Upgrading to 2-1/2 Inch Shank or Using a Reducer Sleeve with Equal-I-zer Weight Distribution System

Question:

Hi there... so I had a Chevy Avalanche with a 2 inch receiver. I have the heavy duty 4 point equalizer weight distribution hitch and all worked well. I recently purchased a 2015 Ram 2500HD. That has a 2.5 inch receiver and is several inches higher off the ground than my Avalanche. Now speaking with Progress mfg they say using a sleeve reducer is fine. I have read horrible stories about sleeves. Here are my concerns, there are some sleeves that are cheap in nature.. How do I know which sleeve reducer is strong enough? Will I notice a difference with a sleeve? Can C45405 be used in conjunction with a equalizer weight hitch?... or do you recommend spending the money on a 2.5 inch shank for my set up? I take delivery of my new camper next month so the dealer will set up anything I bring them. If so how do I choose which length to buy as I see a 3,4,6 inch . How do I determine which one I need?? I will be towing a 2016 Jayco 32bhds dry weight of 7900 pounds. Any suggestions?? Sleeve or larger shank? Thank you!

asked by: Tom C

Expert Reply:

Between using a reducer sleeve and upgrading your weight distribution shank, I recommend going with a weight distribution shank designed to fit the 2-1/2 inch hitch receiver on your 2015 Ram 2500HD.

Using a 2/1/2 inch shank, like # EQ90-02-4800, for your Equal-I-zer weight distribution system, like # EQ37121ET, will not require adding any additional components to the system at the receiver. There will be less room for play in the hitch receiver when using a 2-1/2 inch shank than if a reducer sleeve is used.

Traditionally, a reducer sleeve is used when there is not the option for a 2-1/2 inch shank. As you noted, Equal-I-zer has several rise/drop options for 2-1/2 inch shanks.

To find the correct shank for your trailer, you will want to compare the hitch height on the truck to the trailer's coupler height. You will want to do some subtraction to find the correct rise/drop. I have attached a help article on finding the correct ball mount height for you. Since you do not currently have the trailer, you can try calling the dealer to find the coupler height of the trailer.

For example, if you find the hitch height of your truck is 20 inches, and the coupler height of the trailer is 16 inches, you will want a shank that will allow you to have a 4 inch drop. For this drop, you can use the shank you referenced, # EQ90-02-4800.

I have attached a link to all of our 2-1/2 inch weight distribution shanks for you.

If you decide you do not want to upgrade to a 2-1/2 inch shank, you can use your Equal-I-zer weight distribution system with a reducer shank like the Curt # C45405 that you referenced. I spoke with my contact at Curt and he confirmed that this shank will work fine with your weight distribution system.