Looking at the hitch cover I saw two ways to convert the hitch cover to work in a 2½” receiver.
1) Cut off current raised mounting tabs and then drill holes where the tabs were located. Then put in bolts with washers or spacers to bring the top of the bolt even with the outside of the receiver then secure with washer, lock washer and nut on the inside. Then taper the head of the bolt the same shape as the original tab by grinding.
2) Cut off the flexible strip about ½” behind the tabs (closer to cover) so it will clear when a hitch pin is placed in the receiver. Make a square U shape strap, drill holes so the hitch pin can pass through. Attach the metal strap to the hitch cover.
I chose to do option 2 because I wanted a more secure install. Here is what I did so the hitch cover would work with a 2½” receiver. I cut off the flexible strip about ½” behind the tabs (closer to cover) so it will clear when a hitch pin is placed in the receiver. Then I cut a 9½” strip from a 1/16” X 1” bar aluminum. I bent it into a square U shape 2½” wide with 2 legs 3½’ long. I measured the location where the hitch pin would pass through and drilled a 5/8” hole with a step drill. I placed the square U shape aluminum strip on the hitch cover, centered it and drilled 1/16” holes. Then I pop riveted it to the hitch cover on both sides with a washer on the inside. I then mounted it in the hitch receiver and secured it with the hitch pin. See attached pictures.
1) Cut off current raised mounting tabs and then drill holes where the tabs were located. Then put in bolts with washers or spacers to bring the top of the bolt even with the outside of the receiver then secure with washer, lock washer and nut on the inside. Then taper the head of the bolt the same shape as the original tab by grinding.
2) Cut off the flexible strip about ½” behind the tabs (closer to cover) so it will clear when a hitch pin is placed in the receiver. Make a square U shape strap, drill holes so the hitch pin can pass through. Attach the metal strap to the hitch cover.
I chose to do option 2 because I wanted a more secure install. Here is what I did so the hitch cover would work with a 2½” receiver. I cut off the flexible strip about ½” behind the tabs (closer to cover) so it will clear when a hitch pin is placed in the receiver. Then I cut a 9½” strip from a 1/16” X 1” bar aluminum. I bent it into a square U shape 2½” wide with 2 legs 3½’ long. I measured the location where the hitch pin would pass through and drilled a 5/8” hole with a step drill. I placed the square U shape aluminum strip on the hitch cover, centered it and drilled 1/16” holes. Then I pop riveted it to the hitch cover on both sides with a washer on the inside. I then mounted it in the hitch receiver and secured it with the hitch pin. See attached pictures.
