Use a 2.5 to 2 Reducer or Buy a New WDH Shank?

[Duner733]

I just upgraded my Sierra from a 1/2 ton to a 3/4 ton.
My half ton towed my RV just fine.
But the new truck has a slight larger hitch.
I like my current WDH but it only has the 2" hitch.

Thoughts on adding a reducer for the new truck and keep the old WDH?

Or do I have to go into a new WDH even though my current setup is easily within guidelines.

 

[Rene T]

What you probably have is a class 5 hitch. It may be capable of towing up to 20,000 lbs. I have a class 5 on my 2011 Silverado and it came with the adapter you talked about. You would be just fine using your old WDH assembly

 

[John From Detroit]

https://www.amazon.com/hitch-reducer-2-5/s?k=hitch+reducer+2.5+to+2

You may also be able to find one at an RV dealer.

This type of adapter does not reduce hitch capacity. and works very very well.

 

[Joezeppy]

Did you buy it new? If yes, it should have come with the adapter/sleeve so check with your dealer.

 

[ButchW1]

Yea, my 2008 GMC came with the adapter.. Never needed the class 5 ability, so I always used the adapter...
Butch

 

[DutchmenSport]

My 2014 Silverado diesel came with the larger hitch and the reducer. I never took the reducer out and used it for towing several trailers since. The reducer is still "in there". Over time, the holes where the pin slides through everything because deformed and now, the reducer won't come out at all. That's no problem, as I don't have any equipment requiring the larger receiver.

One thing I did notice when the truck was still brand new, the hitch itself had some slop in it, the reducer had some slop in it, and the pin allowed some slop in everything. There was always a constant (slight) banging where all that metal was hitting the pin when pulling forward. In time, the reducer hole warped and now it doesn't do that any more. But, the reducer will probably never come out of the receiver now either.

The good thing is, I NEVER have to worry about someone trying to steal it!

 

[CharlesinGA]

The adapters allow for a lot of movement and the cross pins will eat up the holes. This is becoming a widespread problem with the adapters. Some people have the adapter welded into the receiver.

This thread discusses the issue, on the Air Forum.

Personally I would get a new shank and mount the head on it. I would think the 2500 sits higher than the 1500 so you will have to unbolt the head anyhow and move it down the shank to make the trailer sit level, so its a good time to just swap shanks.

Hitch shanks are rather standard. The vertical portion the head bolts to is always 2 in wide and has the 3/4 holes spaced 1¼ inch center to center. Your only concern is a shank that has enough drop to mount the head and make the trailer level and not be dragging, and the weight capacity of the shank. The one in the attachment is designed to fit a 2½ in receiver and is rated to 22K lbs. You do not need a shank made by the same manufacturer as the hitch. You also want a shank that the horizontal portion that fits the receiver is long enough to put the trailer back to where your tailgate clears the tongue jack.

Charles

 

[TestMule]

My Ram came with the reducer, and I've used it numerous times with no problems.

 

[TheBar]

Apologies to Gr8bawana for topic drift.

 

[Gr8bawana]

What your truck from 50+ years ago came with is completely irrelevant to what the OP was asking.

 

[TheBar]

What your truck from 50+ years ago came with is completely irrelevant to what the OP was asking.

Oh no! I thought the topic was about receivers and hitches.. I have deleted my post.

 

[Derby6]

My Ram came with the reducer, and I've used it numerous times with no problems.

Same here with my fords. Fact my ‘19 and ‘22 are double sleeved. I welded 2 inner sleeves together as it was a pain to line them all up when using 2” system. Lol

 

[TestMule]

Same here with my fords. Fact my ‘19 and ‘22 are double sleeved. I welded 2 inner sleeves together as it was a pain to line them all up when using 2” system. Lol

That's a great idea!

 

[Edd505]

22 F350 3" hitch I now have a couple extra hitches I can't use. I put the 2.5" on craigslist at $20, it's still in my shop.

 

[RayIN]

https://www.amazon.com/hitch-reducer-2-5/s?k=hitch+reducer+2.5+to+2

You may also be able to find one at an RV dealer.

This type of adapter does not reduce hitch capacity. and works very very well.

exactly! What he does not want is an extender reducer, It adds unwanted length.