Forum Discussion

Vintage465's avatar
Vintage465
Nomad
Aug 22, 2015

Getting rid of the 2.5" to 2" adaptor

So I posted a thread a while ago called "Need a new hitch". I think this is a venerable subject that needs a solution other than using the 2.5" to 2" bushing adaptor. I'm not looking to get a bunch of flak from persons using adaptors and being happy with them. If you're happy, I'm happy for you. I have ordered a Curt 2.5" drop shank that I believe I can install my Draw-Tite hitch head too. When I get the new shank and get the head installed and set up correctly I will post the results. I am pretty sure some will question whether you should install one brand of hitch onto another brand of shank. I will take that chance and not worry about it. It's a giant hunk of steel and in my opinion,if it bolts together......one giant hunk of iron is as good as another if it gets the job done.

V-465
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 23, 2015
    Excellent. I try to avoid adapters when ever possible.
    The right stuff always works best.
  • 3oaks's avatar
    3oaks
    Explorer
    Aug 23, 2015
    csamayfield55 wrote:
    personally if I had a 2.5 there is no way I would use an insert for anything more than a utility trailer. It seems like it would defeat the purpose of having a class 5 receiver. a 2.5 drop shank seems like the correct way to go
    Chris
    It depends upon the intended use. If a person didn't need a class 5 receiver to begin with, it wouldn't be defeating the purpose. A lot of us aren't getting heavier trailers, just purchasing new trucks that come standard with the 2.5" class 5 receivers.
  • lenr's avatar
    lenr
    Explorer III
    Aug 22, 2015
    Bet the Curt shank fits. Reese makes them that fit. Ford derates their hitch from 17,500 to 12,500 when dropping from 2 1/2 to 2. Another advantage of the larger size.
  • sh410's avatar
    sh410
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2015
    Will the existing Draw-Tite hitch head fit on the 2.5" shank?
  • csamayfield55x's avatar
    csamayfield55x
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2015
    personally if I had a 2.5 there is no way I would use an insert for anything more than a utility trailer. It seems like it would defeat the purpose of having a class 5 receiver. a 2.5 drop shank seems like the correct way to go

    Chris
  • Calicajun's avatar
    Calicajun
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2015
    Just picked up a new 2" drop insert a little over a month ago, it works fine. Do wish the OP had posted this a sooner I would have bought a 2.5" insert if I had know they were out on the market. If for no other reason that I have almost lost the insert three times so far.
  • BenK's avatar
    BenK
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2015
    Exactly and now that you've said and made the decision...to me...folks who
    use a sleeve is similar to folks with a higher class anything downgrading it to
    be able to use the lower class componentry that goes with that class...

    Nothing wrong with that either...it is their choice...but nothing I'd do
  • VintageRacer's avatar
    VintageRacer
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2015
    I like your solution a lot. It seems to me that not using the 2.5" drop shank leaves a lot on the table from an ultimate strength point of view, I like the simplicity of not having the adapter (although I have used one I'd prefer not to have to bother) and if the dimensions of the shank are right for your hitch head, it's perfect. Curt is a high-end brand so you can depend on the quality.

    Brian

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