Receiver shank pin destroyer..?

allcool wrote:
Am I the only one that literally destroys pins..?

When it comes time to disconnect my WW FSW32 13,000gvw, sometimes have to hammer out the bent mangled pin. Using a Husky 14,000 wd hitch, but have used a Reese and a Draw Tite with the same exact results.

Every trailer store/department I go to, I look for the best pin they sell and buy it. Seems a pin that is meant for the 2.5" receiver are harder to find. Was at Harbor freight and saw a 'advertised' heavy duty 2.5" receiver lock pin, its black and looks like its hardened steel. Looks good. Have had it in the TH tool box for a couple years now. Scared to try it...lol.
The pin that came with the truck seems to be best so far, but still bends badly.

Got a 2014 F350 cc Platinum tow truck. It has the 2.5" receiver. I'm guessing using the 2" to 2.5" adapter sleeve the truck came with is maybe the problem...? I've seen the note from Ford saying when using the sleeve the max tongue weight is reduced to 1000lbs, and I know I'm way over that.

About to buy a Reese 2.5" wd 17,000lb, 1700tw hitch that won't need the sleeve to be used. Wondering if the bent pin syndrome will continue with the new hitch...?

I'd say you should step up to the 2.5" insert, probably too much clearance is bending the pin since the insert floats and really is only there to center the 2" insert. That's just my thoughts though. Maybe you can just by that part of the WD head and not have to replace the entire head.

I don't have any issues with the pin, I have been using the same pin for 10 years. I'm about 11,500 loaded, 14k ball on a WD hitch with 1400 lb bars. If I ever replace the truck I will upgrade to that same 17k unit.

I would blame the adapter.

Are your receiver holes egging out? This would cause slop in your stinger and bend the pins.

I've never had a pin get damaged in any manner.

phillyg wrote:
I've never had a pin get damaged in any manner.

+1 Neither have I.

i have never damaged a pin in the least... the pin usually does damage to my receiver! (egging the holes)

Thanks for all the replies...

Its not egged out receiver pin holes because its happened on numerous brand new trucks/sleeves with the 2.5" receiver...

I agree with those that said its the 2.5-2" sleeve insert thats causing the problem, since never had this issue on a 2" receiver.

Talked to Husky about a replacement 2.5" shank for my Husky 14,000 wd hitch. The guy told me last New Years that the new shank I need will be out in a month and gave me the part numbers.
Husky part #
32459_ 2.5" shank (fits existing Husky 2" wd 14,000 hitch)

32464_ complete 15,000# wd hitch kit with 2.5" shank.

Called Husky beginning of last week and asked for the part#32459 2.5" shank and the girl said its still being produced in China, sorry. And they have no idea when it will get here. But the complete new 2.5" hitch is available.
I told her a gentleman at Husky told me last winter it would be ready in a month. I asked if she could find out when it would be available, she said no. I then asked can you please sell me a shank out of a new hitch then replace once they get the 32464 order in. She said no way, sorry, you should just buy the complete new hitch kit.
I'll never buy Husky again.

2.5" shanks are available from other manufacturers around $150. Is there something unique about the Husky that does not allow use of Valley, Curt, Reese, Equal-i-zer, Blue Ox or others?

Bedlam wrote:
2.5" shanks are available from other manufacturers around $150. Is there something unique about the Husky that does not allow use of Valley, Curt, Reese, Equal-i-zer, Blue Ox or others?

Good idea...
Well, not exactly sure what will work. Every hitch place I've talked to doesn't know and recommends a complete new 2.5 hitch...
Hoping someone that has done this chimes in.

i have an 09 chevy and i run the gm sleeve, i also have a reese sleeve but i get more play out of that then the oem sleeve. my trailer is not as big as yours but i have never had an issue with my sleeve, that thing is in there so good i have to hammer it from the back to get it out so i just leave the sleeve in all the time with a pin in it. maybe check the sleeve or if ford has an oem one. i think the gm sleeve was about $10 more then the reese but its alot better. i plan on getting a 2 1/2 inch shank before season starts.