3 inch to 2.5 inch reducing sleeve

[jcooper0]

We are looking to upgrade our tow vehicle to a 2021 F250. We can get a 2.5 inch or 3 inch receiver. We have a Reese Dual Cam that has a 2 inch shank and wanted to upgrade the shank for the F250. Reese makes a 2.5 inch shank, but not 3 inch. I called Reese about a 3 inch to 2 inch reducing sleeve. They said, "We don't recommend it." Are there safety issues or other issues with a reducing sleeve? Any recommendations on which receiver to get?

[lsbrodsky]

Not a direct answer to your question. My 2500 came with a 2.5 to 2 reducing sleeve which I used with my hitch, at first. But there was a less than tight fit with some rattle and movement that I envisioned causing some long term issues. So, I just bought a 2.5 shank(stinger) for my hitch.

Larry

[ROBERT CROSS]

I have had no 'safety' concerns with our welded Reese sleeve in our Reese class V receiver.

Bob
🇺🇸

Added benefit...the pin hole wall thickness is doubled.

[BayouBiker]

They don't recommend it due to the extra slop possible as Larry alluded in the two adaptors. If you weld the two together and while you're at it, put a bead on the top and sides then grind them down for a nice fit into the receiver as Bob has done, you will be golden.

[turk123]

I use one of these on my 2.5" receiver. Works great and no welding. I don't believe it is made in a 3" version.

https://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Clamp-A...g-goods&sr=1-3

[tbashin]

You won't ever need a 3" receiver on a 3/4 ton truck. Maybe a few 1 tons might use them for commercial type loads. Not for any RV.

[cwf]

As Bob did. I have not yet. I grease the sleeve which dampens noise and won’t bind.

Some folks will get elongated hitch pinholes when the receiver wall thickness or strength is marginal.

At any rate, go bigger, weld in the sleeve, carry on.

[Sport 16 STL]

Any pin product out there to prevent elongated pin holes? Not there yet but I can see the beginning of one, and I am only pulling a sport 16. Thanks.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by tbashin

You won't ever need a 3" receiver on a 3/4 ton truck. Maybe a few 1 tons might use them for commercial type loads. Not for any RV.

Never say never....You will need it if it's the only well designed receiver available that will transfer the needed weight for your rig... our reason.

Bob
🇺🇸

OEM...... 👎_________________________Reese V👍

[mikeinca]

Originally Posted by jcooper0

We are looking to upgrade our tow vehicle to a 2021 F250. We can get a 2.5 inch or 3 inch receiver. We have a Reese Dual Cam that has a 2 inch shank and wanted to upgrade the shank for the F250. Reese makes a 2.5 inch shank, but not 3 inch. I called Reese about a 3 inch to 2 inch reducing sleeve. They said, "We don't recommend it." Are there safety issues or other issues with a reducing sleeve? Any recommendations on which receiver to get?

Has Ford changed the ordering process for the receiver on the F250? When I got my 2017 there was no option; if you bought an F250 gas you got the 2.5" and if you bought the diesel like mine you got the 3".

Anyway, my diesel does have the 3" and when I ordered an Equalizer hitch I specified the 2.5" stinger which is the largest that they offer. I use it with the 2.5" reducer that Ford supplied and it is a sufficiently snug fit that I've not noticed unusual wear or noise. I have had an issue with a not-quite-long- enough angled locking hitch pin but that's another story and that pin has recently been replaced anyway.

I'd rather not use two reducers for the reasons mentioned by other posters (or any at all if possible) and if it were me I would opt for the 2.5" Reese stinger.

[mikeinca]

Originally Posted by Sport 16 STL

Any pin product out there to prevent elongated pin holes? Not there yet but I can see the beginning of one, and I am only pulling a sport 16. Thanks.

Are you using an angled hitch pin? I found that the "crook" of the angled pin was riding right against my receiver and was beginning to cause some wear. A straight pin should solve the problem if that's your situation. They have a good selection on etrailer.com.

[Hermes]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I have had no 'safety' concerns with our welded Reese sleeve in our Reese class V receiver. Added benefit...the pin hole wall thickness is doubled.

Did the same as Bob, welded the sleeve but the shank still moved a bit within the sleeve, so I had a "Jam Bolt" drilled and welded on top (see photo). The hitch is now rock solid with no movement at all when tightened.

Had the bolt head sized at 15/16" which is the same size as the head of the hot water plastic "bolt" plug, so I can use the same wrench in my tool box when I winterize or de-winterize (which can be more than once per year).

[djbar]

I opted to Keep It Simple and got my 2020 F-250 w/ a 2.5" receiver and then upgraded ed my hitch bar (ProPride stinger) to the 2.5" version. Rock solid; no extra moving pieces.

[Life is a Highway]

Equalizer did not have one for our new F-250. Airstream of Ft Meyers parts found us a solid 3 inch shank. Overnighted it as we were there for the setup and install. It is a very solid well built item. Sorry cannot find a name one it. Maybe the Forums will have more information. I did not want a reducer.

Originally Posted by jcooper0

We are looking to upgrade our tow vehicle to a 2021 F250. We can get a 2.5 inch or 3 inch receiver. We have a Reese Dual Cam that has a 2 inch shank and wanted to upgrade the shank for the F250. Reese makes a 2.5 inch shank, but not 3 inch. I called Reese about a 3 inch to 2 inch reducing sleeve. They said, "We don't recommend it." Are there safety issues or other issues with a reducing sleeve? Any recommendations on which receiver to get?

[tbashin]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Never say never....You will need it if it's the only well designed receiver available that will transfer the needed weight for your rig... our reason.

Bob
🇺🇸

OEM...... 👎_________________________Reese V👍

Bob, I never saw a receiver that small other than on small trucks and cars. What TV did that come off of? Factory hitches that come with 2-1/2" or 3" receivers are plenty strong and similar or bigger than your Reese hitch.