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FireRob's avatar
FireRob
Explorer
Oct 07, 2014

2 1/2" Receiver Hitch and 2" Equal-I-Zer Shank

Hello again everyone,

I just found out Equal-i-zer makes a 2 1/2" shank to go into the receiver hitch. My dealer installed a 2" shank and used the reducer that came with my truck. Is this acceptable or should I replace the shank with one intended for my Class V 2 1/2" receiver hitch?

Details to avoid other questions that some might find relevant:

This is a new trailer I picked up 9-26-14 and the hitch was part of the package deal when I bought the trailer.
Don't know any of the weights/limits of the trailer or hitch (but can look up if you really think it's necessary)
OK trailer numbers according to dealer Spec's
Hitch Weight 1,071 lbs
Dry Weight 7,875 lbs
Gross Weight 9,671 lbs
Cargo weight 1,796 lbs
I still don't know what to tell you on receiver numbers other then its a Class V two and one half inch receiver on a 3/4 Ton Ram Diesel.

Should I go back to the dealer and ask for the correct shank so the reducer is not needed or just not worry about it and tow till my little heart is content?
  • kep5niner wrote:
    On my OEM class V 2-1/2" receiver, the placarded limitation using the 2" sleeve is 600# tongue weight/6,000# trailer weight. Without the sleeve it's 800/8,000 and with WDH 1,400/14,000.

    I also have the Equalizer, appropriately set up with the 2-1/2" shank.
    You left out what it is for with the sleeve and WD.

    I have read a lot on the Ford forums about their sleeve. Many complaints about how hard it is to line up. Never heard any mention of reduced ratings though.

    FWIW. The GM sleeve has a lip/flange that ensures the hole lines up easily. The only downside is that it is so easy to use, that I kept forgetting it was there. So I secured it to the hitch in a semi permanent fashion so it can stay in all the time with no fears of losing it.

    No idea about the Dodge sleeve.
  • kep5niner wrote:
    On my OEM class V 2-1/2" receiver, the placarded limitation using the 2" sleeve is 600# tongue weight/6,000# trailer weight. Without the sleeve it's 800/8,000 and with WDH 1,400/14,000.

    I also have the Equalizer, appropriately set up with the 2-1/2" shank.


    I have crawled all under my truck looking for weight numbers on my receiver hitch and have not been able to find any....
  • On my OEM class V 2-1/2" receiver, the placarded limitation using the 2" sleeve is 600# tongue weight/6,000# trailer weight. Without the sleeve it's 800/8,000 and with WDH 1,400/14,000.

    I also have the Equalizer, appropriately set up with the 2-1/2" shank.
  • Huntindog wrote:
    I use the reducer. It DOESN'T make more noise. I had this hitch on my last truck with a 2" receiver.
    Since they are both rated the SAME, you are better off with what you have. Some day you may need to sell it, or use this hitch on a different TV, that has a 2" receiver... They don't make a suitable adaptor for that.



    This works for me. Thanks everyone!
  • I use the reducer. It DOESN'T make more noise. I had this hitch on my last truck with a 2" receiver.
    Since they are both rated the SAME, you are better off with what you have. Some day you may need to sell it, or use this hitch on a different TV, that has a 2" receiver... They don't make a suitable adaptor for that.
  • It's up to you, but the ones with the adapter make more noise.

    They are both rated the same, from equal-i-zer.

    I have a 2.5" hitch but needed to keep the 2" shank because I have the 18" long shank. Nothing I tow needs a 2.5" receiver so I had my reducing sleeve welded in place.
  • FireRob wrote:
    Hello again everyone,


    Should I go back to the dealer and ask for the correct shank so the reducer is not needed or just not worry about it and tow till my little heart is content?


    I assume the adapter will reduce capacity somewhat. if so I would have dealer put the right one one.
    bumpy