Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit Review

Let’s Talk About Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit

The Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit is the foundation upon which many a safe and reliable fifth-wheel towing experience is built. Demco, a well-respected name in the towing industry, designed this kit to provide a secure and versatile mounting system for their Hijacker Premier-Series and UL-Series fifth-wheel hitches. What sets it apart is its robust construction, promising longevity and peace of mind on the road.

I decided to look at the Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit to solve a recurring problem: the universal rail kits I’ve used in the past were always a hassle to install and never felt quite as secure as I wanted. I was looking for a solution that provided a solid and reliable connection between my truck bed and the fifth-wheel hitch, specifically tailored to the Demco hitch I already owned. Upon unboxing, the weight of the steel immediately conveyed the sense of durability I was hoping for. The black powder coat finish looked clean and professional.

Compared to universal bed rail kits from Curt or Reese, the Demco kit seemed more specifically engineered for their hitches. It promised a tighter integration and minimized play. Initial impressions were positive; the kit seemed well-made and ready to handle serious towing duties. I was definitely excited to get this installed.


Real-World Testing: Putting Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit by installing it in my 2018 Ram 2500 and then towing my 38-foot fifth-wheel camper on a 500-mile trip through the Appalachian Mountains. The varied terrain put the kit through its paces, with steep inclines and winding roads testing the stability of the connection. Installation required careful measuring and drilling, but once installed, the hitch felt incredibly solid.

Despite some heavy rain during the trip, there were no issues with corrosion or slippage. The ease of use was apparent from the get-go; once the rails were installed, the Demco Hijacker hitch locked in place quickly and securely. No unexpected noises or movements were experienced, which added to the feeling of safety and confidence.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and over 5,000 miles of towing, the Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, and the black powder coat finish is still in excellent condition. Regular inspection and tightening of the bolts are part of my routine maintenance.

Cleaning is straightforward, usually just a quick washdown with soap and water. Compared to previous setups, the Demco rails provide a much more stable and secure connection. It inspires confidence on the road. This kit definitely outperforms any universal rail systems I’ve used.

Breaking Down the Features of Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit

Specifications

  • Compatibility: Specifically designed for Demco Premier-Series and UL-Series fifth-wheel hitches. This ensures a perfect fit and optimal performance.
  • Type: Bed rail fifth-wheel trailer hitch mount kit; provides the foundation for mounting the hitch in your truck bed. This provides a secure and reliable connection.
  • Installation: Requires frame-specific brackets (sold separately). This allows for a customized and precise installation on various truck models.
  • Adjustment: Allows for height adjustment of the hitch (4 inches up or down in 1-inch increments) to ensure proper trailer clearance. This is crucial for safe towing.

The frame-specific bracket requirement is both a benefit and a drawback; while it adds to the installation complexity, it ensures a more secure and tailored fit. The height adjustability is essential for maintaining proper trailer geometry. This prevents sway and ensures even weight distribution.

Performance & Functionality

The Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit performs its job admirably. It provides a rock-solid mounting platform for the fifth-wheel hitch. The absence of any noticeable movement or noise during towing speaks volumes about its stability.

The main strength is its compatibility with Demco hitches, offering a seamless and secure connection. A potential area for improvement might be clearer installation instructions, particularly regarding the frame bracket selection process. It meets and exceeds expectations for reliability and performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is exceptional, with heavy-gauge steel construction and a durable black powder coat finish. The kit is robust and inspires confidence in its ability to withstand heavy towing loads. The design is straightforward and functional, prioritizing strength and stability over aesthetics.

The bed rails sit relatively flush with the truck bed. This minimizes interference when not towing. There is a moderate learning curve associated with the installation. Specifically regarding selecting and installing the correct frame brackets.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its robust construction, the Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit is expected to last for many years with proper care. The powder coat finish provides excellent protection against rust and corrosion. Maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of regular cleaning and bolt tightening.

Repair should be relatively straightforward due to the simple design, though replacement parts may need to be sourced directly from Demco. Proper maintenance is key to longevity. This means regular cleaning and inspection.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit itself doesn’t offer much in the way of accessories or customization options beyond the frame brackets. However, it is designed to work seamlessly with Demco‘s fifth-wheel hitches. This opens up possibilities for different hitch configurations and weight capacities. The kit is compatible with standard fifth-wheel accessories such as safety chains and wiring harnesses.

Pros and Cons of Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit

Pros

  • Heavy-duty steel construction ensures long-lasting durability.
  • Specifically designed for Demco Premier-Series and UL-Series hitches, guaranteeing a precise fit.
  • Provides a rock-solid and stable mounting platform for fifth-wheel towing.
  • Powder coat finish protects against rust and corrosion.
  • Height adjustability allows for proper trailer clearance and weight distribution.

Cons

  • Requires separate purchase and installation of frame-specific brackets.
  • Installation can be challenging, requiring precise measurements and drilling.


Who Should Buy Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit?

The Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit is perfect for RV enthusiasts and professional haulers who own a Demco Premier-Series or UL-Series fifth-wheel hitch and seek a reliable and secure mounting solution. It’s also well-suited for those who prioritize durability and stability over ease of installation. Someone who doesn’t mind investing a bit more time and effort to achieve a perfect fit.

Those who are new to fifth-wheel towing or prefer a simpler, more universal installation process might want to explore other options. However, for serious towers who understand the importance of a secure connection, this kit is a worthwhile investment. Must-have accessories include the appropriate frame brackets for your specific truck model, a torque wrench for proper bolt tightening, and a good quality drill with metal drilling bits.

Conclusion on Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit

The Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit is a top-tier bed rail system designed for serious fifth-wheel towing. It prioritizes durability, stability, and a precise fit with Demco hitches. While the installation can be more involved than universal kits, the resulting peace of mind is well worth the effort.

The price is justified by the quality of materials and construction, as well as the added security and stability it provides. I would highly recommend this kit to anyone who is serious about fifth-wheel towing and wants a reliable and long-lasting mounting solution. Invest in your safety and towing confidence; get the Demco 6071 Hijacker Premier Series Bed Rail Kit!

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