Something interesting with my hitch receiver.

[boondockdad]

I swapped out my OEM chevy receiver, for a Class V Tow Beast.
Has a 2-1/2” box, so I use the reese reducer sleeve on my Hensley stinger.
I used to remove the sleeve, along with the pin, when removing my stinger.
After about 5000 miles, the sleeve no longer slides out.
I’m assuming the sleeve deformed enough to keep it firmly jammed in place.
Actually, I attempted to eject it from behind, by pounding on it with a hammer and length of #5 rebar…. No luck.
So now I just leave it.

[moosetags]

That's very interesting. I would have thought that the reduction sleeve would be made of hardened steel to prevent the distortion that you have experienced. If your were using both 2" and a 2.5" hitch bars for different towing jobs, that would be a major problem. Have you contacted Reese about this?

Brian

[boondockdad]

the sleeve was definitely hardened ( Titan Reducer Sleeve 2-1/2" to 2" 58102 : Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com )... i'm thinking maybe it was the receiver box that deformed... ~16k lbs on the scale... there's a lot of stress right there...

[dbradhstream]

I have the 2 1/2" receiver on my truck and the reducer sleeve but my sleeve fits in the receiver very loosely. I would be surprised if deformation is the cause b/c a Class V hitch shouldn't be doing that. I'd be concerned if it actually is that. Instead, I'm going to guess that since you have a Titan receiver and a Reese sleeve that the two weren't necessarily made to the same specs and don't fit together properly.

Was the sleeve snug from day 1?

In any event, I'd suggest gently heating the receiver tube which might make it expand enough for the sleeve to slide out. Then put a little grease on the sleeve next time (assuming you get it out.)

[yakman]

Originally Posted by dbradhstream

I have the 2 1/2" receiver on my truck and the reducer sleeve but my sleeve fits in the receiver very loosely. I would be surprised if deformation is the cause b/c a Class V hitch shouldn't be doing that. I'd be concerned if it actually is that. Instead, I'm going to guess that since you have a Titan receiver and a Reese sleeve that the two weren't necessarily made to the same specs and don't fit together properly.

Was the sleeve snug from day 1?

In any event, I'd suggest gently heating the receiver tube which might make it expand enough for the sleeve to slide out. Then put a little grease on the sleeve next time (assuming you get it out.)

Oh yeah! A torch and a hammer will solve most any jams!

I like the idea. A torch and a hammer allowed me to get my keyed hitch pin undone this spring. When I remember I try to always travel with one.

yakman

[TomW]

Originally Posted by finalcutjoe

...After about 5000 miles, the sleeve no longer slides out. ...

Do you need to remove it?

Tom

[boondockdad]

no... there really isn't any reason to remove the sleeve... (the hensley's the only equipment) I just thought it was strange that it bent in there...
it was loose, originally... that is, there was a little 'play'-- this also concerned me... I wanted to pick up some hardened steel shims to jam in there

[dwightdi]

If you heat the steel with a torch and any part get above 600F you will be losing some of the heat treat strength. I would not be surprized if the adapter turns out not to be heat treated. A call to the manufacturer's engineering department would expertly answer your question from the person who knows the most about how their equipment is made and how they suggest you use it. I would not just talk to the dealer as he is really not the person in the know.

[Jim Foster]

If you don't want to use too much heat, I would try ice in a zip lock inside the adapter. Might just cool it enough that you could then knock it out. Won't hurt to give it a try.

I have used ice to get new bearings cold so that they will drop into a motorcycle engine case that is at room temp.

You want a difference in temp, and sometimes it doesn't take very much.

Also, you might try tapping it in to get it loose. Like getting a stuck bolt out by tightening it a little first.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Joe,
I think we got our V's at about the same time. I also had to get the sleeve. The shop had forgotten to order the sleeve when I purchased the reciever and offered to weld it for nothing. If you have no need to remove it and it's still in the correct position I would just have it welded. I agree with others, heating is not a good option.

That sucker is really a BEAST, ain't it!!

[boondockdad]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Joe,
I think we got our V's at about the same time. I also had to get the sleeve. The shop had forgotten to order the sleeve when I purchased the reciever and offered to weld it for nothing. If you have no need to remove it and it's still in the correct position I would just have it welded. I agree with others, heating is not a good option.

That sucker is really a BEAST, ain't it!!

no doubt!
i like how the mounting brackets extend a good foot and a half further up the frame, more than the OEM... there's got to be more leverage happening there, eh?

plus, i wanted extra holding goodness, when i bolt on a twin screw supercharger to the burbs 496 cubic inches...