018 forest river artic wolf 285DRL4. Can you recommended a setup that best fits my F250?

Lazer S.

10/15/2025

@John To be honest, it will depend on what you are doing. If you are going to be keeping the hitch in your bed full time, go with the # C16443-104 above bed rails and the # DM6003 mounting plates. This will be the lesser expensive option and really won't impede the use of you bed, since there will already be a hitch in it anyway. On the other hand, if you will be frequently taking the hitch out and you want to keep the surface of your bed flat and clear of obstructions, the # DM8551000 below bed rails and # DM6004 mounting plates will be the better option. It is a lot more expensive though, so keep that in mind. Also, if you are going to be lifting the hitch out of your bed with any kind of frequency, the Demco 5th Wheel Lifting Bracket # DM6100 makes that job a lot easier. This can be hooked to a winch or cherry picker/engine hoist to make the process less back breaking. Them hitches be heavy.