Thread: 2.5 receiver hitch problems

Hey folks... Just saw a little concern come from Diesel Stop pages that may need to be addressed up the ladder here. (Bobby, looks like there was a reason that reducer would not fit in that receiver) It appears that some, me included are having problems getting the adapter/reducer sleeve, or the 2.5 ball hitch to fit in the factory 2.5 receiver. Some folks in the DS page feel it is a facory problem with exact dimension. After several attempts, I am going to have to tear away all the paint and possibly grind down ( any other alternative?) the tubing to fit in the 2.5 sleeve. To modify the 2.5 receiver is altering the ratings, I think.

You've gotta get a sleeve with "round" corners. "Square" corners will not work unless you grind the edges round.

Why have the 2.5 hitch and then reduce it down to a lighter and reduced capacity hitch ?? I would just go out and by the proper hitch accessories.

Originally Posted by weweld

Why have the 2.5 hitch and then reduce it down to a lighter and reduced capacity hitch ?? I would just go out and by the proper hitch accessories.

totally.

Originally Posted by weweld

Why have the 2.5 hitch and then reduce it down to a lighter and reduced capacity hitch ?? I would just go out and by the proper hitch accessories.

Because I don't want to buy a new hitch just to tow my VW and boat... I got a 2.5" receiver in my F250 to tow my toy hauler, using a sleeve lets me use my old hitches for my lighter tows...

I had a solid 2.5" hitch built for my receiver, but they still had to shave an RCH off the sides w a flap wheel to make it slip in and out easily. I just repainted it after and you can't even tell.

Originally Posted by 06powerstroke

Because I don't want to buy a new hitch just to tow my VW and boat... I got a 2.5" receiver in my F250 to tow my toy hauler, using a sleeve lets me use my old hitches for my lighter tows...

arent they like $30 at autozone? unless you need a huge drop.

Today I went to the local Rv shop and tried the 2.5 inch Reese hitch. It would not fit. Typical too tight to work. Besides that its rated at 12K not 16K. The tube is hollow, not solid core!

The owner came out to look at my receiver. He said I was the 7th person to come in and try the 2.5 hitch. He also advised I could grind off the sides until it fit which reduces ratings. He then suggested a dremel tool and grind out the inside of 2.5 receiver on truck.

He also said that he was told that these hitches are being made in China. Not sure what that has to do with anything unless the chinese measuring system is off a few mms. he said F is claiming they build them here.

I just don't think it right to have to grind anything down to get it to fit.

i went to eckhart hitches when i bought my truck, i unbolted the factory
2 1/2 hitch and sold it , and had a hitch called the Expert welded to the truck, the reciver is a 21/2 inch solid hunk of steel, that fixed that! i ran into the same problem back in 04 that you are having now, thats how i solved it.

Originally Posted by bigrpowr

arent they like $30 at autozone? unless you need a huge drop.

IDK, when I got it installed the guy gave me a sleeve so I just use it.

I am running an aftermarket Reese receiver rated at 17k and I have never had any fitment issues. OP, I guess your issue is with a factory Ford one?

it is months later now.. has anybody had a resolution to this? I cannot use a 2 inch hitch as its too small but the 2 inch reducer will not fit either nor will a 2.5 inch hitch fit.

gonna get in touch with Bobby.

Originally Posted by NEVERSWEAT7

Today I went to the local Rv shop and tried the 2.5 inch Reese hitch. It would not fit. Typical too tight to work. Besides that its rated at 12K not 16K. The tube is hollow, not solid core!

The owner came out to look at my receiver. He said I was the 7th person to come in and try the 2.5 hitch. He also advised I could grind off the sides until it fit which reduces ratings. He then suggested a dremel tool and grind out the inside of 2.5 receiver on truck.

He also said that he was told that these hitches are being made in China. Not sure what that has to do with anything unless the chinese measuring system is off a few mms. he said F is claiming they build them here.

I just don't think it right to have to grind anything down to get it to fit.

Typically, having something made in China means whoever ordered the part was being too cheap sell you, the end user, a quality part. Chinese steel is not as good, the workmanship is rarely as good and if someone listed 2.5" (or whatever the measurement is) ... instead of allowing the proper clearances, they realized that they could save a few yen by using smaller stock and making the inside exactly 2.5"... which actually becomes less after it's painted or powder coated. Assuming that both the hitch and receiver were exactly the correct dimensions, you still end up 4x the thickness of the paint (since both parts are painted on both sides) too shy. At that point, it might as well be off by a mile. Some of what makes it offensive is when this cheap part doesn't actually work, meaning that the end user is stuck dealing with it. Even if they passed the 'savings' on to the end user, they still haven't done anyone any favors.

Idealism aside (the middle of a recession seems a poor time to buy something with inferior steel from a foreign country), if you consider that the part itself had to be made so cheaply that it could make up for the cost of shipping the relatively heavy part to the opposite side of the world, even with fuel costs the way they are....

So... not saying "it can't be made to work", or implying anything else. Just pointing out why chinese parts are significant. All else aside, there's still no comparison for American steel. :-)

Originally Posted by NEVERSWEAT7

.............gonna get in touch with Bobby.

Got your eMail and am working on a solution for you. I will be in touch shortly.