Why a “McHitch” and install / Review

Personally I think the 50mm ball is a dangerous item for caravans. What happens if the van flips, the car will go with it. I knew I needed an articulated hitch and this is the one I picked and why. Check out the install and me rabbiting on a bit.

[@pandkgraham]

I have had the McHitch on for about 14 months...it works well, very easy to hitch and unhitch..best thing about the McHitch...the better half jumps in the 4wd and hitches up...and she literally HATES trying to back up and connect the 4wd to the Campertrailer. That is a winner in itself....

[@roberts3889]

With a ball hitch, once you get the ball under the proper spot on the trailer, apply the parking brake. That prevents the slight roll when shifting into park.

[@bluecollarstudio8513]

Way less stress than a ball hitch. You guys are decades ahead of us. Even your Jayco's look beefier than ours which are considered total $#!+ here in the US.

[@terrysmith7740]

I've been looking for a relatively foolproof hitch and receiver 3.5t for frequent use and this looks pretty good for the money, even if it provides short term relief from my current pain in the neck 2nd installment of ARK 3.5t that refuses to unhitch at the most inconvenient of occasions.

[@glenod]

I use low 4 in the 200 series some times when hitching up the van. gives me a bit more control of movement. still have the ball coupling however. good vid. Glen.

[@ysgood]

Hi Dav, Thanks for keep posting quality videos. I really like the looking and design of the dash off-road bar. I recon it’s the best bar for Y62. But the options of the front bar is really limited for the series5. Just wondering if there will be a Dash off-road bar for Y62 s5? Thanks Regards Michael

[@harryharriss3880]

Thanks buddy, been looking for a video on the hitch

[@kentwillis]

Thanks for sharing... good video and advice

[@billroach2393]

When I bought the Bushtracker in 2016, it was fitted with a DO35 which I found to be an absolute pain. So I bought a 6 tonne McHitch Auto. To start off it was great and I loved it. But after about 6 months it started to jamb-up and was hard to both connect and disconnect. I tried all sorts of adjustments and silicon spray etc etc. In the end i sold it and bought the Rolls Royce of hitches...The Aussie made "Hitch Ezy" and have never looked back. Bushtracker now fit the Hitch Ezy as standard equipment.

[@ozmid40scouple]

But the "Hitch Ezy" is around $1000+ compared to $400 for 3.5tonne units...... I still like the idea of being involved in the actual "locking" of the mechanism as a part of the "failsafe" process rather than just dropping the unit down onto the "pillar" I have watched a ton of videos on bot the units and the McHitch really does look the simplest of either to hitch up......

[@billroach2393]

@@ozmid40scouple yeah, they weren't quite that expensive when I bought mine. In any case, it's another example of "you get what you pay for"...

[@cryptoslacker-464]

Such a great product. The extra utility out ways the extra length and ball weight I think.

[@lesterknopke285]

With all due respect, I think you will find that ball weight reduces with the extra 100mm length. Not increase. Greater leverage back to the fulcrum which in this case is the van axil/s.

[@stevegrant2342]

Great video mate. How do you lock the brakes open on the hitch when reversing

[@AussieDazza]

I get the same frustration when I hook up our Kedron Van with my GU. ( DO 35 ) .I line it up and the bloody thing moves forward an inch. Lol. I got used to going an inch past then in moves forward to where I want it. Lol

[@alanbebend9848]

Hey mate great video but I have to ask who did the wrap on your car ?

[@Dorko85]

Pretty cool way to hitch on. I have the DO35; personal love it as it’s just as easy and a lot cleaner in design. The McHitch just looks clunky and chunky

[@Renegade040]

But the self guiding and locking is the winner for me, the clunking is only there when connecting which is what you need to hear.

[@Dorko85]

I know a few people that changed to DO35 and all of them wish they did it earlier.

[@Renegade040]

@@Dorko85 100% agree, the DC35 is a great hitch, still tossing up which one to go for, but for me the McHitch is slightly in front. It would be nice if I could test both before I brought.

[@Dorko85]

@@Renegade040 if you are in Perth more than happy to show you ours. We added it to my army trailer as well!

[@Renegade040]

@@Dorko85 do you know why they changed from a McHitch, are there any issues. I live in Exmouth and not planning going to Perth any time soon, thanks for the offer

[@DOCWHOK9]

I may need a drop down hitch adapter like you have. Is yours branded or just something off eBay. Does it have any Specs?

