Is It Safe to Tow Cross Country Using a 2-1/2 to 2 Reducer Sleeve

Published 01/29/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Hitch Receiver Reducer Sleeve - 2-1/2" to 2"

(612)

$36.92

B&W Tow & Stow 3-Ball Mount - 2.5" Hitch - 7" Drop/7.5" Rise - 18K - Black

(4914)

$359.00

Roadmaster Quiet Hitch for 2-1/2" Trailer Hitches

(1577)

$57.24

Question:

I was just looking for some reassurance. I’m going to be towing a 5x8 enclosed trailer from Maine to Florida and back. My trailer hitch receiver is 2.5 inches and a buddy gifted me a Combo Hitch Trailer Ball with Pintle. Only thing is it is a 2” and not 2.5” ... I was just curious as to wether or not it is foolish to simply use a reducer to fit rather than buy a totally different Combo Hitch. Just wanted some reassurance as I’ve never towed before so I’d like to get it right. Especially with such a long haul. Thanks for the feedback

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

It is perfectly safe to use a reducer sleeve like the Curt # C45405 to fit an accessory with a 2" shank into your 2-1/2" trailer hitch receiver. We do have options for you to use a ball mount with a 2-1/2" shank for when you want to tow your enclosed trailer in the future (just to have your own), but you don't have anything to worry about with your current setup. If you wanted to be sure that you are limiting the movement as much as possible then you can use the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch # RM-062 which essentially clamps down on the shank of the ball mount to secure it against your hitch receiver.

Should you choose to upgrade in the future then I recommend the B&W Tow & Stow # BWTS20049B because it allows you to adjust the height with the 7" rise/7-1/2" drop, and it comes with 3 hitch ball sizes; a 1-7/8" ball at 3,500 lbs, a 2" ball at 7,500 lbs, and a 2-5/16" ball at 18,000 lbs. This greatly opens up the variety of trailers that you can pull with your pickup. I have attached a review video for this ball mount that you can check out.

expert reply by: Jon G