When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Had 2 previous diesel super duties and used regular hitches. The trailers are heavy duty. Now have a 350 dually diesel with a 3"? Hitch. It has the reducers shoo I could use the same hitches that I have been using.
Should I get a new hitch for the receiver that would be heavier? Or is it not really heavier, just bigger? I've seen guys talking about Anderson and other hitches and would get that if it helps. Thanks in advance
There will be a ridiculous amount of play & noise with a 2” hitch insert & both adapters. Get one of the 3” hitches & you’ll be a lot happier. I got the 3” Weigh Safe 8” drop without the scale. Not cheap, but a very nice hitch.
They have guys doing what your asking about using the reducers. But if pulling heavy trailers you will bend your hitch pin because it's pulling, jerking and stopping from closer towards the center of the pin and not near the receiver. So if you do inspect your hitch pin often.
If I would do it I would make a sleeve to go over and heavenly JB Weld them together so no slippage/movement and Weld the non working end. Don't want to change the temper from welding.
I had a B&W adjustable that bent, as well as the 2.5" sleeve with a load of about 8-9000 pounds - I had to hammer the reducer out. After that, I bought a Gen-Y and never looked back. This model also comes in a 3" shank.
Using the sleeves is no different that not using them and letting it slop around. Very lite loads should be ok but if I was to pull any weight get one that fits or you will bend pins.
Using the sleeves is no different that not using them and letting it slop around. Very lite loads should be ok but if I was to pull any weight get one that fits or you will bend pins.
Hear what you're saying about possibly bending pins, but I've been doing this for 20 years with regular pins, tsc specials, and never had a problem. Total trailer weight can be 20,000 pounds.
One of the hitches, can't remember which one, actually bends underneath truck to reduce truck length when not in use. Truck barely fits in garage anyway. May look into this one.
Another question. Class V - is this the heaviest hitch? When a Hitch says 10000, 12000 etc., is this total weight of trailer the hitch is supposed to handle? Trailer weight will be 20,000 at times. Short trips, 5-10 miles usually.
The B&W Tow and Stow is what I went with. It has the 3" shank and is rated to tow 21,000(if i remember the stats correctly). When not in use you can pull two pins, flip the ball to the other side of the hitch, and re-pin it to save both room and shins. If I'm not mistaken you can do the same with the weigh safe as well. I went, originally, with the B&W simply because I've used many B&W hitches in the past and have had great luck with them
My 2018 F350 SRW has a 2.5 inch hitch. Im running a 2 inch hitch shank with the reducer and unfortunately there is a ton of play. I'll probably be looking for a 2.5 inch weight distributing shank very shortly!
If I'm not mistaken you can do the same with the weigh safe as well. I went, originally, with the B&W simply because I've used many B&W hitches in the past and have had great luck with them
I don't think that is possible on the 3" shanked weigh safe, the 2.5" Is supposed to be stowable though. I ordered the 3"x 8" weigh safe 180 hitch and plan on just removing the ball mount portion and storing it in a pelican case under the seat.
Hear what you're saying about possibly bending pins, but I've been doing this for 20 years with regular pins, tsc specials, and never had a problem. Total trailer weight can be 20,000 pounds.
One of the hitches, can't remember which one, actually bends underneath truck to reduce truck length when not in use. Truck barely fits in garage anyway. May look into this one.
Another question. Class V - is this the heaviest hitch? When a Hitch says 10000, 12000 etc., is this total weight of trailer the hitch is supposed to handle? Trailer weight will be 20,000 at times. Short trips, 5-10 miles usually.
Theyre talking about bending pins because of the 2” shank inside the 3” receiver. The pull is now a half inch away from the receiver walls on either side because the shank is only 2” wide so the weight isn’t distributed correctly across the pin. You’ve been doing this for 20 years but you’ve never done it with a receiver that’s an inch bigger than the shank on your ball mount. This is what I use. It’s simple and heavy....... just like me!
I am throwing away my factory receiver hitch and installing a good ol' 2” receiver hitch from etrailer a B&W model rated for 16,000 lbs
No sleeves to mess with and works with the numerous 2" ball mounts and Moto and bike haulers I already own. $235
Last edited by MBuckholz; Apr 9, 2018 at 06:49 AM.
Reason: Correction
Theyre talking about bending pins because of the 2” shank inside the 3” receiver. The pull is now a half inch away from the receiver walls on either side because the shank is only 2” wide so the weight isn’t distributed correctly across the pin. You’ve been doing this for 20 years but you’ve never done it with a receiver that’s an inch bigger than the shank on your ball mount. This is what I use. It’s simple and heavy....... just like me!
I am throwing away my factory receiver hitch and installing a good ol' 2” receiver hitch from etrailer a B&W model rated for 16,000 lbs
No sleeves to mess with and works with the numerous 2" ball mounts and Moto and bike haulers I already own. $235
That is the same price as the 21,000 lb rated 3" shank 8" drop weigh safe 180 hitch, with no labor needed.
That is the same price as the 21,000 lb rated 3" shank 8" drop weigh safe 180 hitch, with no labor needed.
Do what you want though its America!
I think you misunderstood my plan. No need for a 2.5 or 3" receiver hitch on a 6.2 F350 when I can pop on a 2" Receiver hitch for minimal work and cost, and use the following 2" gear I have accumulated over the years:
4 ball mounts with various ***** and drops
1 drawtite equalizer hitch for towing my 10k TT
1 versahaul motorcycle carrier
1 Kuat MTB carrier
1 Six-Up recon rack bike hauler
1 BB hitch rack
I can't be the only one out here that has a large investment of 2" stuff that hates the idea of sleeves and larger receiver hitch recepticles when they provide no benifit unless you are towing above 16K pounds.
Last edited by MBuckholz; Apr 9, 2018 at 10:11 AM.
Reason: Spelling
