New F250 hitch delima

[Iraqvet05]

I purchased a new to me 2017 F250 yesterday and the DW wants to go camping in a few weeks. The problem is the F250 has a 2.5" receiver and my Fastway E2 WHD has a 2" shank. Another issue is the hitch height. My old Silverado 2500's receiver was 16.5" from ground and the F250 sits at almost 20.5" and my WHD is already at the lowest point on the shank. What do I do to correct all this?

[Subaru297]

You will need to get an adapter to convert your 2.5 inch hitch to a 2 inch hitch. It is just a sleeve that slides in your current receiver.

For your hitch height you will need to pick up a new longer drop shank. You could also get a 2.5 inch shank if you don't want to use the adapter but I think the 2.5 inch shanks are more expensive.

https://www.etrailer.com/search/2.5+To+2+Hitch+Adapter

[Treatcg]

Sounds like you need a new shank with more drop. Might as well order a 2.5 shank. This what I did on my 16 F250 and Equalizer hitch.

I did like the adapter setup, too much play.

[scidlik]

That truck came new with the 2 1/2" to 2" adapter. Look under the rear seat if you have one.


Not trying to question you but a lot of the shafts can be used either side up. If you turn it over does it give you more drop?

[2nOZ]

Originally Posted by Subaru297

You will need to get an adapter to convert your 2.5 inch hitch to a 2 inch hitch. It is just a sleeve that slides in your current receiver.

For your hitch height you will need to pick up a new longer drop shank. You could also get a 2.5 inch shank if you don't want to use the adapter but I think the 2.5 inch shanks are more expensive.

https://www.etrailer.com/search/2.5+To+2+Hitch+Adapter

X2. Not familiar with that hitch but can you turn the hitch over? Congratulations on the F250!

[Iraqvet05]

I bought the truck used and it did not come with the adapter. I read on eTrailer that some adapters were not suitable for WDH applications but maybe it was a certain brand. Here is my current hitch that has a 8" long shank which I assume is in the drop position already.
I cannot determine how to measure the current drop to see which shank I need.
I have trunion bars for this WDH.

[jasum]

Originally Posted by Iraqvet05

I bought the truck used and it did not come with the adapter. I read on eTrailer that some adapters were not suitable for WDH applications but maybe it was a certain brand. Here is my current hitch that has a 8" long shank which I assume is in the drop position already.
I cannot determine how to measure the current drop to see which shank I need.
I have trunion bars for this WDH.

Have you already tried hooking up yet?

It may not be off as much as you think.

[Iraqvet05]

Originally Posted by jasum

Have you already tried hooking up yet?

It may not be off as much as you think.

No but that's a good idea. When I first towed our TT with a 1500 Silverado, that truck would noticeably squat but with the 2500HD I just sold it would barley move under the same load. I don't anticipate the F250 sitting much but I'll get it a try to see how far off it is.

[Demiles]

Many hitch adapters will reduce tow capacity by 50% so be careful. A good one is the Reese Titan adapter.

[Jay Dreamer]

Originally Posted by Treatcg

Sounds like you need a new shank with more drop. Might as well order a 2.5 shank. This what I did on my 16 F250 and Equalizer hitch.

I didn't like the adapter setup, too much play.

x2 .....I also went to the 2.5" shank & was glad I did.

Purchased it through etrailer.com

[TCNashville]

My previous F-250 had a 2.5'' receiver so I purchased a Reese Titan 2.5'' shank. Since my new '17 F-250 sits so much higher I had to lower the hitch head to it's lowest point on the shank and it worked out well after I made a few small adjustments. Now I'm slightly nose down and the front end was returned to its original height. You think you got problems now, wait till you try and hook your safety chains to the hitch. Not sure what Ford was thinking with that.

[Rustic Eagle]

Iraqvet05,

When looking for a new 2 1/2" shank make sure it's tapered (most are) to except your existing Fastway 2" ball mount opening.

