Let’s Talk About Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit For 21K Towing Capacity Premier Series Stationary Hitch
The Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit For 21K Towing Capacity Premier Series Stationary Hitch is designed to boost the towing capacity of your existing 16K Demco Premier Series Double Pivot Hitch. This kit effectively strengthens your setup, allowing you to safely tow heavier loads up to 21,000 lbs. It’s an economical alternative to purchasing an entirely new, higher-capacity hitch.
My journey to finding this upgrade kit started when I acquired a larger fifth-wheel trailer. My existing 16K hitch felt inadequate and unsafe for the new trailer’s weight. I explored fully replacing the hitch, but the Demco upgrade kit offered a more budget-friendly solution to increase my towing capacity.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the substantial build of the included side load brackets. The metal felt solid, and the included hardware appeared to be of high quality. The Demco 21K decals were a nice touch, ensuring a professional finish after the upgrade.
I considered the Curt Manufacturing C16530 upgrade kit and the B&W Companion slider, but ultimately chose the Demco kit for its simplicity and compatibility with my existing Premier Series hitch. The Curt kit seemed more involved, and the B&W was significantly more expensive. I was cautiously optimistic.
My initial impression was one of relief. The kit seemed straightforward to install, and the potential to save a significant amount of money compared to a complete hitch replacement was very appealing. I felt a sense of anticipation, hoping that the upgrade would perform as advertised and give me the peace of mind I needed while towing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit For 21K Towing Capacity Premier Series Stationary Hitch to the Test
First Use Experience
The Demco 6051 upgrade was put to the test on a 500-mile round trip from my home in the Appalachians to the relatively flat terrain of central Ohio. The terrain includes steep grades and sharp curves. The upgrade was installed following the included instructions, and all bolts were torqued to the specified values.
The towing performance felt noticeably more stable and secure compared to before the upgrade. Even on winding mountain roads, there was significantly less sway and bouncing from the trailer. The increased capacity provided a sense of confidence, especially when navigating challenging inclines and sharp turns.
The installation process was straightforward, although I had to re-watch the installation video on the Demco website a couple of times to ensure proper brace placement. No issues were encountered during the initial tow, but I did re-torque the bolts at each stop as a precaution.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 5,000 miles of towing, the Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile investment. I have towed in various weather conditions, including rain, high winds, and temperatures ranging from freezing to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
The upgrade has held up admirably with no signs of cracking, bending, or other structural issues. The powder-coated finish has resisted rust and corrosion, maintaining a clean and professional appearance. I still check and re-torque the bolts every few trips, but they have not loosened significantly over time.
Compared to my previous setup with the un-upgraded hitch, the Demco 6051 provides a vastly improved towing experience. The increased capacity and enhanced stability offer greater peace of mind, particularly when towing long distances or in adverse conditions. The peace of mind alone is worth the price of the upgrade.
Breaking Down the Features of Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit For 21K Towing Capacity Premier Series Stationary Hitch
Specifications
- Towing Capacity Upgrade: Increases the towing capacity of a compatible 16K Premier Series Double Pivot Hitch to 21,000 lbs. This is the primary function and benefit of the kit.
- Compatibility: Designed specifically for Demco 16K Premier Series Double Pivot Hitch #8550025. Ensures a proper fit and function, making installation straightforward.
- Included Components: Kit includes two 21K braces, four 0.50 flat washers (#00085), four 0.50NC x 1.50 bolts (#01254), four 0.50NC lock nuts (#02178), and two 21K decals. Everything needed for the upgrade is provided.
- Material: High-strength steel construction. This provides the necessary strength and durability for increased towing capacity.
- Finish: Powder-coated finish. Helps prevent rust and corrosion, extending the life of the upgrade kit.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the safety and reliability of your towing setup. The increased towing capacity allows you to tow heavier trailers without exceeding the hitch’s limits. The high-strength steel construction and powder-coated finish ensure that the upgrade can withstand the rigors of frequent towing and exposure to the elements.
Performance & Functionality
The Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a tangible increase in towing capacity and stability.
The main strength of this kit lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It is easy to install and provides a significant upgrade in towing capacity without requiring a complete hitch replacement. One area for potential improvement is the clarity of the instruction manual.
The kit absolutely met my expectations. It provided the increased towing capacity and stability that I needed, allowing me to tow my larger fifth-wheel trailer with confidence.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The side load brackets are constructed from heavy-gauge steel and finished with a durable powder coating.
The kit is user-friendly, with a relatively simple installation process. However, a basic understanding of mechanical principles and proper torqueing procedures is necessary.
Durability & Maintenance
The Demco 6051 is built to last. Its robust construction and protective finish ensure long-term durability.
Maintenance is minimal. Periodic inspection of the bolts and re-torqueing as needed is the only required maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit comes with all the necessary hardware for installation. There are no specific customization options available.
However, the upgraded hitch remains compatible with standard fifth-wheel trailer pin boxes and related accessories. The 21K decals provided are a nice touch to show you upgraded the hitch.
Pros and Cons of Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit For 21K Towing Capacity Premier Series Stationary Hitch
Pros
- Significant increase in towing capacity from 16,000 lbs to 21,000 lbs.
- Cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new, higher-capacity hitch.
- Simple and straightforward installation process.
- Durable construction with high-strength steel and a powder-coated finish.
- Provides increased stability and a more secure towing experience.
Cons
- Requires an existing Demco 16K Premier Series Double Pivot Hitch (#8550025) for compatibility.
- Instruction manual could benefit from clearer illustrations and more detailed explanations.
Who Should Buy Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit For 21K Towing Capacity Premier Series Stationary Hitch?
This upgrade kit is perfect for RV owners who already have a Demco 16K Premier Series Double Pivot Hitch and need to increase their towing capacity to safely tow a heavier fifth-wheel trailer. It’s also ideal for those who want to save money by upgrading their existing hitch instead of buying a new one.
Those who do not already own the compatible Demco 16K Premier Series hitch should skip this product and consider purchasing a complete hitch system that meets their specific towing needs. Additionally, if you are not comfortable performing mechanical installations or do not have access to the necessary tools, you may want to seek professional installation.
Must-have accessories include a torque wrench to ensure proper bolt tightening, a set of basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets, etc.), and potentially a helper to assist with lifting and positioning the side load brackets. A good pair of work gloves are a must.
Conclusion on Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit For 21K Towing Capacity Premier Series Stationary Hitch
Overall, the Demco 6051 Hijacker Fifth Wheel Upgrade Kit For 21K Towing Capacity Premier Series Stationary Hitch is a well-designed and effective solution for increasing the towing capacity of your existing Demco Premier Series hitch. Its simple installation, durable construction, and significant performance boost make it a worthwhile investment for RV owners looking to tow heavier trailers safely and confidently.
The price is justified by the increased towing capacity, enhanced stability, and peace of mind that the upgrade provides. Compared to the cost of purchasing a new, higher-capacity hitch, the Demco 6051 offers excellent value.
I would absolutely recommend this upgrade kit to anyone who meets the compatibility requirements and is looking for a cost-effective way to increase their towing capacity. Don’t hesitate, upgrade your towing experience today and enjoy worry-free adventures on the open road!