When it comes to trailer receiver hitch sizes, you will find that there are a few different ones to look at. However, if you want to avoid a sloppy fit, try to go larger. The 3-inch size seems to fit the best and removes any loose or sloppy connections.
When you go smaller, you may need more sleeves than you would like. For example, if the 3-inch receiver hitch is already on your truck, you will need a 2 1/2-inch sleeve to make a 2 1/2-inch hitch work. Then you will need a second sleeve if you want to go to a 2-inch hitch.
To learn more about this issue, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can get the right receiver hitch setup for your Ford F250. Take a few minutes to see how this information helps you out.
If your F250 comes with a trailer hitch, it will most likely be a Class IV. That is what some owners are reporting anyways. That Class of hitch usually has a 2 1/2-inch opening.
Some F250 owners get a 3-inch receiver hitch and they will need a sleeve to lower the opening down to a 2 1/2 or 2-inch hitch size. There does not seem to be a Class V receiver hitch size but some people claim the 3-inch model is that Class.
However, e-Trailer says there is a class V receiver hitch, and the 2 1/2 and 3-inch models are in that class.
After 2008, most F250s received either a 2 1/2-inch hitch or the 3-inch hitch. It would depend on the dealer or manufacturer which size you got. These are the most common hitches for 3/4-ton trucks including the F250.
Usually, you will find the 2 1/2-inch, not the 3-inch hitch on this truck model. You can get the 3-inch version but it Is not as common as the 2-1/2-inch model.
Check with your dealer to make sure you are getting the hitch size o need. If you get the larger one, you can always buy a sleeve to adapt to a lower trailer hitch.
It looks like the standard receiver hitch size for this model year of the F250 is 2 1/2 inches in size. The question is, do you really need a larger size of receiver hitch?
In some cases, you may but for the most part, you may only need the 2 1/2-inch size and use a sleeve to go down to the 2-inch size if your trailer hitch is smaller.
You would have to be the judge of the size of the hitch you would eventually need. You know the size of the trailer hitch you are towing so make sure you get the one that fits your towing situation best.
This was the year of change for Ford and its receiver hitches. The 3-inch receiver hitch was added to the F250 and F350 lineup even though it was and is the rarest receiver hitch size made.
The reason the company made the switch was that the 3-inch receiver hitch is rated for heavier trailers. They can handle more weight than the old standard 2 1/2-inch receiver hitch.
The good news is that you should be able to get 2 reducer sleeves when you buy the newer F250 trucks. Since 2017, Ford has been supplying both the 2 1/2-inch and the 2-inch reducer sleeves for those owners not doing heavy-duty towing.
The story is the same here as the 2017 hitch size. This model of F250 was also given the 3-inch receiver hitch because more Ford truck owners are towing heavier weights. The weight rating of the 3-inch receiver hitch is in the neighborhood of 22,000 pounds.
That means you are capable of towing those heavier trailers without having to worry if the hitch will hold or not. The problem F250 owners are having when they use those included reducing sleeves is slop and rattle.
While Ford did a good job in thinking about towing needs of the owner, they did not think about the slop and rattle problem they created with this change over.
Nothing has changed with this model year. It was one of 4 model years that were given the larger receiver hitch. 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 were the model years that gave F250 owners an opportunity to tow heavier weights without replacing the receiver hitch.
The reducing sleeves did do their job but the problems of slop, etc., were hard to overcome. The only good aspect of those reducer sleeves was that they were included with your purchase.
Another change was made in this model year. Actually, more than one and the first change was that the reducer sleeves were not included in your purchase anymore. That is good or bad depending on your point of view.
The second change was that the F250 in all of its trims were given a 3-inch receiver hitch if they came with the tow package. Without the tow package, you received a 2 1/2-inch hitch.
Some people say that the diesel versions got the 3-inch hitch while the gas models were only given the 2 1/2-inch version. Check with your dealer to find out for sure.
If you want to learn about the different classes of receiver hitches, then click here. Having this information will help you make a better towing decision and put to rest those naysayers who claim there is no Class V hitch size.
Pick the size of the hitch that fits your towing needs. Try to avoid the sleeves as they are not as good as the right-sized receiver hitch. Then pick the best brand to buy for better towing.