As mentioned, the majority of insert adapters will derate the TV's 2 1/2" OEM receiver weight limits, the degree of derating depends on the brand and specified limits.

Bob

[scidlik]

I am not familiar with that specific hitch but it appears that you have a high rise ball on it. If you put a different ball on, that will lower it 2". By far the cheapest way to get it a little lower.

[Iraqvet05]

Originally Posted by scidlik

I am not familiar with that specific hitch but it appears that you have a high rise ball on it. If you put a different ball on, that will lower it 2". By far the cheapest way to get it a little lower.

True if removing 2" will make that much of a difference. I don't know why the dealer put on the riser ball when they set it up on the 1500 Silverado...maybe a clearance issue with something? I did find a drop hitch calculator on the Equalizer website that shows the correct drop hitch if you use all the correct calculations. I am assuming an Equilizer shank will work with a Fastway head.

[Johnny]

Originally Posted by Iraqvet05

True if removing 2" will make that much of a difference. I don't know why the dealer put on the riser ball when they set it up on the 1500 Silverado...maybe a clearance issue with something? I did find a drop hitch calculator on the Equalizer website that shows the correct drop hitch if you use all the correct calculations. I am assuming an Equilizer shank will work with a Fastway head.

It was just a few months ago that I was dealing with this same problem with my new 2017 F250.

I confirmed that the 2 1/2" Equalizer shank would indeed work with my Fastway WDH. I ordered one, swapped it out and it fits beautifully.

As to the adapter, I could be wrong but I can't help thinking that people who are thinking the 2 1/2" adapter reduces capacity are thinking of a different kind of adapter. All it is is a 2 1/2" steel tube that is 1/4" thick. It doesn't change any dimension other than the size of the receiver. In fact, if you want one I'll send you mine. I won't be needing it as I bought a 2 1/2" B&W Tow and Stow hitch for the truck.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Johnny

snip.......As to the adapter, I could be wrong but I can't help thinking that people who are thinking the 2 1/2" adapter reduces capacity are thinking of a different kind of adapter.....snip

My post was referring to the standard insert adapter....., not a hitch adapter/extender that can reduce the specified receiver weight ratings by 50%.

If my memory serves me, one of the Big 3 (or an insert adapter manufacture) stated when using their 2 1/2" to 2" insert adapter it reduced the OEM 2 1/2" receiver ratings to that of a 2" receiver rating.

Bob

[Demiles]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

My post was referring to the standard insert adapter....., not a hitch adapter/extender that can reduce the specified receiver weight ratings by 50%.

If my memory serves me, one of the Big 3 (or an insert adapter manufacture) stated when using their 2 1/2" to 2" insert adapter it reduced the OEM 2 1/2" receiver ratings to that of a 2" receiver rating.

Bob

Some of the early adapter sleeves really cut deep into the rating but now most only reduce it to a Class IV of 1100-1200 TW with WD instead the rated 1500lbs of the Class V 2 1/2 in. rating. Make sure you check the sleeve you use and or check with the truck manufacturer.

[Johnny]

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

If my memory serves me, one of the Big 3 (or an insert adapter manufacture) stated when using their 2 1/2" to 2" insert adapter it reduced the OEM 2 1/2" receiver ratings to that of a 2" receiver rating.

Bob

I suppose if you think about it that makes perfect sense.

If you're using a 2" shank I don't guess the hitch should be rated for more than the 2" shank can handle.

[Psdx]

My 2018 F250 Hitch is 4” higher than my 2012 F150 was. So I just needed to be able to drop 3 holes in the shank (1-1/4” per hole). In my case I needed Equalizer shank EQ90-02-4900, which is 2-1/2” with a 6” drop. If you know the old and new hitch height it’s fairly simple to identify the shank you need. Good luck!

[Iraqvet05]

Thanks for the reassurance, Psdx! Johnny had mentioned he was using the same hitch on his F250 so I ordered one from eTrailer.