If you’re into towing heavy loads with your pickup, you may have come across the Demco foldable fifth wheel hitch. This piece of gear really stands out for its mix of muscle and convenience, helping truck owners get the job done smoothly while saving space. Demco, a name that’s pretty familiar in the towing world, makes several fifth wheel hitches, but their foldable version is one I hear a lot of interest in. Folks who want a hitch that’s there when needed but out of the way when it’s not find this option especially appealing.
So, here’s my quick at-a-glance breakdown of the Demco foldable fifth wheel hitch, followed by everything you might want to know before putting one in your truck bed:
Product Name: Demco Foldable Fifth Wheel Hitch
Website URL: demco-products.com
Price Range: Typically $1,400–$2,000 (varies based on options and model year)
Popular Models: Demco Recon, Demco Hijacker UMS
Fit: Fits most standard truck beds (verify your specific model)
Weight Capacity: Up to 21,000 lbs (varies by model)
Unique Feature: Foldable design for easy storage and full bed access
User Rating: 4.7/5 (average of multiple major online retailers)
Try It Out: Find Demco hitches at etrailer.com or request a demo at select dealers.
If you’re looking for a hitch that won’t take over your truck bed when not in use, the Demco foldable fifth wheel hitch is worth looking at. It’s designed around flexibility, so you’re not losing your truck’s cargo space just because you have a hitch installed.
Basically, you get a robust towing setup and a bed that’s usable for the rest of your stuff when you’re not towing. This flexibility is pretty handy, whether you’re using your truck for work, moving, camping, or whatever else life throws your way. For example, board contractors and RV campers have commented online about how switching to a foldable hitch finally made their trucks versatile for daily runs, not just for towing their fifth wheels. And with more folks using trucks for mixed purposes in modern times, flexibility is no longer just a bonus; it’s a must.
Demco: Trusted Name in Towing Gear
Demco has been making towing equipment since the 1950s, so I’ve seen them pop up in plenty of reviews and on the road. The company is based in Iowa and has a rep for building gear that’s durable, reliable, and pretty userfriendly. If you ask around in RV forums, you’ll see a steady stream of Demco hitches in folks’ setups, whether they’re fulltime travelers or weekend warriors. Their focus has always been making towing safer and less of a chore.
I first found out about Demco’s foldable fifth wheel hitch when a neighbor picked one up for his F350 a couple years back. He’d switched from a bulky traditional hitch that took up most of his bed, and he was genuinely surprised at how much space he won back by folding the hitch down when not in use. He shared that even simple dayto-day jobs, like hauling lumber or yard debris, suddenly became easier because the truck bed was actually accessible again.
Demco’s history of customer support also wins points in the towing community. They not only manufacture topnotch products, but they also listen to feedback and work it into future designs. That’s why you see enhancements like singlehandle controls and rustresistant finishes becoming standard features across newer foldable hitch models.
What Makes the Demco Foldable Fifth Wheel Hitch Special
Fifth wheel hitches aren’t exactly small, and one of the main headaches is how much room they take up. Demco’s foldable models change that by giving you the option to fold the main body down, so you have close to a flat bed for hauling big stuff, tools, or just making the truck more versatile daytoday. This way, you’re not choosing between towing your camper or actually using your pickup for all the other things people use trucks for.
Here are some cool features that make the Demco foldable fifth wheel hitch worth considering if you want the power to haul, but also need to use your bed for other tasks.
- FoldDown Mechanism: The hitch head and center section swing down or remove without a bunch of tools. This gives you nearly unobstructed access to the bed in just a few steps.
- Strong Build Quality: Main components use highstrength steel, and the joints feel solid when folding up or down. Paint finish stands up to the weather, which is big if you don’t want it rusting out in a season.
- NoDrill Installation (in many cases): A lot of Demco models use existing mounting points on your truck with custom brackets. That means fewer holes in your truck and easier changes if you upgrade later.
- Adjustable Height: Most versions let you tweak the hitch height. This is helpful for leveling your trailer with different truck and camper combos.
- 360Degree Pivot Head: Allows for easier hitching (even on uneven ground), smoother towing, and less stress on your trailer and bed rails.
- SingleHandle Operation: Demco hitches often have one handle for both locking and unlocking, making hitching up less of a juggling act.
- Dual Jaw and Wraparound Jaw Designs: Give a tight fit with the kingpin, which helps reduce “chucking” (forward and back movement) that you feel when towing over rough roads.
