I got a price from Mitsubishi Melb, $115. I bought on Ebay delivered $111.95. My daughter was going to pick the Ebay item up from the $115 Mitsu shop BUT could not work out to pay without freight, so for the $14 freight I just had then freight it.
I would love to be able to modify the hitch but too difficult for me these days, I would normally have done something like that mod before my accident!!!!
At least now we can open the rear door with every trailer I tow.
As can be seen from Aussie Pauls' first photo the bottom of the door is very close to the coupling lift handle and this is often the reason for the original problem, not always the spare being too low.
For those who are handy (still) the best and cheapest method is the modification in WAssa41s' photos. It is a very easy mod. and will give instant access.
Other lower profile couplings can give the same result and in fact I have used the AL-KO off road coupling but eventually modified the "standard" coupling on our new van which is much easier to use and costs about $10 (or some garage scrap) compared to the $250 for the AL-KO O/Road coupling.
The method is to put a spare ball in the coupling and drive the pin out.
The ball is put in so that when you drive the pin out all the "bits" don't fall on the ground.
Having already fabricated the new handle hold it in place and slide the appropriate size bolt in where you knocked the pin out and tighten the bolt.
Bingo job done!
I used a stainless steel bolt with nylon lock nut to replace the pin, aluminium strap for the handle "riser" and a piece of booker rod with plastic hose over it as a handle and nylon lock nuts on each end. Spray it all silver (except the plastic handle) and it looks like a bought one.
Keith....
-- Edited by Sparkster on Tuesday 1st of April 2014 12:46:42 PM
The method is to put a spare ball in the coupling and drive the pin out.
The ball is put in so that when you drive the pin out all the "bits" don't fall on the ground.
Having already fabricated the new handle hold it in place and slide the appropriate size bolt in where you knocked the pin out and tighten the bolt.
Bingo job done!
I used a stainless steel bolt with nylon lock nut to replace the pin, aluminium strap for the handle "riser" and a piece of booker rod with plastic hose over it as a handle and nylon lock nuts on each end. Spray it all silver (except the plastic handle) and it looks like a bought one.
Keith....
-- Edited by Sparkster on Tuesday 1st of April 2014 12:46:42 PM
