Looking for Replacement Weight Distribution Shank for Equalizer to Use with 2.5 inch Hitch

Updated 07/30/2026 | Published 07/23/2026

Question:

Im moving from a F-150 tow vehicle to a F-350. Im towing a 33 ft travel trailer. The dry weight of the trailer is 7746 Lbs and the dry tongue weight is 702 Lbs. The GVWR of the trailer is 9600 Lbs. I havent weighed the trailer or tongue in the loaded state but would estimate Im around the 9600 lbs GVWR and probably around 1000 Lb tongue wt. I used an Equal-I-Zer 12000 Lb with 2inch shank weight distribution hitch with the F-150. Thinking of using the same WDH with a receiver converter sleeve because the F-350 has a 2 1/2inch receiver. I assume I will need to adjust the WDH setup to account for the difference in tow vehicles. Any issues with using a sleeve with that heavy of a trailer? Or any other issues Im not thinking about or other suggestions.

asked by: Tim H

Expert Reply:

Hey Tim, your best option will be to replace the shank of your system with one that is designed to fit a 2-1/2 inch hitch like the part # EQ90-02-4900 which can do a drop of up to 6 inches.

Sleeve adapters can get the job done but they are kind of a pain to deal with and they allow for extra movement in the hitch which can be a bit annoying. Does your new truck sit up higher than your older one?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Doug

7/29/2026

I'd change the shank. We have a sleeve/ adapter that allows us to use our 2" bike rack in our 2 1/2" hitch, and it has a lot of extra play. I would not want to introduce that play into a connection pulling a 7,000 lb trailer. Anytime you add an adapter you're also adding friction, extra steps and more points of failure. Buy a new shank and you get some peace of mind included.

Jameson C.

7/29/2026

@Doug good points thanks for that!

David B.

7/29/2026

Definitely change the shank. I ran into the same problem going from a F-150 to a F-250 towing a 7500 lb Airstream. I initially used an adapter to tow the trailer home from a maintenance appointment and the play in the hitch was scary! Ordered the shank from etrailer and it has been perfect for the last year and a half

Jameson C.

7/29/2026

@DavidB that's great to hear thanks for sharing!

Upgrade S.

7/30/2026

I initially bought the sleeve converter, but didn’t like the added part just to use my drop hitch. I upgraded to a 2.5” drop hitch for added strength and durability and glad I did.