2.5" to 2" receiver adapter

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jbnimble

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Went to buy a sleeve adapter for a Class V receiver (2.5") and it said not for use with WDH. This is what I needed it for. Don't see the need to buy a 2.5 shank now. Anyone have problems using this setup. I have a #7000 trailer with a Blue Ox hitch with a 2" shank.
 

BlkZrx

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I'm in the same boat. 2" Equalizer shank and now have 2 1/2" receiver. $200 for bigger shank and Equalizer says not to use an adapter. What to do, what to do??



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R.L.K.

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I have zero experience with the weight distribution hitches , but I know they put a tremendous amount of pressure when applied ( I know cpt. Obvious )

Funny story , several yrs ago a buddy of mine let the wdh handle go on accident just before it latched , the handle flew about 100' and nearly took out his neighbors son on a riding mower
 

2015HD

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I was in the same boat and I ended up buying a new 2.5'' shank+ New WD hitch separately. The adapters (many of them) are not rated for the weight and strain WD hitches produce. I also read several comments where people did not like the additional 'slop' it added. Depending on what WD hitch you have you may be able to just replace the shank.
 

2015HD

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Forgot to mention, I did read where one guy had his sleeve adapter welded to the shank and was happy with it.
 

xrsman

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My dad has a sleeve that he uses with his weight distribution hitch. We bought it off etrailer I believe. We've used the WD system a few times now without issue.
 

PippinAin'tEasy

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Anyone know if the adapter that comes with the truck can handle WD? I chucked mine on there w/o thinking twice about it. Hoping to not have one of those "Awww, ****." moments.

"Oh, sweet debt. Thy name is Truck."
 

audio1der

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If the sleeve is a reputable brand name (not from Wal-Mart or Harbour Frieght) and has no slop inside the hitch, I would.
If you have slop, Reese and other hitch manufacturers make shim plates specifically for this. Welding would be ideal, until you need the 2.5" shank
 

reek

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My factory sleeve had a little slop. I don't have a WD hitch just a boring old regular drop hitch but the rattle was driving me nuts and ended up buying a 2.5 inch hitch.
 

whatroads

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If its a quality sleeve I would weld it to the receiver. To do this I would first remove the receiver and take it to a metal fabrication shop to have it welded. Understand that I can weld. However, I don't weld as part of my day to day job. I would want someone with a lot of experience doing this kind of work.
 

BlkZrx

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Since I need more drop, decided on just buying new shank. The 4x4 is considerably taller then my old 2wd Ford..
 

drittal

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I recently upgraded my WDH to a Blue Ox with a 2.5" shank. Noticeably less slop.

I have read where a reducer sleeve will reduce the effectiveness of a WDH.

A new shank isn't going to break the bank. How much is peace of mind worth?
 
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jbnimble

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I recently upgraded my WDH to a Blue Ox with a 2.5" shank. Noticeably less slop.

I have read where a reducer sleeve will reduce the effectiveness of a WDH.

A new shank isn't going to break the bank. How much is peace of mind worth?
I have the Blue Ox and looks like I'll spend the $174 for my peace of mind...
 

Glowrdr

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Ok - you all have me curious now. Can someone take a picture of their hitch for me? I think mine has a sleeve in it, but can't be sure (bought the truck used @ a year old). To me, it looks like there is a sleeve inside the receiver. Not sure if it normally has 2 walls. I know the simple answer is to measure, or try a hitch (I have not tried either...). Is the insert obvious enough I would know its there? i.e. does it lock in somehow, or attach with a pin or something that would be a tell-tale sign?

Follow up question - looking at the build sheet, my 2500 appears to have come with a class V hitch. I came from a 1500, and would only have access to that hitch/ball. Do the 1500's come with class IV I would assume? That would be easy enough to check when I get home.
 

PippinAin'tEasy

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If it's got a sleeve you'll know it.

"Oh, sweet debt. Thy name is Truck."
 

2015HD

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Picture...
 

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PippinAin'tEasy

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Yeah, that was vague. Product specific as well. The one that came with the Truck is as deep as the reciever and has extremely little slop esp. under load. I'm gonna roll with what I've got but would certainly heed the warning of reduced capability were I to purchase an aftermarket reducer. Thanks for the link, drittal.

"Oh, sweet debt. Thy name is Truck."
 

Glowrdr

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ok, I ran outside and looked again. Not sure where I thought I had an insert. Definitely a full sized class V receiver. Thanks for the picture to be sure though.
 
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