Can an Adapter be Used on a Tow Bar with a 2-1/2" Shank for a 2" Hitch Receiver

Question:

I have a 2” factory mount receiver hitch on my truck. My tow bar has a 2 1/2” shank and is too large to fit in the 2” truck receiver. Do they make an adapter for this. It would have a 2” shank that would fit into my 2” truck receiver and on the other end of the adapter would be a 2 1/2” receiver that my 2 1/2” tow bar shank would fit into? Thanks for your help!

asked by: Randy E

Expert Reply:

We have solutions for you, but first: there are no adapters for this application. A tow bar made for 2-1/2" receivers does no allow reduction like 2" to 1-1/4" accessories do.

Your only two options are to replace your factory hitch with a higher rated aftermarket one. For your 2017 Ford F-350 Cab and Chassis, the Curt Class V, part # C15845, has a 2-1/2" receiver and the added benefit of having the highest towing capacity of any hitch for this vehicle.

Alternatively, you can downgrade your tow bar to something like the Blue Ox Avail, part # BX7420. This is still a great tow bar, but it won't be capable of towing the larger weight capacities that the 2-1/2" tow bars are. As an example, if you have the Blue Ox Apollo, part # BX7470, your capacity is 15,000 pounds. The Avail is 10,000 pounds (still a lot, but not as much).

I've linked to a video review of the Avail for your consideration.

expert reply by: Kef G