Thread: New trailer Coupling

I use the Orac coupling, I have used it for the 2 camper trailers I've had, they are extremly strong, Australian made and have better articulation than the Treg. Manufactured by O'Briens Camper Trailers in Victoria.

Originally Posted by bullets

Hi mate,

I am in the market for a new heavy duty off road hitch also, after just completing a full rear fold camper conversion on a ex RAAF Track Trailer.
Look like I will be going with a McHitch 6ton set up. Kedron caravans are running with these on their off road models & are getting great feed back.
I have had a close look over these in Kedron's work shop & the hitch appears to very well Engineered, with spare uni's available at any outlet that sells Toyota parts.
Good thing about these is it is a lot easier than other hitch's to hook up when in tricky situations.

The 6 ton hitch's are not cheap so big call!

Refer link
6 Tonne Coupling [6TON] - $795.00AUD : McHitch.com.au - Uniglide Trailer Coupling, Shop

Why are you looking at the 6 tonne version? It's huge! The 3.5T will be more than adequate for the Track camper. And at $495.00, much more affordable.

I'm seriously considering the Hyland 3500 Hitch for the camper.
Couplings - Off Road

I tow other standard trailers with 50mm ball as well - so this saves me the need to swap couplings on The Disco and also offers relatively easy hook-up in awkward situations. I have bent the tow-bar on the GQ towing the camper with standard 50mm hitch - so consider an off-road coupling necessary before I break something.

Ian

Hi Ian,

I have talked to Joe from McHitch a fair bit about the intended use for the trailer - doing more extreme style tracks, rock & creek runs etc. Based on this he recommended going the 6 ton hitch more so based on uplift loads being applied to the coupling.
I agree 6 ton in general is a complete over-kill.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Owl

Why are you looking at the 6 tonne version? It's huge! The 3.5T will be more than adequate for the Track camper. And at $495.00, much more affordable.

I'm seriously considering the Hyland 3500 Hitch for the camper.
Couplings - Off Road

I tow other standard trailers with 50mm ball as well - so this saves me the need to swap couplings on The Disco and also offers relatively easy hook-up in awkward situations. I have bent the tow-bar on the GQ towing the camper with standard 50mm hitch - so consider an off-road coupling necessary before I break something.

Ian

Thanks Ian,
I dont see a hyland with override brakes or did I just miss it?


Cheers Ean

Originally Posted by bullets

Hi Ian,

I have talked to Joe from McHitch a fair bit about the intended use for the trailer - doing more extreme style tracks, rock & creek runs etc. Based on this he recommended going the 6 ton hitch more so based on uplift loads being applied to the coupling.
I agree 6 ton in general is a complete over-kill.

Cheers

Interesting.
Does this mean the designer/manufacturer does not think his 3500Kg Off Road Hitch is suitable for a 1500Kg (or thereabouts) Off Road Trailer!!
Doesn't instill too much confidence does it?

Ian

Originally Posted by Ean Austral

Thanks Ian,
I dont see a hyland with override brakes or did I just miss it?


Cheers Ean

Hi Ean,
Hyland 2000 is available with override coupling. I don't believe override brakes are legal on trailers over 2T - at least not in Victoria. I'm guessing this is why the Hyland override coupling is only available on their 2000 series.

My camper weighs ~1200Kg fully loaded and I have electric brakes. I could probably use the Hyland 2000 comfortably, but while the 3500 is overkill, it is only a few $$'s extra with handbrake so why not!

Ian

Ian

Originally Posted by Owl

Interesting.
Does this mean the designer/manufacturer does not think his 3500Kg Off Road Hitch is suitable for a 1500Kg (or thereabouts) Off Road Trailer!!
Doesn't instill too much confidence does it?

Ian

I explained to Joe (McHitch) I wanted to be able to do a reverse recovery if required pulling trailer + tow vehicle backwards (1500kg + @ 2250kg) or tow/recover another vehicle behind trailer. Also if going backwards down into a gully where trailer drops into gully pushing rear of tow vehicle up off the ground would require a stronger than normal up lift load on hitch - hence recommendation to go 6 ton option.

Originally Posted by bullets

I explained to Joe (McHitch) I wanted to be able to do a reverse recovery if required pulling trailer + tow vehicle backwards (1500kg + @ 2250kg) or tow/recover another vehicle behind trailer. Also if going backwards down into a gully where trailer drops into gully pushing rear of tow vehicle up off the ground would require a stronger than normal up lift load on hitch - hence recommendation to go 6 ton option.

Hi Bullets,
In a reverse recovery, the coupling is still only taking the load of the tow vehicle - not the combination. (The winch rope (or whatever) attached to the trailer takes the combination load). Coupling load is well within the 3.5T rating of the smaller hitch.

Different story if you intend snatch recovery of another vehicle behind the trailer!!! But why would you? Snatch recoveries are dangerous enough without the additional hardware involved.

Ian