Reducer Sleeve for Equal-I-zer Weight Distribution System in 2-1/2 Inch Receiver of 2016 Ford F350

Updated 07/05/2016 | Published 07/02/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(840)

$614.74

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 2-1/2" Hitch - 7" Rise, 3" Drop

(150)

$229.64

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 2-1/2" Hitch - 8" Rise, 4" Drop

(119)

$230.71

Equal-i-zer Weight Dist Shank - 2-1/2" Hitch - 10" Rise/6" Drop

(260)

$182.94

Question:

I purchased a 2016 F350 Diesel this week for towing our 25 foot Airstream. Our Equalizer Hitch has a 2.0inch shank. The Ford Receiver has a 2 1/16inch x 2 1/16th inch sleeve that fits into the 2.5inch receiver. This small thickness of a 25 cent piece is enough slop to give the Equalizer Hitch, with an exactly 2.0inch shank, an end play of 7/16inch up and down, as well left to right. With a 25 foot trailer attached, this could possibly create metal fatigue to the receiver on our Ford with this excess play. Is there a thicker sleeve to reduce this slop? Ask someone to a 2inch hitch into this sleeve and you will immediately understand my concern. We travel many undulating and irregular surfaced gravel roads in the Rocky Mountains. Getting this tighter fit would solve my issues with the hitch. How can this be done?

asked by: Ray E

Expert Reply:

The reducer sleeve does need to be a bit smaller than the interior dimension of the receiver or it could become stuck. Typically a bit of 'slop' between the shank and the receiver or in this case, the reducer and shank isn't much of a concern with a weight distribution system because the spring bars of the system are applying a good deal of upward leverage against the receiver. This is almost always enough leverage to prevent the shank from rattling around. Not in your case, however.

Since the reducer isn't doing the trick, the ideal solution would be to eliminate it and use the correct size weight distribution shank. Equal-I-zer offers three shanks designed for 2-1/2 inch receivers. For a maximum rise of 10 inches and drop of 6 inches, use # EQ90-02-4900. For a max rise of 7 inches or max drop of 3 inches, use # EQ90-02-4700 or for a max rise of 8 inches and drop of 4 inches, use # EQ90-02-4800.

expert reply by: Mike L