2 1/2" hitch vs 2" ball mount

[Johnc60]

Question may have been discussed before. Does it hurt your drive line while towing with the 2" hitch with sleeve to a 2 1/2" receiver? I know there is some movement, but does it hurt the truck?

 

[johnmyster]

no

 

[Belzelbub]

Won’t hurt it, but I didn’t like the amount of movement. Previous truck had a 2” receiver. Got a 2.5” forged drawbar for the trailer I use most often. I have the sleeve for a drop hitch for the times I need to tow a utility trailer with 2” or 1 7/8” ball.

 

[Units]

You may notice a few wear spots on your receiver from the sleeve moving around a bit since they don’t fit real snug. Other than that, you’ll be fine.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

Just pulled a 35' trailer at 8500 lbs loaded with no issues. Didn't notice and difference from my other2 trucks with 2 inch receiver

 

[AH64ID]

It doesn’t hurt truck, but you will have accelerated wear on the hitch opening and hitch pin hole.

I’ve always been less than impressed with the longevity of Dodge/Ram hitches, even without sleeve use. I wore my 05’s out in not too many miles towing and the ‘18 showed similar wear rates before getting a 5th wheel. The ‘22 didn’t have many conventional hitch miles.

I personally wouldn’t use the sleeve as a standard towing method. I also don’t use curved hitch pins for towing anymore.

 

[Ritchie_Rich]

No

 

[WEB]

It won't hurt it, but is annoying. Check out receiver anti-rattle clamps.