McHITCH 3.5 TONNE

mike g g · Senior Member

McHITCH 3.5 TONNE

Yuglamron · Guru

I towed a 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara behind my 8.5 ton MH for around six years. 3.5 ton McHitch. No major issues except you had to be lined up far more accurately than a 50mm Towball To hitch up. What I did like was the confidence of having two methods of attachment. The 1/2 threaded Nut screwed down into the towpin with a ratchet and also the pin that also kept the towpin and hitch secured. Another advantage is you could use a pin with a keyed lock instaed. Never liked towballs which are inclined to pop off in places where you extend the angles beyond horizontal.

I realise a flat towed vehicle is a little different than a Van ,however the hitch is the same. I believe the newer McHitch version that self locks would alleviate the lining up issue I had with the A Frame. I was going to get McHitch to modify my 3.5 ton hitch to the new self locking version but have a change of plans.

I would recommend the McHitch as a solid well built and safer alternative to the standard towball.

Dickodownunder · Guru

I thought long and hard about a McHitch but decided against it eventually as it moves the towing pivot point further away from the rear axle assembly which in some circumstances may increase instability.
Fitting one will increase the lever action that a van applies to the tug.

if your tow vehicle weighs a lot more than your van as in the sample above then increasing the distance of the towing pivot point may not cause too much grief.

-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Thursday 19th of October 2017 02:16:47 PM

Footprints · Senior Member

Last month I fitted one to my truck so that it would comply with the new laws that came into effect in September. While the hitch and it's operation is great and I feel it is better than a ball coupling, as stated elsewhere it is a real pain to back up to. When on solid ground as in the driveway it is fine as the van coupling can be set up to the required height for an easy connection however when you relocate to another site where the ground is soft or uneven the height match is different requiring constantly having to get out and check if reversing and hitching alone. This defeats the purpose and a real pain in the ass. However I have to live with with it to comply. Previously I simply raised the draw bar to any height that was higher than the ball and reversed until the ball was beneath the coupling (aided by reversing camera). Easy as.

Cheers Allen.

lizard · Veteran Member

I am thinking of getting one of these www.vehiclecomponents.com.au/hitches-couplings/new-hitchmaster-do35-v3-coupling

KiloBravo · Member

I have the McHitch auto coupler, I find it great to use, well made and the owner of McHitch is a really nice bloke, very helpful and will give good advice.

I called into his workshop in Lithgow and had a look around, he must be doing something right, he cant keep up with demand..

Have spoken to about a dozen caravanners with the same Hitch and all have raved about them.

I tow a 236 Traveller with it, easy to hitch and unhitch, biggrin also a number of blokes out my way have them on machinery trailers, once again all are very happy with them.

Bass · Senior Member

Sold mine and brother inlaw sold his and mate sold his. they fine in caravan parks but unhitching in off road situations a nightmare hooking up requires same amount of effort as ball. They are however very well built and would last long time.

Moonraker · Senior Member

Mike,

I have a McHitch but I would also recommend you have a good look at the DO35 a very will proven hitch or the new Hitch Ezy especially if you will be using a WDH. I dont us a WDH!

macka17 · Guru

They ALL just copies of HYLAND Hitch. Fancied up a bit. with some using ball.
Some a pin. one a Universal.

They ALL work on his 360deg rotation on both planes. Less van body area.

After all the yrs I've used his (One of the 3.5t prototypes Pre retail sales.)
Bought off net through factory.
I recommended modifying bottom of ball cup to stop binding after first tow with. On 3.5t.
smaller one ok seemingly.
I have yet to see any real improvement on his.

2.5t a cast unit. Bolt to drawbar only.
3.5t unit a fabricated one.
I Bolted rear holes down to Bar.
While welding complete front of to drawbar.
Best of both.
3 plus ton of tandem van. 14 ish yrs with a lot of corrugations.
Never gave one hairline crack or loose nut.
Keep it greased. it'll never miss a beat.

Stephcott · Member

Had a drop on Mchitch for a couple of years on my van, bit fiddlly on uneven ground as others have stated.

I have just upgraded to the auto coupler and after 4 weeks on the road I absolutely love it, so easy to hitch and unhitch on any ground level, my wife is sick of me raving about. Buy one you wont regret it.

A mate has a D035 on his Bushtracker he was equally impressed on how easy it is to use.

Phil