[@djnmv]

Looks like a good product! One thing I noticed though, the yellow locking handle looks like it could potentially get bent if you were to turn much sharper as it looks like it would hit your A frame on the caravan (not that you typically would turn that sharp I guess, but maybe in a 4wding scenario with a camper trailer you might). Do you think it would still clear with a fairly sharp angle between vehicle and trailer?

[@1ash1988]

the newer model,the yellow arm is on a spring loaded hinge... also prevents it from bending if your not lined up properly and hit the arn with the hitch

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for share detail video as great set up

[@derekclements5682]

I use a key locked pin and when not hitched I pass the pin thru the hitch and chains for extra security makes harder to steal

[@hanlens_on_hiatus]

Awesome mate.

[@mrjerryr2]

what is the brand of the tow hitch receiver that you are using? In order for the pins to securely fasten on the surface plate, that surface plate needs to have a width of 3”. YOU CAN use a tow hitch with a 2.5” width but you have to flip the pins upside down. I am askig because I have only been able to find tow hitch with 2” surface plate.

[@waynebridges6808]

May I ask you how much do they cost? thanks.

[@jarradmaate7883]

We use the mchitch at the caravan and camper business i work at in adelaide. Couldnt recommend it more.

[@donwhittington2218]

Hi Dave as the hitch was a further 100mm back did you have to extend your chains good video

[@DASHOffRoad]

Haven’t needed to

[@00pils]

Great video - thanks. The extra 100 mm will reduce your ball weight, not increase it. The moment arm is longer. Think about a lever; the longer the lever arm, the less force you need.

[@petercrisp2573]

ian pilbeam Exactly right there. Ian. This is misleading. Simple mechanics. Ball weight will be reduced with the 100 mm increase in moment arm.

[@meanderingmarnochs]

Should have gone the DO35 from Cruisemaster. So much better than anything else on the market

[@Devourer221]

@@meanderingmarnochs why?

[@meanderingmarnochs]

@@Devourer221 seen the McHitch fail on several occasions including once when I was towing my brother's camper trailer which damaged my vehicle.

[@Devourer221]

@@meanderingmarnochs and how did the hitch damage your vehicle? I'm comparing the two currently and a lot of the complaints so far seem to surround maintenance

[@angusrainbow8853]

What's your rear bar? Rassler? Any recommended installers in Adelaide?

[@DASHOffRoad]

Mines a Kaymar.... for now. Steve Allan’s Mechanical does more work on 62’s than anyone else in SA. I’d go there

[@troutman3084]

I want to know what you do for a job. Nice van, nice 4wd, nice house $$$$

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Completely OT, but what transition are you using at 2:54?

[@DASHOffRoad]

I think it’s called a “zoom” transition. I’ll have to check. I just hit the little icon without thinking now

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

@@DASHOffRoad Cheers, which editing program?

[@DASHOffRoad]

I Movie

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

@@DASHOffRoad Right, that's why I couldn't find it! lol Prem Pro user...

[@daveo1559]

Good vid. How did u go on the drive. Did the car sway as much?

[@DASHOffRoad]

Seems pretty good actually. Better than before

[@drquentinfree4406]

Hi David. My a fellow Y62er. I’ve see some of your Y62 videos over the years. Didn’t know you did other product review, ie caravan stuff. Well done! Quick question, after having this hitch for 2yrs, how do you find it? Would you get it again? I have the same van, same car (S5 like you have now) with the standard 50 tow ball hitch. And have you noticed a difference driving with this hitch compared to the 50mm ball hitch? Thanks.

[@DASHOffRoad]

To be honest, o got a bit sick of the McHitch and have since changed to a DO35. For my situation and I’m my opinion this works better for me

[@drquentinfree4406]

Hey David, I have watched mates have divorces trying to line up that little pin on the D035. What is it you prefer with the D035 over the McHitch?

