Using a 2.5 to 2 Inch Hitch Reducer Sleeve

[TX First Timer]

I traded my 1500 Ram for 2500 Ram and new truck has 2.5 inch hitch receiver and my TT and old truck were 2 inches. I've been told I can get a hitch reducer sleeve(not sure if correct term?) for 29 foot TT. What are the opinions on this? We don't camp too far yet and no where near full time. Just some weekend warriors when time allows.
Thanks in advance.

 

[rtrainer]

I have a GMC 3500 and the sleeve came with the truck. Not really sure what the alternative is.

 

[msw3113]

I wouldn't dare to tow with the wrong receiver size. eTrailer has one here

 

[TX First Timer]

Thanks. I was wondering if I needed to take my truck to dealership, or elsewhere and have them replace whole thing to reflect 2 inches. I was thinking that would be the only other option. Just thinking for safety and $$ reasons. Assuming it will definitely be cheaper to get a sleeve than have someone replace whole tow package.
Thanks again for reply.

 

[gwinger]

Thanks. I was wondering if I needed to take my truck to dealership, or elsewhere and have them replace whole thing to reflect 2 inches. I was thinking that would be the only other option. Just thinking for safety and $$ reasons. Assuming it will definitely be cheaper to get a sleeve than have someone replace whole tow package.
Thanks again for reply.

Just make sure you apply grease to the outside of the sleeve. If not it will rust in place.

 

[Rene T]

You should be able to go to an auto parts store like NAPA and pick one up. It is part of a class 5 hitch. Amazon has them. Just do a search for class 5 hitch sleeve. Reduces from 2 1/2” to 2”. They cost about $23.00

 

[TX First Timer]

Thanks all. Just wanted to make sure that was a safe bet and not have to re-do the entire setup on new truck.

 

[Rene T]

If your Ram is brand new, you should have had a reducer come with it. Contact the dealer

 

[Ex-Calif]

Just playing devil's advocate here. If a hitch has a 2 1/2 inch reciever wouldn't you want a 2 1/2 inch bar to achieve maximum capability?

Obviously if you can pull a 29 footer with 2 inches fine. But what if later you hook up 14,000 pounds or whatever...

 

[DutchmenSport]

My 2014 Chevy Silverado Dually (in my signature block below) came new with the reducer sleave in it. I towed a 31 foot Springdale travel trailer with weight distribution (2 inch shank) with no issues at all. I then got an Outback TT and used the same WD hitch system. The Outback was 35 feet long.

By the time I got the Outback, my original Reese system (with the chains on the end of the spring bars) was aging. The heavier trailer actually bent the hitch (not the receiver). I ended up getting an Equal-i-zer hitch with the same 2 inch shank. Never had issues towing.

I did notice that the sleave had some "slop" in it. In addition to the hitch shank having slight movement, the sleave also had some movement. What eventually happened was, the hole the pin passes through wore, allowing even more forward and backward movement of the shank. And the holes were bent up enough, I could not remove the reducer. Rust was never a problem, the reducer always moved freely. It was the bent metal around the hole that prevented it from being pulled out. So, actually, that was no problem as I've never had a 2 1/2 inch shank hitch. I eventually switched to a fifth wheel trailer, and use the bumper pull hitch now, only for my utility trailer. The reducer works perfectly fine for my utility trailer, even with the out of round holes. The sleave never comes out. No need to remove it.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Just playing devil's advocate here. If a hitch has a 2 1/2 inch reciever wouldn't you want a 2 1/2 inch bar to achieve maximum capability?

Perhaps eventually, but he already has a 2" ball mount (and maybe WD and antisway) that is perfectly adequate. Since the adapter/sleeve is inexpensive and a new ball mount & WD is not, why spend the extra $$ until needed?

 

[Derby6]

See my post #12 here

 

[Kirk]

Just playing devil's advocate here. If a hitch has a 2 1/2 inch reciever wouldn't you want a 2 1/2 inch bar to achieve maximum capability?

2,5 inch ball mount

2.5 to 2" receiver reducer

 

[joerone]

I have a GMC Sierra 3500 and use the 2 1/2" - 2" reeducer sleeve and it works perfectly...no issues

 

[TX First Timer]

Thanks all.

 

[Jerzey]

I purchased a new 29’ TT. I had a Blue Ox put on as well. When they installed the BO, they also sold me the narrower sleeve,$30, to confirm to 2”. Later that week, I found a factory provided sleeve under my rear ( crew cab) seat( LOL!) . Take a peek under your new truck seats and hide away compartments

 

[NotFriendly]

Ram stopped including the sleeve. You can buy one via Mopar. Aftermarket sleeves are hard to get the holes to match up. I went through several and returned them and just bought the Mopar sleeve. It's stupid but I'm sure some bean counter somewhere was involved. I've pulled my 2012 36', 8500# Jayco rig for 15 years among other dump trailers etc, with the many different 2500 ram trucks I've owned. Buy the sleeve and move on. It's rated appropriately for it.

 

[TX First Timer]

Ok here's what I got. Haven't tried with TT yet but it doesn't fit exactly snug but assuming that's ok?

 

[Derby6]

Yea there is some play—it’ll be fine. I find it easiest to store the sleeve(s) in the hitch even when not in use. So I use a locking pin so no one can steal my sleeve when empty or hitch when in.

 

[TX First Timer]

Thanks Derby