Fit Issue With Reducer Sleeve # C45405 On A 2011 Ford F350 Super Duty With OEM Hitch

Question:

I just bought this reducer to fit my 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty with 2 1/2 frame hitch, as all my accessories are 2. I was unable to get the reducer sleeve into the truck receiver. It was apparently slightly oversize, as the receiver opening measured almost 1/16 oversize. Despite filing the edges of the receiver opening and using liberal amounts of silicone spray, as well as a deadweight hammer and wooden block to attempt to drive the adapter into the receiver, it only went in less than 2. I would expect this to be a simple slide-in arrangement rather than a force/interference type fit. Do you have a different product that would work as intended? I will be returning this item as, although it appears to be well-made, it will not fit my factory receiver. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Frank S

Expert Reply:

It has come to our attention that there are fit issues with 2-1/2 inch accessories and 2-1/2 inch OEM Ford hitches. Ford uses a tighter/different radius on the inside corners of their 2-1/2 inch receiver tubes. Some accessories will drop in just fine, but fairly often the accessory will not fit in the hitch, be it a WD shank, reducer sleeve, or draw bar.

To accommodate the OEM Ford 2-1/2 inch hitch, it is fine to sand the corners of a ball mount or shank down to get it to slide into the hitch. You should not remove any more material than necessary, and often just removing the paint or powder-coat is sufficient.

You should NEVER use a grinder to knock-down the corners. It is too easy to remove too much material. Grinders will also heat the accessory to the point where the structural integrity may be compromised. This is especially the case with cast accessories like the larger WD shanks.

expert reply by: Jeff D