Let’s Talk About Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier
The Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier isn’t exactly the sexiest piece of gear, but it’s absolutely critical for anyone looking to safely and reliably tow a fifth-wheel trailer with a classic truck. This kit, manufactured by Demco, is designed to provide a sturdy foundation for your Hijacker Premier Series fifth-wheel hitch, ensuring a secure connection between your truck and trailer. It caters specifically to older model trucks, which often require different mounting solutions compared to their modern counterparts.
My journey to this particular bracket kit started with the acquisition of a beautiful, albeit vintage, 1986 Chevy K20. I intended to use it for hauling a vintage Airstream, which demanded a robust and dependable fifth-wheel setup. The challenge was finding a bracket kit compatible with the older frame design of my truck, and that’s where the Demco 8552009 kit came into the picture.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the sheer heft of the steel components. The brackets looked incredibly solid, and the included hardware felt like it could withstand some serious stress. The finish was a durable black powder coat, promising decent resistance against rust and corrosion, a major plus for a truck that might see some off-road action.
Before settling on the Demco 8552009, I considered universal bracket kits and even contemplated fabricating my own. Ultimately, I chose the Demco kit for its model-specific design, which promised a more precise and secure fit. I also preferred the peace of mind that comes with a reputable brand known for its towing solutions.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While the kit looked incredibly robust, the true test would be the installation process and, more importantly, how it performed under the stress of towing a heavy trailer. I was excited to get it installed and see if it lived up to the Demco name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial test of the Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier came during a shakedown run to a local RV park. I needed to ensure everything was dialed in before embarking on a longer trip. The weather was clear and dry, providing ideal conditions for assessing the hitch and bracket system’s performance.
Installation was straightforward, thanks to reasonably clear instructions and well-labeled parts. The fit was precise, aligning perfectly with the pre-existing holes in my truck’s frame. Once connected to the Demco Hijacker Premier Series hitch, the entire setup felt rock solid. Towing the Airstream was surprisingly smooth, with minimal sway or chucking, even on some bumpy sections of highway.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and thousands of miles, the Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier has proven its worth. It has held up admirably, with no signs of bending, cracking, or loosening. Regular inspections reveal only minor surface rust in a few areas, easily addressed with a quick coat of rust inhibitor.
Maintenance has been minimal. I simply clean the brackets with a wire brush and apply a fresh coat of grease to the hitch attachment points every few months. The kit’s durability has exceeded my expectations, especially considering the age and intended use of my truck.
Compared to previous experiences with universal bracket kits, the Demco kit is far superior in terms of fit, strength, and overall peace of mind. It provides a level of confidence that allows me to focus on enjoying the journey, knowing that my trailer is securely connected.
Breaking Down the Features of Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier
Specifications
The Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier is specifically designed for pre-’88 trucks, offering a custom fit. The kit includes two main frame brackets, mounting hardware, and detailed installation instructions. The brackets are constructed from heavy-duty steel, ensuring maximum strength and durability.
- Compatibility: Designed for select Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge, and Toyota trucks manufactured in 1988 or earlier. This ensures a precise fit, eliminating guesswork and potential installation issues.
- Material: Heavy-duty steel construction. The use of high-strength steel provides exceptional load-bearing capacity and long-term reliability.
- Finish: Black powder coat finish. This durable coating protects against rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the brackets.
- Mounting: Designed for use with Demco Hijacker Premier Series fifth-wheel hitches. This guarantees seamless integration and optimal performance.
- Installation: Utilizes existing frame holes whenever possible. This simplifies the installation process and minimizes the need for drilling.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the safety and reliability of your fifth-wheel towing setup. The precise fit ensures that the hitch is securely mounted, minimizing the risk of movement or failure. The heavy-duty steel construction provides the necessary strength to handle the significant weight and stress associated with towing a large trailer.
Performance & Functionality
The Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier excels at providing a stable and secure foundation for a fifth-wheel hitch. It effectively distributes the weight of the trailer across the truck’s frame, minimizing stress and preventing damage. The custom fit ensures that the hitch operates smoothly and efficiently, without any unwanted movement or vibration.
