Using Anti-Rattle Devices with a 2-1/2 to 2 Inch Hitch Reducer and Extender

Updated 08/28/2017 | Published 08/26/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender - 2-1/2" to 2" Trailer Hitch - 7" Long

(317)

$142.21

Blue Ox Hitch Receiver Immobilizer II - 2" Hitches

(455)

$62.18

Blue Ox Hitch Receiver Immobilizer III for 2-1/2" Hitch with 2" Adapter

(455)

$86.85

Question:

My Reese reducer allows a LOT of slop in my 2.5-2inch receiver on my 2012 Silverado 2500 HD. Right now I am towing trailers up to 3500# but I am looking into purchasing a larger trailer. I have 2inch weight distributing hitches. My camper trailer is very close to the tailgate when I open the tailgate. Is the #HR26 hitch extender drilled so it can be used as a standard reducer and extended when needed? What do you have to reduce the slop in a 25inch to 2inch adapter? What other viable solutions should I be looking at?

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender - 2-1/2" to 2" Trailer Hitch - 6" Long Item # HR26 is at a fixed length no matter if you are strictly reducing or are also extending. It only has the 2 sets of pin holes; one set to pin the adapter into the hitch and one set for the accessory in the end of the adapter.

The issue with using adapters is that they create an additional point of potential movement which amplifies the sloppiness. You can reduce that but you would need to use 2 anti-rattle devices. The first one would need to go at the hitch to limit movement of the adapter at the hitch receiver. The Blue Ox Immobilzer # BX88312 is a great option. This one is designed to keep your 2" hitch adapter or reducer from rattling and shifting while you're on the road.

Then at the 2 inch end of the adapter you have you can use the 2 inch version, # BX88224. These anti-rattle devices limit movement horizontally and vertically where as most are good for just one or the other. The multi-directional anti-rattle capabilities make these anti-rattle devices the best options for your application.

expert reply by: Michael H