It finally happened...

[kthaxton]

...and I knew it would eventually. I left my 2.5" reducer sleeve in and lost it (luckily, on a dirt road and not the highway!). Bought a new one, hopefully the red paint will help.

 

[dodgesst]

Wow that was dirt road lucky, guess that’s why I bought one of the truck keyed locks and leave it installed.

 

[bcbender]

I too leave mine installed with the pin in when I change, swap, remove my hitches.

 

[BarryG]

Yeah I finally got tired of mine. I ended up buying one of the B&W stow and go's I need the different ball sizes and height adjustability and when I did I got the 2.5" version so no more adapter worries for me. I also did as Dodgesst did and got a variety of the Bolt brand locks that key to your truck key. No more worrying about losing, not being able to find the key as it is in the other vehicle and I got to lose several keys off my key ring. Got one for the hitch, one for the trailer, a cable lock I use for the ATV or generator, one for the toolbox in the back of the truck and a padlock one as well. Not the cheapest locks out there but having one common key that I carry all the time was worth it.

 

[endoscott]

B&W Stow and Go is def the way to go. Love mine. No hitch ball sticking out to run into with your shin, not that I am that clumsy, but I heard of it before.

 

[kthaxton]

My problem is that I rarely use it (I learned a while ago that these sleeves don't work so good for towing trailers)....but I used it for a bike rack a couple weeks ago, a couple of the guys in the group were being helpful as we transferred the rack from my truck to another truck....they removed the rack and brought it to me at the "other" truck. They obviously didn't know it was there...and since I wasn't the one removing the rack, I spaced it.
I can remember one other time that I left it in.....but it survived the drive. I'm just hoping the red color will be a good reminder both while I am removing the rack, and/or while walking by the truck if it is still there. We'll see!

 

[CBari]

Those of you that mentioned getting the lockable pins, let me remind you to use the locks often as the are notorious for rusting up and not being able to turn the key. I live in the south and am not exposed to northern salted roads and have had to cut two off that spend about 18 months on with out use. I too have B/W hitches and rarely need to remove them, but when I do the the rusted locks are no fun.

 

[kthaxton]

Just for fun....this is the road where I lost it.

 

[lpennock]

Don't think red paint will be much use on that road. May Lime Green or Bright Yellow would be better.

 

[kthaxton]

Ha! Luckily, I don't always drive that rode....further....those conditions are rare.

That said, the red paint is to draw my attention when the sleeve is still inserted, not so much after it falls out.

 

[Topzide]

To solve the lock from rusting up, I found that a prescription bottle fits over o-ring to keep the elements out! Has kept the lock trouble free for several years now! Way better than the little cover that comes with the locking pin. Found an o-ring the fit in cover groove that provided a good seal in bottle. Always have a spare laying around since I've also drilled holes in scrap wood to organize diver bit or small screws etc... 1 1/4 fostner bit works well with standard size bottle. Hope this helps keep the looks working!

 

[AH64ID]

I’ll also vote for the B&W 2.5” Stow and Go. I keep mine under the back seat, along with the sleeve. I’ve only used the sleeve once, and currently don’t own any 2” shanks I’d use in the Ram.

The paint might help keep you from forgetting it. It’s at least worth a try.

 

[CBari]

To solve the lock from rusting up, I found that a prescription bottle fits over o-ring to keep the elements out! Has kept the lock trouble free for several years now! Way better than the little cover that comes with the locking pin. Found an o-ring the fit in cover groove that provided a good seal in bottle. Always have a spare laying around since I've also drilled holes in scrap wood to organize diver bit or small screws etc... 1 1/4 fostner bit works well with standard size bottle. Hope this helps keep the looks working!

Do you have a Pic?

 

[kthaxton]

I’ll also vote for the B&W 2.5” Stow and Go. I keep mine under the back seat, along with the sleeve. I’ve only used the sleeve once, and currently don’t own any 2” shanks I’d use in the Ram.

The paint might help keep you from forgetting it. It’s at least worth a try.

As I said, I don't use it for hitches or towing, only for bike racks or using a clevis insert for recovery (which I really should not do anymore). I have two different 2.5" ball mounts for towing stuff.

 

[Topzide]

Ask and yea shall receive!

 

[SnoKing]

Just for fun....this is the road where I lost it.
View attachment 128105 View attachment 128106

NO, that is where he got the color for the replacement!

 

[kthaxton]

NO, that is where he got the color for the replacement!

That stuff is like concrete. I've pressure washed the underside 4 times and I still didn't get it all.

 

[lpennock]

That stuff is like concrete. I've pressure washed the underside 4 times and I still didn't get it all.

Just wondering where it was?

 

[BarryG]

I'm sure kthaxton will chime in but sure looks an awful lot like western slope Colorado or eastern Utah based on the color and the scenery but could be probably be 100 different areas

 

[kthaxton]

Near Moab Utah, at Canyonlands National Park. This was day one of a 3-day, 2 night mountain bike trip, we were dropping off my truck at the end of the trail to avoid a long, lame dirt and paved road ride. Hell of a way to start!

A few pictures from the trip.