2011 2.5" Receiver
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx
Yes sir, You are correct. 2.5 is standard and 2" is optional.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I took possession of my order-built 2011 F-250 on May 6 and it came with a 2-1/2 to 2" adapter.
If yours did not, get the one from Ford. I've read the Ford hitch has rounded corners and most adapters have square corners, so they don't fit.
Happened to be in the parts department. They said mine came with the adapter because it's a King Ranch.
If yours did not, get the one from Ford. I've read the Ford hitch has rounded corners and most adapters have square corners, so they don't fit.
Happened to be in the parts department. They said mine came with the adapter because it's a King Ranch.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I didn't even know to look for one when I bought mine, thankfully the adapter was there in the receiver itself. I priced the 2-1/2" bar this weekend, decided to NOT pay $70 for it and went with the standard 2" instead. Pulled my horse trailer yesterday without issue.
Oh, and you have to shop to find the hitch locks long enough for the 2-1/2'ers too. Found one at my local horse trailer sales lot, the same (and only) place that had the 2-1/2' bar.
Oh, and you have to shop to find the hitch locks long enough for the 2-1/2'ers too. Found one at my local horse trailer sales lot, the same (and only) place that had the 2-1/2' bar.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 538
Likes: 45
From: Lansing, MI
2.5" vs 2" has nothing to do with standard or optional or 250 or 350. It's based on a few things including but not limited too wheelbase.
From the ordering guide:
12.5K Built Ford Tough® Trailer Hitch Receiver
Includes 2" trailer hitch (N/A diesel w/156", 158" or 172" WB)
F-250 and F-350 SRW models
14K Built Ford Tough® Trailer Hitch Receiver
Includes 2.5" trailer hitch
F-250/F-350 SRW Diesel (156", 158", & 172" Wheel Bases)
15K Built Ford Tough® Trailer Hitch Receiver
Includes 2.5" trailer hitch
F350 DRW Gas and Diesel Wheel Bases except 172"
16K Built Ford Tough® Trailer Hitch Receiver
Includes 2.5" trailer hitch
F-350 DRW 172" Wheel Base Diesel and F-450
I have a 142" wheelbase F350 6.7 and got the 2" hitch.
From the ordering guide:
12.5K Built Ford Tough® Trailer Hitch Receiver
Includes 2" trailer hitch (N/A diesel w/156", 158" or 172" WB)
F-250 and F-350 SRW models
14K Built Ford Tough® Trailer Hitch Receiver
Includes 2.5" trailer hitch
F-250/F-350 SRW Diesel (156", 158", & 172" Wheel Bases)
15K Built Ford Tough® Trailer Hitch Receiver
Includes 2.5" trailer hitch
F350 DRW Gas and Diesel Wheel Bases except 172"
16K Built Ford Tough® Trailer Hitch Receiver
Includes 2.5" trailer hitch
F-350 DRW 172" Wheel Base Diesel and F-450
I have a 142" wheelbase F350 6.7 and got the 2" hitch.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 11
From: Central NJ
You also mentioned adjustable. I have a B/W tow and stow as I have 5 trailers and LOVE it. They may make it with the 2.5" check it out.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 4,223
From: Kaysville Utah
The problem with the B&W Tow and Stow is that it is only rated to 10,000 lbs, Why buy it and place it in a hitch rated for 15,000lbs?
My skid loader or mini Excavator loaded on an equipement trailer will exceed the 10,000lbs. My equipment trailer and my dump trailer are both rated at 14,000lbs. It's almost impossible to find an adjustable hitch that goes that high, If you are towing this kind of equipment, you will need to purchase a fixed hitch to get the rating.
My skid loader or mini Excavator loaded on an equipement trailer will exceed the 10,000lbs. My equipment trailer and my dump trailer are both rated at 14,000lbs. It's almost impossible to find an adjustable hitch that goes that high, If you are towing this kind of equipment, you will need to purchase a fixed hitch to get the rating.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 11
From: Central NJ
The problem with the B&W Tow and Stow is that it is only rated to 10,000 lbs, Why buy it and place it in a hitch rated for 15,000lbs?
My skid loader or mini Excavator loaded on an equipement trailer will exceed the 10,000lbs. My equipment trailer and my dump trailer are both rated at 14,000lbs. It's almost impossible to find an adjustable hitch that goes that high, If you are towing this kind of equipment, you will need to purchase a fixed hitch to get the rating.
My skid loader or mini Excavator loaded on an equipement trailer will exceed the 10,000lbs. My equipment trailer and my dump trailer are both rated at 14,000lbs. It's almost impossible to find an adjustable hitch that goes that high, If you are towing this kind of equipment, you will need to purchase a fixed hitch to get the rating.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 54
Most trailers properly set up for 10k+ should have a weight distributing hitch. Enclosed box trailers will usually have the studs welded to the tongue at 7k and all but the smallest travel trailers/campers will have them too. These take more care to set up than just matching height - you have to torque the levers in addition to getting the ball height correct.
I have the 2.5" hitch, since my truck is a SRW I have the 14k receiver I take it. I never looked at it and it will pull anything I'll ever hook to it, I find it a bit of a pain that it isn't a 2" but if they are going for heavier ratings I guess thats what you have to do. I can't find a good lock for a 2.5" receiver therefore I keep all my drawbars locked up in the bed.
I have the 2.5" hitch, since my truck is a SRW I have the 14k receiver I take it. I never looked at it and it will pull anything I'll ever hook to it, I find it a bit of a pain that it isn't a 2" but if they are going for heavier ratings I guess thats what you have to do. I can't find a good lock for a 2.5" receiver therefore I keep all my drawbars locked up in the bed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,217
Likes: 4,223
From: Kaysville Utah
I didn't even look at adjustables. I bought a fixed drawbar and ball that has 13,000lb rating. Thats the best I could find. I haven't felt like I needed any king of equalizer for the type of trailers I tow. They tag along just fine.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Battle Creek, MI
I am surprised that B&W has not come out with a 2.5" ball mount.....and the one from DT has what looks like a sleeve around it, so it is not a true 2.5". With all of the trucks that are sold now with a 2.5" hitch, it sure seems like the accessories are running behind.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,865
Likes: 34
From: Annandale, VA
It really is sad how slow the aftermarket is to meeting this demand.
Look for a 2.5 weight distribution hitch and you'll find some expensive solutions too....very few and very expensive...
Look for a 2.5 weight distribution hitch and you'll find some expensive solutions too....very few and very expensive...