Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: troyspinetar on March 05, 2014, 06:42:02 PM

Title: Class V hitch question
Post by: troyspinetar on March 05, 2014, 06:42:02 PM: I've got the 2.5" shank on my truck hitch. Question is...is it a big deal to use a sleeve to reduce it for a normal 2" shank? Wondering if you lose any towing/load rating by not using a true 2.5" shank. The only issue I could see is possibly losing a little tongue load rating, but not sure.
My truck is "good" for trailer up to 13k lbs, but I don't think I would ever go over 10k lbs.
I am looking to pick up an adjustable 4" drop with a 2" and 2 5/16" ball.
Thanks
Title: Re: Class V hitch question
Post by: wildweeds on March 05, 2014, 06:50:51 PM: More screwing around trying to fit a sleeve than just bucking up and buying the right male hitch componenet.Even though you say you wont be reaching the capacity limit,you'll look pretty funny trying to explain the rube goldberg hitch aparratus should some type of accident happen,even it the accident is not your fault.
Title: Re: Class V hitch question
Post by: 6x6in6 on March 05, 2014, 07:09:48 PM: If your referring to the Titan V hitch and utilizing the 2" bushing so you can use standard 2" ball mounts, then no, that bushing does not reduce the hitches capacity.
Your limitations will be in the ball mount and it's designed weights and not the Titan V hitch.
The Titan V is rated for 18,000 lbs gross trailer weight whether you use a weight distribution hitch or not. 2,500 lbs tongue weight with WD hitch and 2,000 lbs without WD hitch.
Not all trailer balls are equal. Buy the right ball with the right weights.
Same goes for the hitch pins. These are really your weak link in the rating factor.
Watch out for the pretty chrome and aluminum adjustable ones. They may have the ratings but the ball's themselves may not.
Title: Re: Class V hitch question
Post by: Rick on March 05, 2014, 07:12:23 PM: I've got a 2.5" class V hitch on my truck. It came with a class III 2" adapter. The adapter is a PITA. It works fine, but between the hitch, adapter and ball mount there is a whole lot of banging and clanging going on. I only use the adapter when towing my utility and quad trailer. My boat (10,000lbs) gets the 20,000lb 2.5" mount and 20,000lb 2 5/16" ball

And yes you typically lose some capacity. A 2" tube steel ball mount is generally good for 5000-6000lbs. A 2" solid steel ball mount is good for up to about 10,000.

After that you get into 2" mounts that you'd use with a weight distribution hitch.
Title: Re: Class V hitch question
Post by: HuntandFish on March 05, 2014, 07:14:08 PM: Most of the new superduty's are sold with a sleeve reducer so you can use either size. My truck has a sleeve and a few others I have noticed anyway. I think if you are only towing 10k or under it won't matter, that's not much weight. I would just make sure that your hitch pin is properly sized/grade of steel as it does allow some movement back and forth, thus some impact/shear load is imposed on the pin.

Regards,
H&F
Title: Re: Class V hitch question
Post by: 6x6in6 on March 05, 2014, 07:15:07 PM: Here's a 14k adjustable with both ball sizes, for example.
http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/C45900.html (http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/C45900.html)
Title: Re: Class V hitch question
Post by: troyspinetar on March 05, 2014, 07:40:18 PM: Quote from: 6x6in6 on March 05, 2014, 07:15:07 PM
Here's a 14k adjustable with both ball sizes, for example.
http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/C45900.html (http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/C45900.html)

Yep, that's right what I'm looking for!
I did read on line that the factory GM sleeves are supposedly tighter tolerances than others. I guess I could look into that.
Thanks for the help guys.
Title: Re: Class V hitch question
Post by: CAMPMEAT on March 06, 2014, 07:30:07 PM: You won't loose anything. I have one on my '13 Duramax. These companies spend a buttload of money to make sure it works. Go for it.
Title: Re: Class V hitch question
Post by: kenzmad on March 06, 2014, 07:54:51 PM: One tip though. Dont leave the sleeve pinned in the receiver by itself. I have had mine start to rust to the receiver. Royal pain to get it out once that happpens.