Hitch Pin Wearing Out on Blue Ox SwayPro Weight Distribution Using a 2-1/2 to 2 Inch Reducer Sleeve

Question:

I have a 2015 Ram 3500 and a BlueOx 15000# distribution hitch pulling a 14000# rated flat bed trailer loaded well with in specs. The hitch was purchased through your company with the help of a fine fellow name Mike, though the last name escapes me at the moment. I have a fair amount, in my opinion, on the hitch pins after trips of say 4000 miles and these are new pins, both locking and non locking. The truck had the 2.5inch reciever and the factory 2.5inch to 2inch reducer. This wear on the pin concerns me that I may see a failure. I have thought of using a grade 8 fine thread bolt as an alternative. Any thoughts.

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

If you could please email me some pictures of the pin so I can see what is going on. Hitch pins and bolts don't have official capacities (though some bolts/locks might) because their actual capacity exceeds what most trailer hitches are rated for; even 2-1/2 inch hitches.

The problem is likely due to the use of the reducer sleeve which would allow for some play and extra movement that could be wearing down the hitch pin. My recommendation is to go with the 2-1/2 inch shank for Blue Ox SwayPro systems, # BXW4028. This will eliminate the need for the reducer sleeve and by removing that part of the equation there would be less movement and thus less wear on the pin.

expert reply by: Michael H