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Dethmers Mfg Co 8550047 Autoslide 13K Fifth Wheel Hitch Above Bed Mount with Rails

Manufacturer

Dethmers Mfg Co

<h3>About Demco (Dethmers Manufacturing Company)</h3><p><strong>Demco</strong>, the brand name for Dethmers Manufacturing Company, is one of America&apos;s most enduring and innovative manufacturers of towing, trailer, and agricultural equipment. <a href="/7312-dethmers-mfg-co">Founded in 1964</a> by Robert Dethmers in Boyden, Iowa, the company grew from its roots as a farm implement business into a highly diversified metal goods manufacturer serving agricultural, recreational vehicle, marine, and OEM markets across the United States and beyond.</p><p>The story of Demco&apos;s diversification is a classic American tale of resilience and ingenuity. When the farm economy took a downturn in the early 1980s, the company pivoted by developing the now-iconic Kar Kaddy tow dolly — a self-steering design that allowed motorhome owners to tow a vehicle with its front wheels loaded on a dolly. That product became so synonymous with the category that many RV enthusiasts still use &quot;Kar Kaddy&quot; as a generic term for tow dollies. Over subsequent decades, Demco continued expanding, acquiring the Hijacker line of fifth-wheel hitches, adding supplemental braking systems, and building out a comprehensive lineup of trailer parts and accessories.</p><p>Today, Demco remains a privately held, family-owned company headquartered in Boyden, Iowa, with additional operations in Spencer, Iowa. The company&apos;s commitment to quality and innovation is backed by multiple patents spanning trailer components, braking systems, and tow bar technology. Their product catalog spans everything from tow bars, base plates, and fifth-wheel hitches to grain carts, liquid tender trailers, and combine header transport equipment.</p><h3>Why Towing Professionals and Enthusiasts Trust Demco</h3><p>What sets Demco apart is its ability to engineer products that are simultaneously rugged and user-friendly. Whether you&apos;re an experienced RVer looking for a reliable flat-tow setup or a farmer outfitting a combine header transport, Demco products are engineered with real-world use in mind. Their adapters and connection hardware are designed to integrate seamlessly with their broader towing ecosystem, while their <a href="/7312-dethmers-mfg-co-frame-crossmember-bracket-45815">frame crossmember brackets</a> reflect the same commitment to structural integrity and precision fit that defines the Demco brand.</p><p>Demco&apos;s broad product line — covering both the RV towing and agricultural sectors — gives the company a unique advantage: when one industry cycle is down, the other often compensates. This diversification has helped Demco remain a stable and trusted supplier for generations of customers. The company recently renovated its original Boyden facility to include a Heritage Center celebrating its history and a training facility called the DEPOT, reflecting a continued investment in craftsmanship and workforce development.</p><ul style="list-style:disc"><li><strong>Founded:</strong> 1964 (Dethmers Manufacturing Co.), with roots dating to 1950</li><li><strong>Headquarters:</strong> Boyden, Iowa</li><li><strong>Key Product Areas:</strong> RV towing systems, fifth-wheel hitches, trailer parts, braking systems, agricultural equipment</li><li><strong>Notable Product:</strong> Kar Kaddy tow dolly — a self-steering industry icon since 1982</li><li><strong>Company Type:</strong> Privately held, family-owned</li></ul>

Part Number

8550047
09/13/2036 4:03 AM
Sale Price

$2,395.00

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Product Details

The Dethmers/Demco 13K Autoslide fifth wheel hitch is the ideal solution for pickup trucks with 5-1/2' or 6' short beds, providing automatic sliding functionality without the hassle of manual operation. This innovative above-bed mount hitch eliminates the need to stop, get out of your truck, and manually pull pins when navigating tight corners or backing into campsites.

Key Features:

  • 13,000 lb towing capacity with 3,250 lb maximum pin weight for recreational fifth wheel trailers
  • 22-1/2 inches of automatic travel using rack-and-pinion gear technology for exceptional clearance in tight spaces
  • 2-3/4 inches of side-to-side travel prevents pin box contact with bed rails and tonneau cover rails
  • Wrap-around jaw with locking bar provides a smoother, safer, and more secure towing experience
  • 3 vertical height adjustments help you achieve proper leveling between truck and trailer
  • Industry standard bed rail mounting system included (custom under-bed brackets sold separately)
  • No locking plate required for standard pin boxes to activate the slide mechanism
  • Lower profile design for easier installation and removal at 386 lbs

Engineered and manufactured in the USA with American steel, this hitch comes factory-assembled for quicker installation. The automatic sliding system activates when your truck turns more than 10-15 degrees, smoothly moving the hitch head toward the tailgate to provide clearance without jerking or binding. Compatible with standard trailer pin boxes between 12 to 14 inches width. Backed by a 5-year warranty.

Important Note: A locking plate is required when using suspension pin boxes including Demco Glide Ride, MorRyde, RotoFlex, Trailair Tri Glide, Trailair Flexair, or 5th Airborne systems.

Went well, first time shopper. Thanks, just what I needed as a replacement.

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