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martipr's avatar
martipr
Explorer
Aug 16, 2016

2 1/2" hitch shank

My truck/trailer set up requires an extended shank, 14". I have a 2" square shank and a sleeve to fit my 2 1/2" receiver. I would like to replace the shank with a 2 1/2" shank of the same length but have been unable to find any extended 2 1/2" shanks. I have tried E Trailer, Curt, Reese and Equalizer to no avail. Does anyone know of such a shank?
  • I had the same problem. I ended up having someone weld in the 2" sleeve into my 2 1/2" receiver and stayed with the 2" square shank.

    if you have a Blue Ox Sway Pro hitch setup, I heard that Blue Ox will send you a 2.5" shank. I didn't find that out until I had already implemented the above solution.

    Mike
  • I been using my sleeve for four years with zero problems. I also use a 36" inch extension made out of 2 inch material with no problems. I wonder where a guy would get a 2.5 inch shank also?
  • martipr wrote:
    My truck/trailer set up requires an extended shank, 14". I have a 2" square shank and a sleeve to fit my 2 1/2" receiver.

    Do you mean it needs to extend 14" out from the receiver or you need 14" of drop?

    I had to purchase an extended drop shank for my WD system when I bought my '14 Ram 2500. I got mine through Etrailer which was an Equalizer 10", 6" drop 2 1/2" shank. I first tried a sleeve adapter but found it was extremely sloppy, that's why I got a dedicated 2 1/2" shank.

    However, as was suggested, several people have either made sleeves or bought sleeves and welded them to their WD shank with very good results. If you have a shank that is the right length & drop welding on a sleeve may be your best solution.

    KJ
  • As asked, 14" for drop or for length? If length, does the shank itself need to be 1;" from pin hole to head mounting bolt holes? I ask because Reese has the Titan 2.(" shank which is 15" long from pin hole to ball. Obviously that length varies slightly due to the hitch head angle.

    If drop, call a hitch shop for a custom shank. Or try on eBay, I think it is R&P Carriages that advertises hitch shanks.

    Good luck!!!
  • Walaby wrote:
    I had the same problem. I ended up having someone weld in the 2" sleeve into my 2 1/2" receiver and stayed with the 2" square shank.

    if you have a Blue Ox Sway Pro hitch setup, I heard that Blue Ox will send you a 2.5" shank. I didn't find that out until I had already implemented the above solution.

    Mike

    Yep, they did it for me.
  • I found a 2 1/2" to 2" extension that was an open box item on Amazon.
    Dave
  • If you go with a 2 1/2 inch shank and you need the TT moved due to truck failure, you will need to find someone with a class 5 hitch. Keep the 2 inch and use the sleeve. been using mine for 2 years now with no issues.
  • sfpcservice wrote:
    http://www.curtmfg.com/Category/83/Shanks

    Looks like they have some 14" options. Not sure if you were looking for just a shank and ball, or a WD shank like the ones on this page.
    Guess I didn't make myself clear, one more of my faults, it is a WD shank. The Curt 14" options are 2" square shanks.

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