Forum Discussion

PacNWChris's avatar
PacNWChris
Explorer
Mar 19, 2015

ProPride 2" vs. 2.5" Hitch Bar

I have the ProPride hitch for my setup (see below) and when I originally ordered it, I didn't think to specify the larger 2.5" hitch bar that my truck has. So, I've been using the 2" bar it came with and the hitch adapter sleeve.

Everything is perfectly fine, but I for some reason I like the idea of using the larger bar and not having to screw around with the adapter sleeve (not to mention the higher capacity). Any thoughts on if it would just be a waste of money to buy the larger bar, or ideas on what I'd do with the smaller bar if I did get the bigger one?

I messaged ProPride in late-December and haven't heard back. :(
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Mar 25, 2015
    PacNWChris wrote:


    Question: On the 2 inch (without the adapter) do you know:

    What is your max tongue weight?

    What is your max tow rating?



    I'm thinking about getting a Propride and enjoy your posts about your hitch adventures. I dislike the Columbia river bridge east of Vantage. The sign that says "subject to sever wind" or words to that effect. And have you noticed the little orange wind sock on top of bridge?



    Since my tow bar has a 2.5" receiver, I can't use my 2" ProPride hitch bar without the adapter. The max tongue weight is 600# more and the max tow rating is 6,000# more with a 2.5" tow bar and no adapter.

    The ProPride is - hands down - awesome. I have had a bit of trouble getting replies from the company a couple of times, but the product is really great. Here is my only caveat: if anyone says you won't feel wind AT ALL, they are full of it. I mean, you're towing a 20 or 30 foot (or more) box/wind sail ... you CAN tell if there are really strong cross winds. (Honestly, when you're driving a small car you can feel the wind for crying out loud!) What's amazing is that I've never felt like the back end of the truck is being pulled out of line. You don't have to make corrections while driving when it's windy. It's so stable and solid; I've watched it in the side mirror and can see it tracking straight and true. I've driven through some really open areas in Idaho, Montana, and Utah and feel totally confident in the hitch. It's not cheap ... but what's safety and peace-of-mind worth?


    Thanks
  • PacNWChris's avatar
    PacNWChris
    Explorer
    Mar 25, 2015


    Question: On the 2 inch (without the adapter) do you know:

    What is your max tongue weight?

    What is your max tow rating?



    I'm thinking about getting a Propride and enjoy your posts about your hitch adventures. I dislike the Columbia river bridge east of Vantage. The sign that says "subject to sever wind" or words to that effect. And have you noticed the little orange wind sock on top of bridge?



    Since my tow bar has a 2.5" receiver, I can't use my 2" ProPride hitch bar without the adapter. The max tongue weight is 600# more and the max tow rating is 6,000# more with a 2.5" tow bar and no adapter.

    The ProPride is - hands down - awesome. I have had a bit of trouble getting replies from the company a couple of times, but the product is really great. Here is my only caveat: if anyone says you won't feel wind AT ALL, they are full of it. I mean, you're towing a 20 or 30 foot (or more) box/wind sail ... you CAN tell if there are really strong cross winds. (Honestly, when you're driving a small car you can feel the wind for crying out loud!) What's amazing is that I've never felt like the back end of the truck is being pulled out of line. You don't have to make corrections while driving when it's windy. It's so stable and solid; I've watched it in the side mirror and can see it tracking straight and true. I've driven through some really open areas in Idaho, Montana, and Utah and feel totally confident in the hitch. It's not cheap ... but what's safety and peace-of-mind worth?
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2015
    PacNWChris

    Mine DOES have different ratings according to the label on the draw bar.

    With the adapter (ie. 2"), the maximum tow rating with weight distribution is 12,500 and a tongue weight of 1,250.

    Without the adapter (ie. 2.5"), the max tow rating is 18,500 with weight distribution and a 1,850 tongue weight.


    Question: On the 2 inch (without the adapter) do you know:

    What is your max tongue weight?

    What is your max tow rating?



    I'm thinking about getting a Propride and enjoy your posts about your hitch adventures. I dislike the Columbia river bridge east of Vantage. The sign that says "subject to sever wind" or words to that effect. And have you noticed the little orange wind sock on top of bridge?
  • Jframpey's avatar
    Jframpey
    Explorer
    Mar 20, 2015
    I have the ProPride with the 2.5" adapter...

    - it's one heavy hitch
    + it cuts down on the "slop" in the hitch
    - what if I want to tow the trailer with another vehicle with only a 2" receiver
    + my receiver is rated higher with the 2.5" (Class V?)

    It hasn't come up yet but the biggest drawback I've thought of is the need to tow with another vehicle with only a 2" receiver.
  • PacNWChris's avatar
    PacNWChris
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2015
    Huntindog wrote:


    OP: Most drawbars that I have seen are rated the same in the 2:" and 2.5" version. So in most cases there is no advantage of the 2.5" one. In fact the 2" may be better as it can be used in any 2" receiver if needed in a pinch.


    Mine DOES have different ratings according to the label on the draw bar.

    With the adapter (ie. 2"), the maximum tow rating with weight distribution is 12,500 and a tongue weight of 1,250.

    Without the adapter (ie. 2.5"), the max tow rating is 18,500 with weight distribution and a 1,850 tongue weight.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2015
    Huntindog wrote:
    Lynnmor wrote:
    There have been some reports of the hitch pin bending when using the adapter.

    This makes no sense at all. I have my adaptor held in place semi permanently with a bracket I made. So I never have to mess with it at all. But I still can use it as a 2" if need be. I tow heavy and often on rough roads. My hitch pin has not bent. I can't see how it could make any difference at all. Maybe some are using cheap hitch pins.

    Got any links to these reports?


    OP: Most drawbars that I have seen are rated the same in the 2:" and 2.5" version. So in most cases there is no advantage of the 2.5" one. In fact the 2" may be better as it can be used in any 2" receiver if needed in a pinch.


    Bent pins

    It makes perfect sense. That sleeve just floats and the pin is supported with a gap of 1/4 inch. That gap might as well be air because the sleeve is only a locator and supports nothing in the front to rear direction.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2015
    Lynnmor wrote:
    There have been some reports of the hitch pin bending when using the adapter.

    This makes no sense at all. I have my adaptor held in place semi permanently with a bracket I made. So I never have to mess with it at all. But I still can use it as a 2" if need be. I tow heavy and often on rough roads. My hitch pin has not bent. I can't see how it could make any difference at all. Maybe some are using cheap hitch pins.

    Got any links to these reports?


    OP: Most drawbars that I have seen are rated the same in the 2:" and 2.5" version. So in most cases there is no advantage of the 2.5" one. In fact the 2" may be better as it can be used in any 2" receiver if needed in a pinch.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Mar 19, 2015
    There have been some reports of the hitch pin bending when using the adapter.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 21, 2025