Can a Weight Distribution System for 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Be Used in a 2-1/2 Inch Hitch with Reducer

Question:

This looks like the perfect weight distribution/sway control system for me to use to pull a 22foot 3-horse trailer, but I would be towing with a heavy-duty Dodge pickup that has a 2.5 x 2.5 inch Class V hitch opening. Is it safe to use the hitch reducer #58102 with this system? Is any towing capacity lost with the addition of a reducer? Are there any weight distribution/cam sway control systems with 800# TW your company sells for 2.5 x 2.5 Class V hitches? What other options might I have for using this a weight distribution system?

asked by: Pam M

Helpful Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at Reese about using a weight distribution system for a 2 inch hitch in a 2-1/2 inch hitch with a reducer sleeve. He said you can do but it will reduce the capacity of the system so it is not recommended. There are some systems that do not come with a shank that you can add a 2-1/2 inch shank to.

First, to select the right system, we need to go by the total tongue weight. This is the tongue weight of the trailer loaded and ready to tow plus the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. If that figure stays at 800 pounds up to 1,000 pounds then I recommend going with Reese system, # RP66155.

Then you can add a 2-1/2 inch shank using # RP54977. For a 2-5/16 inch ball for this system use # 19286.

Or for a Reese Strait-Line system, you can use # RP66074 with shank # RP54977. You would also need ball # 19286. I have included some links to the right that should also help.

expert reply by: Michael H