Can an Adapter be Used on a Tow Bar with a 2-1/2" Shank for a 2" Hitch Receiver
Question:
I have a 2” factory mount receiver hitch on my truck. My tow bar has a 2 1/2” shank and is too large to fit in the 2” truck receiver. Do they make an adapter for this. It would have a 2” shank that would fit into my 2” truck receiver and on the other end of the adapter would be a 2 1/2” receiver that my 2 1/2” tow bar shank would fit into? Thanks for your help!
asked by: Randy E
Expert Reply:
We have solutions for you, but first: there are no adapters for this application. A tow bar made for 2-1/2" receivers does no allow reduction like 2" to 1-1/4" accessories do.
Your only two options are to replace your factory hitch with a higher rated aftermarket one. For your 2017 Ford F-350 Cab and Chassis, the Curt Class V, part # C15845, has a 2-1/2" receiver and the added benefit of having the highest towing capacity of any hitch for this vehicle.
Alternatively, you can downgrade your tow bar to something like the Blue Ox Avail, part # BX7420. This is still a great tow bar, but it won't be capable of towing the larger weight capacities that the 2-1/2" tow bars are. As an example, if you have the Blue Ox Apollo, part # BX7470, your capacity is 15,000 pounds. The Avail is 10,000 pounds (still a lot, but not as much).
I've linked to a video review of the Avail for your consideration.
Products Referenced in This Question
Blue Ox Avail Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 10,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 10000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Stores on RV
- Non-Binding
- Blue Ox
more information >
Blue Ox Apollo Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2-1/2" Hitch - 15,000 lbs
- Tow Bar
- Hitch Mount Style
- Telescoping
- Steel
- 15000 lbs
- Fits Blue Ox Base Plates
- Non-Binding
- Blue Ox
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V Commercial Duty - 2-1/2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class V
- 2700 lbs TW
- 20000 lbs GTW
- 20000 lbs WD GTW
- 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 2700 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter for Tow Bars - 2" Hitches - 2-1/4" Rise/Drop
- Hitch Adapters
- Dual Hitch Adapter
- Bike Racks
- Cargo Carriers
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 2 Inch Rise/Drop
- 10000 lbs
- Roadmaster
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Shop: Blue Ox Apollo Non-Binding Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2-1/2" Hitch - 15,000 lbs
- Article: Best Vehicles to Flat Tow Behind an RV
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Video: Best 2013 Honda CR-V Base Plate Options
- Video: Best 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Flat Tow Set Up - Tow Bar Braking System
- Article: We Used 34 RV Tow Bars, and These are the Best for Flat Towing
- Shop: Roadmaster Nighthawk All-Terrain Tow Bar w/ LED Lights - Non-Binding - RV Mount - 8,000 lbs
- Article: How to Choose a High-Low Adapter
- Video: Demco SBS Air Force One Supplemental Braking System Installation - 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
- Video: Demco Commander II Non-Binding Tow Bar Review and Installation
- Video: Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit Installation - 2014 Honda CR-V
- Video: Review of Blue Ox Apollo Tow Bar - Hitch Mount Style - BX7470
- Video: Blue Ox Base Plates BX8833 Review
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Does Distance Between Tow Vehicle and Motorhome Need to be Factored for Flat Towing Setup
- Q&A: Availability of Higher Capacity Blue Ox Tow Bar
- Shop: Curt Adjustable Tow Bar - Coupler Style for 2" Ball - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Shop: Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional
- Shop: etrailer SD Non-Binding Tow Bar for Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plates - RV Mount - 6,000 lbs
- Q&A: How to Flat-Tow a 2012 - 2014 Honda CR-V with All Four Wheels Down
- Article: Base Plate Adapter Table
- Article: Flat Tow Package for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Shop: Trunk Bike Rack
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Article: How Level Should a Tow Bar Be When Flat Towing
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Search Results: base plates