wd hitch and 2 1/2 to 2 inch reciever

[tuvok42]

I just bought a 2012 Ford 350 6.7 cc short bed. I'm renting a 26ft tt in oct. The owner says he usually lets his renters use his weigh distribution hitch. My truck has a 2 1/2 inch receiver. So I go to the local pep boys and buy a 2 inch adaptor. Can I use this because the adaptor clearly states not to be used with weigh distribution hitch. Can I get away without it. I'm traveling about 150 miles Philly to rehobeth de and back.

[Vintage465]

For 150 miles, long as the sleeve is steel, I would use it with the weight distributing hitch. I wouldn't tow the trailer for 150 miles without a weight distributing hitch if it is right there to use. And yes, you would notice the difference of it pounding on the rear axle of your truck. When the trailer weight goes down on the rear axle, guess what happens to the weight on the front axle of your truck..................towing a trailer more than 20 feet without a weight distributing hitch us unwise whether the truck is a one ton or not............in my opinion

[bobndot]

dry wt 475 .
That's about what my Jayflight 23 RB says. I have a Sherline TW scale that I usually use. My lightest tw was 730# up to 850# depending on my load under my island bed and that's carrying only 15 gals water in front of the axles.
I'm using one grp 27 wet cell at this time.
When I tote 2 bikes on my tt tongue bike rack, it adds another 100#.

[keymastr]

Not all sleeves are made from the same material. The sleeve that came with my bike rack is made of Delrin plastic. If it says no weight distribution then maybe it is too soft.

Look under the rear seats or wherever they store the jack in your truck to see if you already have the factory sleeve.

[daystrom]

^^^ same for me.

There is a little bit of slop but have had no problems with my Equal-i-zer brand. Tows great with it.

[RoyBell]

I use my OEM one on my Ram. I would had liked to gotten a 2.5" shank, but could not find one with my WDH setup in the proper drop with 2.5"

[SouthpawHD]

I have seen many previous discussions about this, some sleeve manufacturers say not to use with WD hitches, but same do not warn against it. So you will need to check around (like E-Trailer that has been suggested) to determine which ones can or cannot be used.

I have used my OEM sleeve with no problems and no slop.

[tuvok42]

First of all, thanks so much for the information from everyone. The tt i'm renting is a Jayco 26bh gvwr at 7000lb dry hitch 475lb. From what's been posted i could skip the wdh and be ok. As we start to do more and more trips we'll have to invest in the proper shank and wdh. again thanks

[kep5niner]

It's not the sleeve that's the limiting factor, the OEM CL V hitch on my 250 reads the same warning when using the sleeve. You can get the WDH draw bar at 2-1/2" to overcome this limitation. As a matter of fact, since purchasing my fifth wheel, my 10k Equalizer WDH w/ 2-1/2" draw bar has just been sitting in my garage... PM if interested!

[3oaks]

I would purchase the correct sleeve from a Ford dealer or a RV parts store, Etrailer, etc. or better yet, purchase a 2 1/2" shank.

[hbrady]

Lots of people use a sleeve and WD hitch without issue. I chose to buy a new shank just so there would be a little less 'slop'.

[wanderingbob]

A sleeve is a sleeve . How much difference could it make . Warnings like that are to prevent law suits ! IMHO

[DutchmenSport]

I suggest you use the WD system and just don't assume you don't need it. Better to have it. You're on the right track. Go with your plan and be safe!

Sounds like you purchased your truck used, in which case it makes sense the sleeve is missing. I would not advise using the sleeve that you purchased if it says do not use with WD. Go to your local Ford Dealership and buy the correct one. You will need it again in the future, guarantee it!

[APT]

I would probably not use the WDH, like use the adapter with the shank, but not the WD bars. You have plenty of truck weight and suspension where losing 250 pounds off the front axle will be unnoticeable.

[ChooChooMan74]

I am surprised your ford didn't come with a reducing sleeve. Anyways, you would probably be safe, but maybe look for another sleeve that doesn't say that. There is a good amount to offer at eTrailer.com. Do you even need a WDH with this trailer? You do have a 1 ton and how big is this trailer?