2.5 vs 2 inch hitch

[77domer]

Just purchased a 2019 30’ classic and traded f150 for. 19 Ram 2500. My blue ox hitch is a 2” model, the receiver is a 2.5”. I can get a reducing sleeve but before I do is there any reason to switch the hitch to 2.5? The tongue wt of the classic is listed at 851 and the 2” blue ox is rated to 1500 lbs.

[out of sight]

Some people have complained that the reducing sleeve rattles, moves and wears out the pinhole.

BTW if you have a new RAM they provide a reducing sleeve. I found mine stored underneath the rear seat.

[SilverWind]

I use a 2.5 inch ball mount on my RAM 2500. I found that the 2 inch to 2.5 inch adapter had too much play especially with my RockTamers. I also use an anti-rattle hitch pin which pretty much eliminate all play.

Also, I've read that the adapter reduces towing capacity.

[majorairhead]

Ford F250 here, however, I went with a 2.5 inch shank to eliminate the sleeve. The 2.5 inch shank in to that 2.5 inch hitch receiver is nothing short of heavy duty.

[CRH]

I have a Ford with a 2.5". I use a 2" shank, a Ford brand reducer, and an anti-rattle clamp. Its rock solid.

[turk123]

Everyone seems to have this problem. I went to a 2.5" shank to eliminate the adapter and still had some slop. This item solves the problem with or without the adapter and is very inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One note: this may not work on some new Ram trucks. The chain hook holes interfere with putting this on. I will get a picture of this problem as my neighbor here drives one.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The 2" shank has a lower rating than the 2.5". When you drop down, you reduce accordingly. The "best" thing is to go spend $500 on a nice new 2.5" shank. Then you have crazy large capacity. You don't *need* that capacity, but you can have it ....

One fairly simple solution is to glue the reducer to the shank of the hitch you have now. Epoxy will do the trick. Line things up carefully while it still is wet. Make *very* sure it is dry before you put it back on the truck. If some dribbles into the hole for the retaining pin, it will drill out. That does not take care of the reducer vs truck slop. It does eliminate loosing the reducer if you pull the hitch regularly.

Bob

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by 77domer

Just purchased a 2019 30’ classic and traded f150 for. 19 Ram 2500. My blue ox hitch is a 2” model, the receiver is a 2.5”. I can get a reducing sleeve but before I do is there any reason to switch the hitch to 2.5? The tongue wt of the classic is listed at 851 and the 2” blue ox is rated to 1500 lbs.

..if you go to 2.5” you will have less slop....using the 2” with adapter you have more slop...

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by 77domer

Just purchased a 2019 30’ classic and traded f150 for. 19 Ram 2500. My blue ox hitch is a 2” model, the receiver is a 2.5”. I can get a reducing sleeve but before I do is there any reason to switch the hitch to 2.5? The tongue wt of the classic is listed at 851 and the 2” blue ox is rated to 1500 lbs.

Try the adapter. If you like it, use it. IMO, no reason to waste money.
When I had a Silverado 2500 I used the reducing adapter towing a 34'. I had no issues at all.

[77domer]

Thanks for all the info and Happy Thanksgiving

[jimfa440]

I agree with others, use the 2" adapter. My 30" has a 820# tongue weight and I use a 2" hitch.

[oldenavy]

We use an extension adapter on our Ram 2500. It allows the tailgate to go down with trailer hitched up. The 2.5” shank that came with hitch was too short. Also use grade 8 bolts instead of hitch pins and no slop at all. Took some searching to get adapter with proper weight rating.

[Life is a Highway]

When we traded our F-150 for the F-250 SuperDuty we elected to get the larger hitch shank. There is way to much slop as it is with a Ford Hitch did not want to play the reducer game each time I installed the hitch shank.

Happy Thanksgiving All-

[SilverWind]

I've used a variety of anti-rattle devices over the years. This anti-rattle hitch pin is hands down the best solution that I've tried. Works with both 2.5 and 2 inch ball mounts.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[jeffmc306]

Hi 77domer,

I was in the same situation, moved up from 1500 to 2500 Ram and decided to get a Curt 2.5” drop shank. It’s nice and tight!

I just cut the last two holes off since I didn’t need it. The photo below is before I shortened it up.

Good luck and welcome to the forums and Airstream community!
Jeff

[sheriff1]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Hi 77domer,



I was in the same situation, moved up from 1500 to 2500 Ram and decided to get a Curt 2.5” drop shank. It’s nice and tight!



I just cut the last two holes off since I didn’t need it. The photo below is before I shortened it up.



Good luck and welcome to the forums and Airstream community!

Jeff

Went with the 2 1/2” for the pro Pride hitch, great improvement.

[Mhphhoward]

if the receiver is loose/sloppy, wedge in several pennies till it's tight. When it loosens up again, and it will after a season or two, a few more pennies. It works and its cheap.

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by 77domer

Just purchased a 2019 30’ classic and traded f150 for. 19 Ram 2500. My blue ox hitch is a 2” model, the receiver is a 2.5”. I can get a reducing sleeve but before I do is there any reason to switch the hitch to 2.5? The tongue wt of the classic is listed at 851 and the 2” blue ox is rated to 1500 lbs.

Have a welding shop allign and weld the sleeve in place. Problem solved.
And no using the sleeve doesn't reduce towing capacity.

[cicho69]

Originally Posted by franklyfrank

Have a welding shop allign and weld the sleeve in place. Problem solved.
And no using the sleeve doesn't reduce towing capacity.

This Winter I'm stick welding 4 pcs of 5/16" cold rolled around the 2", then taking into a shop to mill the unit to a tolerance fitting the 2-1/2" nicely.

[tbashin]

My F350 has a 3” receiver. 2 adapters came with it. A 3” to 2-1/2” and a 2-1/2” to 2”. Double slop.