Let’s Talk About Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford F250/F350/F450 Sd ’05 ’10, No Drill Attachment
The Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit is designed as a robust solution for attaching a fifth-wheel hitch to your Ford Super Duty truck. Specifically, it targets 2005-2010 F250/F350 models and 2008-2010 F450s, promising a simpler installation, particularly due to its “no drill attachment” claim. This bracket kit aims to provide a secure and reliable connection between your truck’s frame and the bed rails necessary for fifth-wheel towing.
My journey to this product started with a growing need for a more reliable towing setup. My old universal rails were causing some bed flex, which was unnerving when hauling heavy loads, and I wanted a more secure solution that wouldn’t require drilling into my truck’s frame. I needed a robust, easy-to-install system that provided peace of mind.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the weight and apparent sturdiness of the brackets. The powder-coated finish looked durable, and the individual pieces felt substantial in hand. The build quality seemed excellent, suggesting this kit was made to withstand the rigors of heavy towing.
I considered the B&W Companion system, known for its clean look and integrated mounting, but the price was significantly higher. I also looked at the Curt Manufacturing options, which are generally well-regarded, however, the Demco kit’s “no drill” promise and reputation for solid construction ultimately swayed me. The Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit offered the best balance of features, price, and ease of installation for my needs.
My initial impression was positive and cautiously optimistic. The weight and solid feel of the components suggested a quality product, but the real test would be the installation process and subsequent performance under load. I was excited to see if the “no drill” claim held true and if it would provide the secure towing platform I was looking for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford F250/F350/F450 Sd ’05 ’10, No Drill Attachment to the Test
First Use Experience
The initial test involved a 300-mile round trip pulling a 10,000-pound travel trailer. I tested the Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit on mixed terrain, from flat highway to winding mountain roads.
The conditions were mostly dry, but I did encounter some light rain. The installation, while initially challenging to align, proved very solid during the trip. I noticed a significant reduction in bed flex compared to my previous setup.
The “no drill” installation did require some finesse and careful alignment to ensure proper torque on the bolts. Once dialed in, I was impressed with how securely it held. There were no unexpected noises or shifting during the entire trip, which gave me great confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After six months of regular use, including several long-distance trips hauling both travel trailers and equipment, the Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or tear on the brackets themselves.
The powder coat finish has resisted rust and corrosion, even after exposure to road salt during winter trips. I regularly inspect the bolts for tightness and have only needed minor adjustments, indicating a very stable and reliable system.
Maintaining the Demco kit is quite simple. Periodic cleaning to remove dirt and grime, along with checking bolt torque, has been sufficient to keep it in excellent condition. This dramatically outperforms my previous setup with universal rails, which constantly required retightening and showed signs of wear within a few months.
Breaking Down the Features of Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford F250/F350/F450 Sd ’05 ’10, No Drill Attachment
Specifications
The Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit is specifically engineered for 2005-2010 Ford F250/F350 Super Duty trucks and 2008-2010 Ford F450 Super Duty trucks. It is designed to integrate with Demco’s Premier Series fifth-wheel hitches using industry-standard bed rails.
The kit utilizes a no-drill installation, which leverages existing holes in the truck frame for mounting. This minimizes the risk of damaging the frame and simplifies the installation process. The brackets are constructed from heavy-duty steel with a durable powder-coat finish for corrosion resistance.
The Premier Series system uses four bolts per side to secure the bed rails to the frame-mounted brackets. This creates a robust and stable connection for towing.
Performance & Functionality
The Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit excels at providing a secure and stable platform for fifth-wheel towing. The heavy-duty construction and precise fit significantly reduce bed flex, resulting in a smoother and more confident towing experience.
The main strength lies in its ease of installation, particularly the no-drill design, which simplifies the process and reduces the risk of damaging the truck frame. One area for potential improvement is the initial alignment, which can be a bit challenging. Clearer instructions or alignment aids would be beneficial.
Overall, the Demco kit meets and exceeds expectations. It offers a robust and reliable towing solution with a relatively straightforward installation process.
Design & Ergonomics
The Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit features a straightforward and functional design. The brackets are made from thick, heavy-gauge steel, which gives them a substantial and durable feel.
The powder-coated finish not only looks good but also provides excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability. The kit is designed for ease of installation. However, the ergonomics of the installation process itself, particularly during alignment, could be improved with better guidance.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the heavy-duty steel construction and durable powder-coat finish, the Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit is built to last. With proper care and maintenance, it should provide many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only periodic cleaning and inspection of bolt torque. The durable finish resists rust and corrosion, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit is primarily designed to work with Demco’s Premier Series fifth-wheel hitches and industry-standard bed rails. The kit doesn’t offer extensive customization options, but it is compatible with a range of Demco fifth-wheel hitches, allowing users to choose a hitch that best suits their towing needs.
It is essential to ensure compatibility with your specific fifth-wheel hitch and bed rails before purchasing. You can consider adding bed rail protectors to protect the truck bed from wear and tear during hitch installation and removal.
Pros and Cons of Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford F250/F350/F450 Sd ’05 ’10, No Drill Attachment
Pros
- No-Drill Installation: Simplifies the installation process and reduces the risk of damaging the truck frame.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Provides a robust and stable platform for fifth-wheel towing, minimizing bed flex.
- Durable Finish: The powder-coated finish offers excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability.
- Precise Fit: Engineered specifically for 2005-2010 Ford Super Duty trucks for a secure and reliable connection.
- Reduced Bed Flex: Significantly improves towing stability and confidence compared to universal rail systems.
Cons
- Initial Alignment Can Be Tricky: Requires careful alignment during installation to ensure proper torque and fit.
- Instruction Clarity: Instructions could be improved with better diagrams or alignment aids for easier installation.
Who Should Buy Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford F250/F350/F450 Sd ’05 ’10, No Drill Attachment?
This Demco kit is perfect for truck owners who want a robust and reliable fifth-wheel towing solution without drilling into their truck frame. It benefits RVers, horse owners, and anyone who frequently tows heavy loads with a 2005-2010 Ford Super Duty.
Those who are uncomfortable with precise mechanical installations or prefer extremely detailed instructions might consider a professionally installed system. A must-have accessory is a quality torque wrench to ensure proper bolt tightening during installation.
Conclusion on Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit For Ford F250/F350/F450 Sd ’05 ’10, No Drill Attachment
The Demco 8552002 Hijacker Premier Series Frame Mounting Bracket Kit is a well-engineered and durable solution for fifth-wheel towing. The “no drill” installation is a major selling point, simplifying the process and minimizing the risk of damaging your truck.
The price is justified by the heavy-duty construction, precise fit, and improved towing stability. I would definitely recommend this kit to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-install fifth-wheel mounting system for their 2005-2010 Ford Super Duty. Upgrade your towing experience today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a secure and stable connection.