Is It Safe To Pull My 6,000lb Travel Trailer With A Trailer Hitch Reducer?

Question:

I recently went from a 150 to a 2500. The 2500 came with a hitch reducer 2.5 in to 2 in, is the reducer safe to use to two my 6000 pound travel trailer? What pin do you recommend using I know I have to get longer pin? and finally is it safe to tow the travel trailer to the dealer about 60 miles for them to adjust the hitch and weight distribution bars?

asked by: Kris

Expert Reply:

If you are using a reducer sleeve such as Curt Reducer Sleeve 2-1/2" to 2" # C45405 or Blue Ox Hitch Reducer Sleeve - 2-1/2" to 2" Trailer Hitch # BX88187, then you will not have an issue as this style does not typically reduce the towing capacity and you will simply go by the towing capacity of your vehicle and hitch. However, you will want to look up that exact model/brand reducer or provide us with the information to make sure that there is no reduction in towing capacity.

If you are using a reducer / extender such as Brophy Hitch Reducer and Extender - 2-1/2" to 2" Trailer Hitch - 7" Long # HR26 then you usually will have a reduced towing capacity. This product specifically reduces your hitch's towing capacity by 1/3 and the extender alone has a max towing capacity of 5,000lbs.

All of these reducers use the standard 5/8" Pin and Clip # C21500, which has usable length of 3-3/16". If you need long, go with Hitch Pin with Clip # 37201065 which is 5/8" diameter but has 4-3/4" usable length. You should be fine driving to the dealer to get the hitch and weight distribution system adjusted as long as it is all hooked up correctly/safely and is not too far out of adjustment. I highly recommend driving slow (not highway speeds) to reduce risk of sway or any other unsafe conditions. I have attached demonstration videos for the reducers.