One of the key strengths of this kit is its ease of installation. The well-designed brackets and clear instructions make the process relatively straightforward, even for those with limited mechanical experience. However, a second set of hands is always helpful, especially when lifting and positioning the heavy brackets.
There’s little room for improvement, beyond offering different finish options, perhaps a galvanized coating for even greater corrosion resistance in harsh environments. Overall, this kit meets and exceeds my expectations, providing a level of performance and reliability that is essential for safe and comfortable towing.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier is purely functional, prioritizing strength and durability over aesthetics. The brackets are robust and well-engineered, with a clean and simple design that minimizes unnecessary bulk. The weight of the steel components is substantial, reflecting the kit’s heavy-duty construction.
The user-friendliness of this kit is primarily evident in its ease of installation. While the brackets themselves are not particularly ergonomic, their precise fit and the clear instructions make the installation process relatively smooth. There is a slight learning curve associated with understanding the proper placement and orientation of the brackets, but the instructions provide adequate guidance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier is built to last. The heavy-duty steel construction and durable powder coat finish ensure that it can withstand years of use and exposure to the elements. With proper care and maintenance, this kit should easily outlast the truck it’s mounted on.
Maintenance is simple, primarily involving regular cleaning and inspection. I recommend periodically checking the tightness of the mounting bolts and applying a rust inhibitor to any areas where the powder coat has been damaged. With minimal effort, you can keep this kit in excellent condition for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier is designed to work specifically with Demco’s Hijacker Premier Series fifth-wheel hitches. While there are no specific customization options for the brackets themselves, the choice of hitch allows for some degree of personalization.
You can select from a variety of Demco Hijacker Premier Series hitches with different weight capacities and features to suit your specific towing needs. The kit is generally not compatible with hitches from other brands without significant modification, which is not recommended. Sticking with the Demco ecosystem ensures optimal performance and compatibility.
Pros and Cons of Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier
Pros
- Specifically designed for older Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge, and Toyota trucks (1988 and earlier), ensuring a precise fit.
- Heavy-duty steel construction provides exceptional strength and durability. This translates to peace of mind while towing.
- Relatively easy to install with clear instructions. Even those with limited mechanical skills can tackle this project.
- Provides a stable and secure foundation for fifth-wheel towing. Reduces sway and chucking for a smoother ride.
- Demco is a reputable brand known for quality towing products. Guarantees reliability and performance.
Cons
- Limited compatibility; designed only for specific older truck models.
- No significant customization options available.
Who Should Buy Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier?
The Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier is perfect for owners of older trucks (1988 and earlier) who want to safely and reliably tow a fifth-wheel trailer. This kit is ideal for RV enthusiasts, vintage trailer collectors, and anyone who needs to haul heavy loads with a classic truck. This bracket is also great for those who appreciate a well-engineered product that prioritizes safety and durability.
Anyone with a newer truck or a different brand of fifth-wheel hitch should skip this product and look for a more suitable option. The kit requires a Demco Hijacker Premier Series hitch, so if you already own a hitch from another manufacturer, you’ll need to factor in the cost of purchasing a compatible Demco hitch. Also, this is not a “no-drill” option.
A torque wrench is a must-have accessory to ensure proper bolt tightening during installation. Additionally, a can of rust inhibitor can help protect the brackets from corrosion and extend their lifespan.
Conclusion on Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier
In summary, the Demco 8552009 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford/Chevy/Gmc/Dodge/Toyota ’88 Earlier is a well-engineered and reliable solution for mounting a fifth-wheel hitch on older trucks. Its heavy-duty construction, precise fit, and ease of installation make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to tow safely and confidently. The price is justified by the quality of the materials and the peace of mind it provides.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this product to anyone who fits the target demographic. If you own a classic truck and want to experience the joys of fifth-wheel towing, the Demco 8552009 kit is a worthwhile investment. Don’t settle for subpar mounting solutions; choose the Demco kit and hit the road with confidence!