Can I Use a Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch in a Short Bed Flatbed Truck?

Updated 09/09/2026 | Published 09/07/2026

Question:

I have a 2000 f250 converted to dually short bed flatbed with a recessed ball. It being a short bad will I have trouble turning my truck with a smaller 5th camper? I’m not looking to buy a massive camper. Actually looking for a 1/2 ton older 5th wheel like 20 to 24 ft. Just want to make sure that I can turn well enough with this product. Also. With it not being a dedicated 5th wheel but a converter does this still afford me the ability to pull double? Smaller camper and a small trailer with a sxs. Thank you.

asked by: Lonnie M

2000 Ford F-250 Converted Dually Short Bed Flatbed Truck
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Lonnie, thanks for reaching out. The Demco Recon # DM8550046 will work with a recessed 2-5/16" gooseneck ball on a flatbed, but I do have a concern with your short-bed setup. The Recon is a stationary hitch and adds no additional turning clearance. Demco recommends an 8' bed for the best cab-to-trailer clearance and specifically warns that shorter beds may need an extended pin box or sliding hitch.

A smaller 20'-24' fifth wheel does not automatically solve that problem because the width and shape of the trailer nose, plus the location of your gooseneck ball relative to the cab, determine your turning clearance. Demco's rule of thumb is that the distance from the back of the cab to the center of the rear axle needs to be about 4" greater than half the trailer width. Since yours is a custom short-bed flatbed, I definitely recommend taking that measurement before buying the trailer. The Recon itself has height settings, but no fore/aft travel.

As far as pulling the fifth wheel and then a second trailer with the SxS, the fact that the Recon attaches to a gooseneck ball does not change the first trailer into a gooseneck trailer. You are still towing a fifth wheel from a fifth-wheel hitch. Double-tow legality varies by state, though, and there are also overall-length, brake, weight, and equipment requirements to account for. I would verify the laws for every state you plan to travel through, plus make sure the fifth wheel manufacturer approves towing another trailer from the back of the camper.

What SxS and trailer are you pulling, and where do you ride most?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter for Recessed Ball - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
(click to enlarge)

John

9/9/2026

Jessie is correct. With a short bed you may be too near the cab. You need to measure from the center point of your trailer to the outside edge. Then measure center of ball to back of your cab. The hitch kicks your pivot point back possibly 2” but that’s all.

Don P.

9/9/2026

I have that hitch on my flatbed ram works good no problems turning I pull a 40 ‘ heartland bighorn. It’s saved me about $3000 dollars to cut out old recessed ball and add a ball that was flush. I love it and also pull a 20’ boat behind the trailer

Bentaero

9/9/2026

It all depends on the nose of the trailer. If it has a cutaway nose, no problem. "Older" trailers might hit. My combo has plenty of room, and Ram trucks (mine, with CM flatbed) have the shortest of short-beds.