2.5 inch receiver - reducer sleeve

[Sled Idaho]

We just upgraded to a 2011 GMC 2500HD, 6.0L gasser, which came with a 2.5 inch receiver. Previous F150 had the 2 inch. Our adjustable height hitch is made for 2 inch. Our trailer is a mirage 3-place enclosed, which we use to haul our Can-Am Commander in the summer. Max gross weight likely won't exceed 7,000 lbs with this setup. Hitch we have now is rated for 14,000 lbs with 2 5/16 ball.

What are people's experiences with using a 2.5 to 2.0 inch reducer sleeve for the receiver on a setup like this? I'm trying to decide whether to go with the reducer sleeve or just spend $$$ on a new 2.5 inch hitch.

 

[LoudHandle]

We have the sleeves on all of our work trucks and they work fine. We do not put many highway miles on them though. The majority is stop and go around the terminal facility and adjoining facilities we are responsible for. I have not noticed any annoying slop / banging from them and I shim my personal hitches with UHMW to alleviate those sort of annoyances. With the sleeve you could use one of the coiled kiddy sleds to take the slop out, if yours is a bit loose. The sleeves are cheap, try it first. You can always buy the new hitch if you find it annoying. FWIW

 

[NDFARMER95]

I use the sleeve on a 9" adjustable B&W. Probably pulled close to 15k with it and never had an issue. I have a little slop with light loads but overall I don't think it's anything to worry about. I'd be more worried about the strength of you receiver hitch itself. They've been known to bend and twist. Knock on wood, I haven't had any problems yet.

 

[milehighassassin]

Sleeve is no problem. I know a few guys that have tack welded the reducer sleeve to the hitch so they don't forget about it when not in use and it fall out.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I lost my first one in my '11 Duramax. The sleeve is black and so is the receiver. So when you take the hitch out, don't forget the sleeve! I ended up going to a 2.5" hitch so I don't have this problem. But if you already have several 2" hitch setups, I can see where you want the sleeve. I think it's thick enough steel that not a lot will be lost in towing with one.

 

[Sled Idaho]

Thanks all, everyone that replied was really helpful in making the decision to go with the sleeve. I really appreciate it.

Scott

 

[Sled Idaho]

We have the sleeves on all of our work trucks and they work fine. We do not put many highway miles on them though. The majority is stop and go around the terminal facility and adjoining facilities we are responsible for. I have not noticed any annoying slop / banging from them and I shim my personal hitches with UHMW to alleviate those sort of annoyances. With the sleeve you could use one of the coiled kiddy sleds to take the slop out, if yours is a bit loose. The sleeves are cheap, try it first. You can always buy the new hitch if you find it annoying. FWIW

LoudHandle - What thickness UHMW do you use to shim the sleeve? Thinnest I have found is 1/8th inch.

 

[LoudHandle]

LoudHandle - What thickness UHMW do you use to shim the sleeve? Thinnest I have found is 1/8th inch.

I have used the cheap disposable rollup kiddy sleds, probably actually HDPE instead, they usually run a dollar or two each. Most common are a bright blue in color. They have a million uses, I try to keep a few around for sled recovery, first aid splints, etc. Thickness is about 1/32"-1/16"

 

[Sled Idaho]

Even better...thanks!