Besides these main features, another benefit I’ve noticed is how little noise the Demco foldable hitches produce compared to some competitors. A quiet ride isn’t just a luxury—it’s less fatiguing over long distances.
Who Is the Demco Foldable Fifth Wheel Hitch For?
If you’re always towing, you might not mind having a fixed hitch. But if you’re someone who toggles between towing and using your pickup for work, moving, or weekend projects, a foldable hitch is a gamechanger. Here’s how I’d break it down by user type:
- RV Campers/Travelers: Folks who haul a fifth wheel camper but also want truck bed access at campsites or at home.
- Work Truck Owners: People who use their truck for tools, cargo, or even hauling materials. Folding the hitch out of the way means you don’t have to uninstall it all the time.
- Occasional Towing: Owners who only tow on holidays or selected weekends will probably get the most out of a hitch that disappears when not in use.
- Leased Truck Owners: Since many Demco models don’t require permanent modifications, you won’t risk penalties when turning in your lease.
For people who frequently go back and forth between work and play, having a foldable hitch just makes sense. Contractors, boaters, and adventurers alike have chimed in on forums about how switching things up between jobs is easier when the hitch moves out of the way fast. If you live in the city and need your bed for bikes or furniture, the foldaway option is a winner too.
Breaking Down the Models: Recon and Hijacker UMS
Demco’s foldable hitch family mainly features the Recon and Hijacker series, including options like the hijacker UMS (Underbed Mounting System). Here’s what stands out about these models:
Demco Recon
This is one of Demco’s lightest hitches, but still supports up to 21,000 pounds (check your exact model). It mounts on standard bed rails, and thanks to its modular design, you can break it down and move or store it easily. The hitch head comes off with one pin, so removing or folding it out of the way doesn’t take a ton of muscle.
Hijacker UMS
This is the “underbed” version I think is pretty slick if you want a clean look—zero rails above the bed when the hitch is removed or folded down. It’s a bit more involved during the install, but gives you a truly flat bed when not towing. Super useful if you want your truck to do doubleduty.
Other models in the Demco family, like the Hijacker Autoslide, also offer unique features, like automatically aligning with your trailer as you turn. Although not foldable, the Autoslide is worth mentioning if you’re comparing Demco’s entire lineup.
Main Benefits of the Demco Foldable Fifth Wheel Hitch
While the features are cool, the benefits you actually feel day to day are where this hitch gets its fans.
- Truck Bed Becomes More Useful: Fold down the hitch and you’re not tripping over rails or giant hitch parts.
- Quick Switch Between Tasks: Going from towing to hauling gear or even picking up home improvement materials is a breeze.
- Less Wear and Tear: Parts stay out of the way, meaning less exposure to stuff like lawn equipment bouncing around. That helps keep your hitch in better shape over time.
- Resale Appeal: If you ever sell your truck, buyers tend to like having a clean, rail free bed. Plus, removing the hitch is easier, with little to no trace left behind.
- Hassle Free Install and Removal: For most people, the folddown or removable design means you don’t need a shop every time you want to switch things up.
On top of all that, having a foldable hitch actually helps protect your investment in your truck bed. Scratches and dings are less likely because you remove or flatten the hitch out of the way, saving you from costly repairs before sale or lease return.
Hands-On Experience: What It’s Like to Use
I had a chance to try a Demco Recon installed in a friend’s Silverado last fall. The folding action was smoother than I expected, and the head detaches with just a safety pin release. When you fold the hitch down or take the head off, you really do get most of your truck bed back. I could slide a big toolbox in, and there was even enough space for a couple of ATVs stacked sidebyside. Hitching up was done solo in less than 10 minutes, thanks to the pivot head that lines itself up, even on slightly uneven surfaces.
Another thing I noticed. The engagement of the jaws was super solid. No weird clunking or extra play, which is something you definitely want if you tow big campers or heavy loads. Even after a few months of road salt and rain, the hitch on my neighbor’s truck didn’t show much rust. Demco’s finish seems to hold up pretty well.
Online, users also share stories of quick troubleshooting. For instance, if a locking mechanism ever acts sticky, owners report that Demco support will walk them through minor adjustments over the phone. For everyday use, most folks say after the first couple of hookups, folding and unfolding the hitch becomes second nature.
How Installation Compares to OldSchool Hitches
One of the best things about a modern Demco foldable hitch is that you don’t have to spend a whole weekend wrestling with an overly complicated install. Most Recon models drop right onto your factoryinstalled or aftermarket rails. Even the underbed mount versions, while a bit more work upfront, mean you won’t be stuck with rails forever.
