Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13 Review

This is What Happened When I Used the Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13

For those navigating the world of fifth-wheel towing, the seamless integration of a hitch system into a truck bed is often a critical concern. My own search for a solution that prioritized bed usability without compromising towing security led me to the Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13. This particular kit from Demco promised a “no visible bed rails” design, a significant draw for anyone who uses their truck bed for more than just towing. The prospect of a cleaner aesthetic and unobstructed cargo space was undeniably appealing.

What prompted this specific purchase was a growing frustration with my previous hitch setup. The permanently mounted bed rails, while functional, were a constant impediment to hauling lumber, motorcycles, or even just groceries, forcing me to carefully strategize around their presence. I considered other under-bed systems, but many seemed overly complicated or lacked specific vehicle compatibility for my 2013 Ram 3500. My initial impression of the Demco Hijacker kit, even before installation, was one of solid construction; the brackets felt robust and the components well-finished.

The immediate reaction upon receiving this under-bed mounting bracket kit was a sense of practical anticipation. It wasn’t a feeling of awe, but rather the quiet confidence that comes from acquiring a purpose-built tool designed to solve a specific problem. The promise of reclaiming full bed functionality was the primary driver, and this kit seemed poised to deliver on that front.

Real-World Testing: Putting Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13 to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing environment for this under-bed mounting bracket kit was purely functional: my own garage and the daily commute, interspersed with weekend trips involving hauling various loads. The installation process itself was a significant part of the initial experience. I tackled it myself in my home garage, which is equipped with standard mechanic’s tools.

The Demco Hijacker UMS Series brackets mounted directly to the truck’s frame, bypassing the bed entirely. This crucial detail means no drilling into the bed floor or dealing with obstructive rails. The kit came with all the necessary hardware, and the instructions were clear enough for a moderately experienced DIYer. I found the process intuitive, with each component clearly marked and designed to fit specific frame points on the 2013 Ram 3500.

Performance in terms of towing stability was immediately noticeable. Connecting my fifth-wheel trailer felt secure, and the ride was noticeably smoother than with my previous setup. There were no surprises or quirks during the initial use; it simply worked as advertised. The lack of visible rails was, as anticipated, a game-changer for loading and unloading materials.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including multiple long-distance hauls and frequent trips to the local home improvement store, the Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13 has proven itself to be a reliable and robust component of my towing setup. The UMS Series design, which mounts the brackets underneath the truck box, has demonstrably resisted rust and corrosion, even after encountering typical road grime and occasional damp conditions.

Durability has been excellent. There are no signs of premature wear, such as cracks in the metal, loosened bolts, or performance degradation. The connection points remain solid, and the hitch mechanism still engages smoothly. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a shop rag to remove dust and debris is all that’s typically required.

Compared to my previous experience with rail-mounted hitches, this under-bed system from Demco is a significant upgrade in terms of convenience and bed utility. It’s a clear step above budget options that might compromise on build quality or ease of use. This kit feels built to last and perform consistently.

Breaking Down the Features of Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13

Specifications

The Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13 is engineered for a specific vehicle application: the 2013 Dodge Ram 3500. It is designed to fit both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, accommodating both the 6.5-foot and 8-foot bed lengths, including the Mega Cab variant. The key specification is its under-bed mounting design, which completely eliminates the need for visible bed rails.

This under-mount series construction means the brackets attach directly to the truck’s frame. This feature is paramount for maintaining the full utility of the truck bed. The rust-resistant nature of the mounting brackets is a significant advantage, ensuring longevity even in adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the hitch securing mechanism requires only four mounting pins, simplifying the hitch attachment and detachment process.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of this kit is to provide a secure and hidden mounting point for a fifth-wheel hitch. In this regard, the Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13 performs exceptionally well. The hitch connection is solid, with no discernible play or looseness during towing.

The biggest functional benefit is the unobstructed truck bed. This makes loading and unloading large items like ATVs, lumber, or even just general cargo remarkably straightforward. I’ve found myself using my truck bed for tasks I previously avoided due to the cumbersome nature of rail-mounted hitches. The Demco Hijacker system meets and exceeds expectations for a clean, functional towing setup.

Design & Ergonomics

The design philosophy behind the Demco Hijacker UMS Series is clearly centered on practicality and seamless integration. The under-bed mounting brackets are constructed from heavy-gauge steel, providing a feeling of substantial strength and durability. The finish is a robust powder coating that has held up well to road salt and debris.

Ergonomically, the design excels by removing itself entirely from the user’s immediate interaction. Once installed, the user interacts only with the fifth-wheel hitch itself, not the mounting hardware. The simplicity of attaching and detaching the hitch using just four mounting pins is a significant ergonomic win, reducing the effort required for hitch management.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its solid steel construction and powder-coated finish, this Demco mounting bracket kit is built for the long haul. I anticipate it will last the lifetime of the truck with minimal fuss. Its under-bed mounting location inherently protects it from much of the direct impact and wear that bed-mounted components would face.

Maintenance is virtually non-existent beyond occasional cleaning. Because the brackets are mounted above the bed floor and directly to the frame, they are less exposed to dirt, dust, and moisture than other types of hitches. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points or potential concerns; it’s a robust, static mounting solution.

Accessories and Customization Options

This specific product, the Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13, is primarily a mounting solution. Therefore, it doesn’t come with accessories in the traditional sense, such as specialized tools or components for user modification. Its customization lies in its compatibility with various Demco Hijacker fifth-wheel hitch heads.

The primary “accessory” for this kit is the hitch head it is designed to work with. The system allows for quick detachment of the hitch head, enabling full access to the truck bed. While there are no interchangeable parts on the bracket kit itself, its design ensures it integrates seamlessly with Demco’s fifth-wheel towing components.

Pros and Cons of Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13

Who Should Buy Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13?

This under-bed mounting bracket kit is ideal for owners of the 2013 Dodge Ram 3500 who regularly use their truck bed for more than just towing. If you frequently haul motorcycles, lumber, camping gear, or any cargo that is hindered by permanent bed rails, this Demco Hijacker kit is an excellent choice. It’s suited for individuals who value both their towing capabilities and their truck’s versatility.

Anyone seeking a completely hidden fifth-wheel hitch system, prioritizing a clean aesthetic and maximum bed space, should seriously consider this product. Those who only tow occasionally or who don’t mind the presence of bed rails might find a more budget-friendly, rail-mounted option sufficient.

For optimal use, ensuring you have the correct Demco Hijacker hitch head that mates with these brackets is essential. While not strictly necessary for installation, a good set of jack stands and a torque wrench will make the DIY installation process much smoother and safer.

Conclusion on Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13

The Dethmers Manufacturing Company 8551006 Demco Hijacker Ums Series Under Bed Mounting Bracket Kit For Dodge Ram 3500 ’13 delivers precisely what it promises: a robust, reliable, and discreet mounting solution for fifth-wheel hitches that fundamentally enhances truck bed utility. The under-bed design is a game-changer for anyone who uses their Ram 3500 for diverse hauling needs, offering significant freedom from the constraints of traditional bed rails. While the initial cost is a consideration, the build quality, long-term durability, and functional benefits make it a worthwhile investment for the right user.

For owners of a 2013 Dodge Ram 3500 who need a hidden fifth-wheel hitch system and want to maximize their truck’s cargo capacity, I would highly recommend this Demco Hijacker mounting kit. It strikes an excellent balance between robust engineering and practical user-focused design, making towing and hauling more convenient than ever before.