Recommended Trailer Hitch or Weight Distribution Shank for 2012 GMC 2500HD with 2-1/2 Hitch Receiver

Updated 10/25/2017 | Published 10/24/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"

(28)

$443.79

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

(260)

$181.94

Question:

2.5 receiver on 2012 GMC 2500HD. I see that it is not recommended to use a sleeve in a 2.5inch receiver. Is this true across the board? My truck came with a 2.5inch receiver and a sleeve. I have 107,000 miles on the truck and have pulled a 31foot travel trailer extensively with it. It has developed a lot of slack. The trailer is close to 10,000 lbs. Should I order the 2inch CLASS 5 receiver or the 2.5inch one? My Blue Ox weight distribution hitch has a 2inch shank. I would likely get a better fit with the 2inch receiver. Is a Curt Hitch built better than the OEM receiver? How soon will it develop a sloppy fit?

asked by: Dwight O

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2" # C15460 is a much stronger hitch than what came from the factory on your 2012 GMC 2500 HD. This hitch will give you the 2 inch receiver tube opening to fit 2 inch accessories far better than a reducer sleeve will allow.

The reducer sleeves are not bad, they are simply one more moving part that will make you feel slack over time as the parts wear from friction.

Your other option is to get a ball mount and weight distribution shank compatible with your 2-1/2 inch factory hitch receiver. For your Blue Ox system, I recommend the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Shank # EQ90-02-4900 which will work perfectly.

expert reply by: Jason S