If you’re doing the install yourself, I’d say the job ranges from a couple hours (for bed rail models) to maybe half a day if you go with the underbed setup. All you’ll need is basic sockets, a torque wrench, and something to lift the hitch if you’re solo. The main sections can be heavy, so if you have a friend handy, it’ll smooth the way. Demco’s instruction manuals are detailed, and there are also helpful installation videos online to break it down step by step.
For folding or removing the hitch, it’s usually just a matter of pulling some pins and either swinging the body down or lifting the head section off. No special tools needed once it’s set up the first time. That convenience means you’re not constantly making appointments at the shop for what should be a simple job.
What About Safety and Durability?
Safety is a big deal with any towing gear. Demco hitches are tested to SAE J2638 standards. Basically, this means they’re up to the challenge of carrying advertised loads without deforming or breaking. The jaws wrap snugly around the kingpin, and the locking mechanism is pretty much failsafe if you follow the steps.
Longterm, the finish seems to take road spray and grime in stride. A few owners I’ve met said a simple wash and a quick squirt of lube twice a year is all it takes to keep things working like new. If you get into some mud or snow, you’ll want to check the moving parts for debris, but otherwise, these hitches don’t seem too fussy about maintenance.
Demco also offers a reassuring warranty. For example, the Recon series often comes with a fiveyear warranty, which adds peace of mind for those investing in gear built to last.
Price and Value: Is It Worth It?
Sticker price can look steep upfront (especially next to traditional nonfolding hitches), but if you factor in how much more you can use your bed and the hassle it saves, it starts to make sense for regular haulers and truck owners who need flexibility. For most people comparing Demco to other brands, it’s not the cheapest option, but it clearly lands in the “buy it once and keep it for years” category.
Aftermarket support is strong, too. Demco’s got a solid dealer network, and you can usually find quick answers on owner forums or with a call to their customer service line. Other users have told me it is actually staffed by people who know what they’re talking about and are able to help you get back on the road fast.
Several owners mention that Demco hitches seem to hold value better than cheaper alternatives. If you ever need to sell your used hitch, you’re likely to recoup more of your original investment, especially if your hitch still looks good and moves smoothly after a few years.
Comparing Demco Foldable Fifth Wheel Hitch to Other Brands
It’s not the only foldable or quickrelease hitch on the market, but for overall ease of use and solid construction, Demco’s models are competitive. B&W, Curt, and Reese also make quality hitches, but Demco’s fold-down system is one of the smoothest I’ve used. It helps to check sidebyside spec lists, but if you want fewer permanent alterations to your bed and easier removal, Demco’s foldable options usually score higher marks from folks who’ve used several brands.
Demco’s products also stand out for their customer service and network of authorized repair centers. Owners who have needed replacement parts report fast turnaround times and excellent support, which reduces downtime for folks who depend on their trucks for business or travel. Comparing online forums, you’ll see that Demco hitches attract a loyal fanbase willing to help new users with tips and advice.
Where to Buy and What to Check Before Ordering
You can pick up Demco foldable fifth wheel hitches from authorized dealers, online sellers like etrailer.com, and RV supply stores. Before buying, double-check your truck’s compatibility (bed length, rail style, towing capacity) and decide if you want an overbed or underbed setup. Online reviews are pretty helpful for seeing what real owners have to say about specific models and truck combinations.
If you’re more comfortable with a pro install, a good dealer or truck accessory shop can usually handle the job, often in a single afternoon. Just make sure you call ahead to confirm they have experience with foldable systems. Some shops even offer installation guarantees, making for a stressfree purchase and setup. Be sure to check return and warranty policies for extra peace of mind.
Final Thoughts: Is the Demco Foldable Fifth Wheel Hitch Right for You?
If you want the power of a fifth wheel setup but also need a truck bed that’s not permanently blocked by rails and hitch hardware, the Demco foldable fifth wheel hitch is worth checking out. It brings together a sturdy build, smart folding design, and a reputation for reliability that a lot of folks I know appreciate. You’re getting a hitch that works every bit as hard as you do, but backs off when you need your truck for something else. That, in my opinion, is what owning a pickup is all about.
Before you make your final decision, try to see a Demco hitch in action at a local dealer or check out online video showcases for real world impressions. If flexibility, robust build, and minimal impact on your truck bed are top of your list, chances are you’ll be pretty pleased with what Demco offers.