Will the Use of a 2-1/2 Inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Reducer Sleeve Reduce the Hitch Capacity

Updated 01/09/2012 | Published 01/07/2012

Question:

MY 2007 CHEVY 2500 HAS A 2 1/2inch RECEIVER HITCH. I HAVE A 15000 LB 2inch BALL MOUNT. CAN I PULL 13000 LBS USING THE C45405 ADAPTER? DOES IT DECREASE OR COMPROMISE STRENGTH OR STABILITY? THANKS

asked by: TODD

Expert Reply:

You have a couple of options. The best thing to do would be to use a ball mount that fits in your hitch. The reason is that you will not have to worry about a reducer sleeve fitting, any capacity reduction, or adding another component in the system. For 2-1/2 inch receivers we have # RP45323 for an 18,000 pound fixed ball mount.

The other option is to use a reducer, # C45405. The hitch capacity should not be dramatically changed so if it is rated to tow the 13,000 pounds you need to tow, then using the reducer would be fine.

expert reply by: Michael H