Hi all again. As mentioned in previous posts I am only 45kg so not strong. Determined, but not strong. I shall be travelling on my own towing my 16' Goldstream RV off road and the hitch we have is really hard to put onto the tow ball, even for my husband sometimes. Sometimes putting it on, not sometimes my husband!!! It tends to twist and doesn't slip on properly. Not sure of the name of it, so wondering which type I can change it to that will be better. I will say thank you now to all that reply as I have found everyone is very helpful.
Kim
Brenda and Alan said
07:41 AM Apr 22, 2018
Would I be correct in assuming it has a 50mm ball coupling and an over-ride brake system where the coupling swivels. If so a conversion to electric brakes and a rigid coupling would make things easier. A reversing camera in the tug would also make the hitching up operation much easier.
Alan
Yuglamron said
08:13 AM Apr 22, 2018
.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Sunday 22nd of April 2018 08:28:10 AM
Yuglamron said
08:22 AM Apr 22, 2018
I had a previous McHitch coupling as I am not a fan of the 50mm Ball coupling. Much safer than a 5omm ball.
Now they have introduced an Automatic coupling in various versions from no brakes to Hydraulic brake override and of course electric brake versions.
I did see a Mazda BT 50 using the system and he had a camera installed behind the receiver. Made it SIMPLE to hitch up Solo.
Hope it helps in your research.
Usual disclaimer I have no connection to the company just a satisfied customer and pleased with their after sales support as well.
https://www.mchitch.com.au/media
gandk said
08:23 AM Apr 22, 2018
Thanks shall have a watch. Hi Alan, it has electric brakes but it does swivel. Apparently needs to be able to move due to being an off road van.
Ta
gandk said
08:27 AM Apr 22, 2018
Wow. Yep that seems like the way to go. Thanks for replying.
Wizardofoz said
11:04 AM Apr 22, 2018
This Australian designed and built hitch is expensive but it is virtually foolproof, I have been using it un-assisted for 4 years and wouldnt be without it As it has allowed me to hitch and un-hitch at horrible angles at times. I have also heard good reports about the McHitch too, however, the Hitch Ezy has been faultless and I would not think of replacing it.
it has electric brakes but it does swivel. Apparently needs to be able to move due to being an off road van. Ta
What type of hitch do you have? Here is a link to help you identify it.
Bookleaf said
02:17 PM Apr 22, 2018
I have a McHitch Auto Coupler, replacing my ball coupling with override brakes. Also now have electric brakes.
My ball coupling also used to twist during travel and would nearly always be twisted (rolled) to one side when it came time to uncouple.
Also have a reversing camera that displays the tow coupling (ie the "tow ball" as it were) as well as the area out the back of the car.
Best thing I did was to change to the McHitch Auto Coupler. Makes coupling up (and uncoupling) a breeze. No help needed physically or to give directions.
Had to add a different hand brake leaver and plate though at the same time, but that was just part of the conversion.
Highly recommend.
IAN zzz said
09:36 PM Apr 22, 2018
ahhhh ... we all have different opinions :)
I'm a big fan of the 50mm Ball coupling. I guess I'm old school :)
BUT ... I definitely recommend a rear facing camera
Stay safe
Dhutime said
11:40 PM Apr 22, 2018
We have a Hitch Easy and a trailermate jack, very happy. Very easy to hook up and off . Previously had a Mchitch auto sold that didnât suit our van .
Aus-Kiwi said
09:59 AM Apr 23, 2018
A simple guide plate can be made and bolted under tow ball . As you back on it guides van into position . Often with U Around the front to prevent van draw bar hitting bumper or vehicle .
As well as the height also make sure the brakes are on or the van wheels are chocked securely before backing into the Couple Mate.
Aus-Kiwi said
11:10 AM Apr 23, 2018
Yep thatâs here are ways to getting hitched !!! Lol SORRY !! Someone had too !!
gandk said
06:40 AM Apr 25, 2018
Yes someone had to didn't they. All good fun for the day. But on a serious note. Thank you all I shall check out all of the above as to which shall be easy to convert my van.
Thanks again. Love this site.
Kim
Hi all again. As mentioned in previous posts I am only 45kg so not strong. Determined, but not strong. I shall be travelling on my own towing my 16' Goldstream RV off road and the hitch we have is really hard to put onto the tow ball, even for my husband sometimes. Sometimes putting it on, not sometimes my husband!!! It tends to twist and doesn't slip on properly. Not sure of the name of it, so wondering which type I can change it to that will be better. I will say thank you now to all that reply as I have found everyone is very helpful.
Kim
Would I be correct in assuming it has a 50mm ball coupling and an over-ride brake system where the coupling swivels. If so a conversion to electric brakes and a rigid coupling would make things easier. A reversing camera in the tug would also make the hitching up operation much easier.
Alan
.
-- Edited by Yuglamron on Sunday 22nd of April 2018 08:28:10 AM
I had a previous McHitch coupling as I am not a fan of the 50mm Ball coupling. Much safer than a 5omm ball.
Now they have introduced an Automatic coupling in various versions from no brakes to Hydraulic brake override and of course electric brake versions.
I did see a Mazda BT 50 using the system and he had a camera installed behind the receiver. Made it SIMPLE to hitch up Solo.
Hope it helps in your research.
Usual disclaimer I have no connection to the company just a satisfied customer and pleased with their after sales support as well.
https://www.mchitch.com.au/media
Ta
This Australian designed and built hitch is expensive but it is virtually foolproof, I have been using it un-assisted for 4 years and wouldnt be without it As it has allowed me to hitch and un-hitch at horrible angles at times. I have also heard good reports about the McHitch too, however, the Hitch Ezy has been faultless and I would not think of replacing it.
http://www.hitch-ezy.com.au/features.html#contact
What type of hitch do you have? Here is a link to help you identify it.
My ball coupling also used to twist during travel and would nearly always be twisted (rolled) to one side when it came time to uncouple.
Also have a reversing camera that displays the tow coupling (ie the "tow ball" as it were) as well as the area out the back of the car.
Best thing I did was to change to the McHitch Auto Coupler. Makes coupling up (and uncoupling) a breeze. No help needed physically or to give directions.
Had to add a different hand brake leaver and plate though at the same time, but that was just part of the conversion.
Highly recommend.
I'm a big fan of the 50mm Ball coupling. I guess I'm old school :)
BUT ... I definitely recommend a rear facing camera
Stay safe
I use this https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/COUPLE-MATE-Trailer-Caravan-Boat-Guide-Self-Aligning-Tow-Ball-CM001-EXPRESS/171835796558?hash=item2802362c4e:g:CWkAAOSw-vlVimXv works a treat. Just remember to count the chain links left on the ground when you uncouple so you know the height to wind the jockey wheel up to when wanting to hook up.
Tony
As well as the height also make sure the brakes are on or the van wheels are chocked securely before backing into the Couple Mate.
Thanks again. Love this site.
Kim