Switch from Equalizer 2" Shank to 2 1/2" Shank

[ODH]

Purchase of a new TT (Timber Ridge 24RKS) has required a shank with a longer rise for my Equalizer hitch. As my TV (F250) has a 2 1/2" receiver, I am considering purchasing a 2 1/2" shank to replace the present 2" shank. Other than a small increase in weight is there any disadvantage to making this change?

[CharlesinGA]

Fewer 2½ inch receivers out there, so it might be less desirable for someone to steal (and use) otherwise it eliminates the need for the adapter sleeve I assume you have been using, so the shank will do less moving around in the receiver and overall be stronger.

Just my observation, no real experience with doing this.

Charles

[Off Road]

I switched to a 2.5” shank and really like it. I hated the adapter sleeve.

[kmac7800]

As I understand it, the 2.5" shank is made for heavier loads. I have read where people use too-large of a shank (ie to distribute way more weight than they needed) and they actually bent the trailer frame.

I too hated the idea of downgrading what I could carry with the hitch by going with a 2" over a 2.5", however I decided since the trailer was less than 10k-lbs then I was fine.

YMMV.

//KMac

[bluie5]

I hate the 2 1/2 inch receiver because I don’t like using the sleeve. I bought the 2 1/2 inch shank when we had the TT but had to use the sleeve for using my other hitches. I’ve found 2 inch receivers that are stronger than my 2 1/2 inch and will be changing to one of those.

[Mr_D]

My motorhome has a 15,000# tow rating but only a 2" shank on the hitch. I'm not sure I can tow 15,000 with the present hitch, nor do I need to.