2011 Reese WD hitch 2x2 and 2018 takes 2.5x2.5

[dan212]

I have been towing a moderately heavy enclosed car trailer with a Reese WD hitch. 2011 long bed. Trailer is conservatively about 11-12K. Sometimes 13K. 2500's of that vintage had a 2x2 receiver.

Long bed truck and WD was perfect tow platform. I towed 900 miles through hurricane Sandy. Only time I ever felt the trailer behind me or wind gusts. Not an issue. Just first time I felt it. Amazing stability.


I just traded my 2011 in for a short bed 2018. Love the new one (especially the air suspension). While the 2011 had a 2x2 receiver, the 2018 now has a 2.5x2.5. The 2018 comes with an OEM sleeve so that I still can use my 2x2 shanks.

But I wonder if the OEM sleeve to enable the 2x2 shank in the 2.5x2.5 receiver compromises the Reese WD system? Pretty sure I can get a new 2.5x2.5 shank from Reese. Thoughts??

If anyone wonders why i went from long to short bed: Yes the long bed was fantastic for towing, but it was less fun for use when not towing and I was using it more frequently to visit clients. Hard to park in corporate lots along with other reasons.

Anyway - Am I good with the 2x2 Reese WD with Sleeve? Should I replace the shank? Replace the whole thing? Replacing system is more $$$$, but I if I did, I'd get one with sway control since I am now shorter.

Suggestions? Thoughts?

 

[NewBlackDak]

I towed with the adapter(Equalizer brand hitch) for a season. Performed just fine, but the noise drove me nuts. I ended up getting a new shank.


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[Thendrix]

I've got the sleeve in my 2 1/2" receiver and it works fine. My equalizer has the 2" shank and no problems

 

[MADDOG]

No problem using the supplied insert here.

 

[Jimmy07]

I had the 2” shank on my equalizer. When I got my 2017, I had the same thoughts as you, so I swapped in the 2 1/2” shank, and....it still makes just as much rattling noise. So, if you’re thinking of doing it for the rattling only, don’t even bother. The sleeve works just fine.

 

[dan212]

I don't actually have any rattling. So thats not an issue. I am just concerned about strength.. Sounds like I need not worry.

 

[NewBlackDak]

I don't actually have any rattling. So thats not an issue. I am just concerned about strength.. Sounds like I need not worry.

What carries the load is a flat piece of metal sandwiched between other flat pieces of metal. There isn’t much to fail. I just didn’t like dealing with the adapter since I also have an adjustable drop 2.5 shank drop hitch.


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[BlkZrx]

I needed a longer drop when I got the 2500, Equalizer doesn't make one long enough in 2.5". Called them and asked if it was a problem using the adapter. They said run with it. Has worked fine now for couple years with my 34 footer..