2.5" hitch to 2" reducer

the sodfather · 12-16-2016, 03:17 PM

My new TV has the 2.5" reciever. It came with the 2.5" to 2" reducer. When my 2" Equalizer hitch is in it, it rattles and has tons of play. Is there some sort of shim kit or ideas out there to tighten up the tollerences? Or do I just roll with it?

hankaye · 12-16-2016, 03:32 PM

the sodfather, Howdy;

Not sure of what exactly you are asking about, got a few pics to clarify?

hankaye

xrated · 12-16-2016, 03:33 PM

You can buy another insert/reducer, but I would probably want to buy it at a brick and mortar store, that way you could maybe take it out to the parking lot and gently slip it in and if it's sloppy also, you are already there to take it back.....or they might even let you take it out there and try it, then come back in and purchase if it fits. Different brand inserts are made slightly smaller/larger.

RLM5150 · 12-16-2016, 04:46 PM

I dealt with the same thing when I upgraded my truck. I decided to replaced the drop shank with a 2.5" and am happy with that decision. I've heard some folks have welded the spacer onto the shank. I haven't heard of any shims to take away the play.

homer3 · 12-16-2016, 04:47 PM

My son bought a new Dodge that also had the 2 1/2" receiver. He to also had the shim insert and did not like the way it fit. He just went down to RV store and bought the male portion of hitch at the 2 1/2 size to go along with original truck configuration. He said he was much more satisfied with this.

**JRTJH** · 12-16-2016, 04:58 PM

Ask and you shall receive. I haven't bought one (too cheap) and I made my own. It works well enough for me, so I'll probably just keep my "Saturday night special"....

Anyway, here's the links to what you need. One of them will fit your situation.

http://www.curtmfg.com/Category/126/Anti-Rattle%20Kits
https://www.genyhitch.com/store/66?g...FUW4wAod37gC-A
https://www.walmart.com/ip/StowAway-...&wl13=&veh=sem

But, as others have said, if I "really REALLY" wanted to just fix it permanently, a 2.5" shank is the way to go. Improved strength, no rattle, but "HEAVY AS HECK" !!!

the sodfather · 12-16-2016, 07:36 PM

All good info. Thanks! Guess I'll be heading to the RV store/Equalizer dealer tomorrow...

xcntrk · 12-17-2016, 05:48 AM

Definitely get a new shank for your trailer WD hitch. Hauling with the adapters sucks. Eventually they'll deform, get stuck in the receiver, and slop/bang with any tongue weight. Upgrade your WD hitch to 2.5" and you'll be happy you did.

the sodfather · 12-19-2016, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcntrk

Definitely get a new shank for your trailer WD hitch. Hauling with the adapters sucks. Eventually they'll deform, get stuck in the receiver, and slop/bang with any tongue weight. Upgrade your WD hitch to 2.5" and you'll be happy you did.

Ya, that's the conclusion I have come to. A little pricey but I think it will be worth it in the long run. Also will be able to use the ol' "hitch don't fit your truck" to my brother when he asks to borrow my camper...

**sourdough** · 12-20-2016, 08:45 AM

I've got the adapter in mine and ironically just had the same thought as the OP 4-5 days ago so I called Equalizer; the maker of my hitch. They told me that the insert was just as strong as the full sized shank; the 14k I have would be just as strong as the 2 1/2 14k but the play would be a nuisance. The only way to resolve would be to buy the full sized shank, although it looks like John may have an interim solution. Haven't made the decision to make the jump yet but after pulling it here to FL and dealing with the clanking I may do sooner rather than later.

66joej · 12-20-2016, 04:10 PM

I agree with the other posts about going with a 2 1/2" slide in hitch. Had an F250 with the larger receiver with the reducer and it did make noise.

CaptnJohn · 12-21-2016, 06:40 AM

I pull a 5er but wondering the noise to come pulling my boat. The F350 has two inserts for a 3"receiver.....

the sodfather · 12-21-2016, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

I've got the adapter in mine and ironically just had the same thought as the OP 4-5 days ago so I called Equalizer; the maker of my hitch. They told me that the insert was just as strong as the full sized shank; the 14k I have would be just as strong as the 2 1/2 14k but the play would be a nuisance. The only way to resolve would be to buy the full sized shank, although it looks like John may have an interim solution. Haven't made the decision to make the jump yet but after pulling it here to FL and dealing with the clanking I may do sooner rather than later.

Local dealer was $200 for the new 2.5" reciever. ETRAILER.COM was $140. No brainer for me.

CWSWine · 12-21-2016, 01:52 PM

I tow a trailer less than 100 miles per year bring my grand kids stuff to college. What I did took a paint stir stick and forced into the gap and broke it off. Worked great for U-Haul trailer for 100 mile round trip.

**sourdough** · 12-21-2016, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the sodfather

Local dealer was $200 for the new 2.5" reciever. ETRAILER.COM was $140. No brainer for me.

Yes, buying a new shank from the "dealer" isn't the cheapest way to go. When I had to upgrade to a longer drop shank I believe I paid over $200 at the dealership. I think (if my memory is holding up

) that I saw the 2 1/2" Equalizer shanks on etrailer for about 140-150.

the sodfather · 12-21-2016, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWSWine

I tow a trailer less than 100 miles per year bring my grand kids stuff to college. What I did took a paint stir stick and forced into the gap and broke it off. Worked great for U-Haul trailer for 100 mile round trip.

Ya, for a little Uhaul, that's probably fine. When you put 7,500 lbs of bumper pull TT behind for a few 100 miles each trip out, that stick becomes sawdust. Ask me how I know...

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