Ford F-250 Hitch Receiving Size Options (2.5 or 3" Best?)

[MarkofSJC]

Towing Newbie here, but our F-250 is due in shortly.

We're ordering an Air Safe hitch Class VI for our TB27 FB, but the truck apparently comes with both a 3" hitch receiver with a step down to a 2.5" receiver. Is it a more solid hook up to skip the insert and go for the 3" ~ or is the 2.5" a better choice? This hitch can be ordered in either size (3" is more expensive), but I don't understand the pros and cons to the shaft size.

We really think it will result in a better ride for us, and a gentler pull for the trailer. We could go with a lower class, but if we ever upsize this will still work. We're integrating it with the Blue Ox WD Sway control hitch we already have.

Would love your insight, as these aren't cheap!

[NevadaNick]

Each reducer will have some play in it, the least amount of play the better.

[nicky8668]

Reducer sleeve will have play, which will wear your pin hole after. Google “Ford ovaled pinhole”. There are plenty people in Ford forum complaining about this problem.

If the 2.5” is a lot cheaper, then get the 2.5” and find someone to weld the reducer to the shank. Then add a hitch clamp on top of that to eliminate any play. 0.5” side to side hitch ball play can be amplified to almost a foot to the end of a 20 ft trailer.

[swavescatter]

I would wait until you get your exact truck. My 2017 F250 has a 2.5” receiver with a reducer to the most common 2”. I believe F350’s and up get the 3” but that also depends on the exact towing package.

Order your shank to fit your receiver exactly. It’s much nicer and maximizes hitch strength.

[tuffr2]

My F-250 has a 2.5" receiver with 1 reducer that is 2". The problem with it is the 1,500lb weight limit on it. So I can not buy the bigger travel trailers.

The 3" receiver will probably have at least a 2,000lb weight limit and comes in a special towing package like 'Max Tow'.

[BCooke]

Agree. Get your truck and then try to get rid of all reducers.
A tight fit on a larger hole gives you more surface area and more resist to any kind of twist and torque.
Bigger is not necessary, but I am known for overkill if the price is right.

[CharlesinGA]

They make, shanks for mounting hitch heads that fit the 2-1/2 receiver. I have not seen any 3 inch shanks.

Charles

[swavescatter]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

They make, shanks for mounting hitch heads that fit the 2-1/2 receiver. I have not seen any 3 inch shanks.

Charles

A lot of quality hitch brands offer 2", 2.5" and 3" shanks. You don't find these at home Depot though.

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by MarkofSJC

Towing Newbie here, but our F-250 is due in shortly.

We're ordering an Air Safe hitch Class VI for our TB27 FB, but the truck apparently comes with both a 3" hitch receiver with a step down to a 2.5" receiver. Is it a more solid hook up to skip the insert and go for the 3" ~ or is the 2.5" a better choice? This hitch can be ordered in either size (3" is more expensive), but I don't understand the pros and cons to the shaft size.

We really think it will result in a better ride for us, and a gentler pull for the trailer. We could go with a lower class, but if we ever upsize this will still work. We're integrating it with the Blue Ox WD Sway control hitch we already have.

Would love your insight, as these aren't cheap!

Have you looked at the GenY hitch? Much cheaper and seem to get good reviews. Not sure what size trailer you're looking to pull.
https://genyhitch.com/product/boss-t...-distribution/

[CharlesinGA]

Originally Posted by swavescatter

A lot of quality hitch brands offer 2", 2.5" and 3" shanks. You don't find these at home Depot though.

I would never have suggested Home Depot. Looking at MFG web sites, Blue Ox, Equalizer, Curt, Reese, Husky.... none of these list 3 inch shanks, and they all have a bunch of different ones based on length, height, holes, weight capability, drop or rise, etc, but no 3 inch.

Propride does have the necessary stub to install on their hitch in 3 inch. Andersen WD hitch is available in 2½ and 3 in. GEN-Y apparently also has a 3 inch shank for some sort of WD hitch they make.

Stumbled onto a discussion on the Ford-Truck forum asking this question and except what I have listed above, no one had any suggestions.

Everyone else has 2 and 2½ inch, but no 3 inch.

Charles

[Old-Biscuit]

Bullet Proof, Weigh Safe, B&W, Gen-Y, Curt, Draw-Tite and Reese have 3" shanks
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Tra...nch_Hitch.aspx