[@xotic8617]

Hey mate how u finding the mchitch? Did you keep it or have you swapped it out? I just fitted one up to my 26ft van that we tow with our 22 y62, going to try it out for the first time this coming wkend which will be interesting 👍🏼

[@DASHOffRoad]

I’ve moved to a DO35 now

[@brentoncarter6895]

just a suggestion david use silicion spray on both parts its even easier ps had 1 for 3 years

[@DASHOffRoad]

Good advice 👍

[@brentoncarter6895]

he only down side to this baby ring feeder is it must be the same hight as each other direction does not matter to much but hight does ps still love it

[@trimat2016]

I think the you have the ball weight thing the wrong way round Dave. Load on the back of the car should reduce as the van moves further away. Think of it as a lever with the caravan wheels as the pivot point. Interesting hitch though. I like the easy connection, particularly as you say with the Y62's propensity to move a little after you put it in park. My only concern is that universal joint in the hitch. Lot of load going through it. Be interesting to see how it holds up over time.

[@billroach2393]

No, Dave has got it right. The download of the towball doesn't change...but the further back the pivot is from the vehicle's rear axle, the more weight that is exerted on that axle.

[@trimat2016]

@@billroach2393 That's only true if the pivot point moves back but the load stays static. In this case though the load is moving back as well. If you don't believe me and assuming you own a caravan, try jacking up the van from the towball, then move back a bit and try again. The further you go back down the chassis the harder it will be to jack up because the load is increasing.

[@billroach2393]

@@trimat2016 your first sentence says it all... Quote: "That's only true if the pivot point moves back but the load stays static" Unquote. That is EXACTLY what the McHitch Auto does. It moves the pivot point back by about 100mm. The pivot point is the universal joint...not the anchor point of the large 7/8" bolt that secures the receiver to the car's tongue.

[@rowanholgate1435]

@@billroach2393 The Mchitch has moved the load back 100mm.

[@trimat2016]

@@billroach2393 Bill, the UJ is irrelevant for the purposes of calculating ball download, it could be solid and it would make no difference. Think of the van a bit like a wheelbarrow. The longer the arms are the less weight you have to lift.

[@BStott]

When you all are backing to hitch your trailers and have stopped. Did you ever try setting the parking brake? I do. It can't roll. Process: 1) back up. 2) stop w/foot brake. 3) Put auto in Park. 4) Set parking brake. 5) Take foot off brake. 6) Get out. 7) Hitch trailer.

[@mattluscombe2866]

I have a nissan too that does this same roll. It does it with the park brake on too. It truly is bloody annoying.

[@redman5645]

@@mattluscombe2866 yep, Jeep too. Although there is a better method than above. 1) back up 2) stop with foot brake 3) select NEUTRAL 4) set parking brake 5) select PARK 6) take foot off brake. The key is to put it in N before applying the park brake, then put it in P. This still doesn't solve every roll situation but it definitely cuts down on the rolling.

[@ryanokeefe12]

The car will still roll if the trailer rolls... the trailer doesn't 'twist' the car over, it lifts the rear end of the car as the draw bar raises and the car then rolls because of the increased COG that this causes, PLUS the combination of the front tyres trying to resist the sideways slide of the car and the trailer trying to continue on it's trajectory.

[@drquentinfree4406]

I never thought of it that way. But I guess you are spot on. By this logic, the D035 would have the same issues. Therefore no hitch will prevent the car from rolling if the caravan goes? Is that correct Ryan?

[@ryanokeefe12]

@@drquentinfree4406 all hitches will lift the car at the rear. Especially dual axle setups. Id hazard a guess at a hypothetical test with a hitch that allowed zero longitudinal rotation between vehicle and trailer would nett a reduced chance of rolling as the trailer would not be able to loft the rear of the car. Sure you'd have the high cog trailer COG trailer trying to roll and twisting at the car, but it's trying to twist the car at such a low point that the car will be resisting the roll, keeping the trailer level and never allowing the trailer to roll independently resulting the rear of the car being lifted. Of coarse there could be other issues that present themselves like the trailer skipping and bouncing rather than sliding.

[@waynesmith8024]

Yes easy to fit saves a lot of hassles trying to reverse hookup great video , I fitted mine in less than 30 minutes. Keep up the great videos. Cheers WAYNE from Victor Harbor SA Have you any videos on caravan wifi ?

[@DASHOffRoad]

No sorry

[@brianstewart9597]

Most thieving mongrels out there ready to knock off your rig have the std. 50mm ball, so there’s an extra benefit of switching to this type of hitch 😉

[@haydlew]

They just use the chains 😒

[@PissTakeProduction]

I was dudded with the DO35 DO NOT GET THE DUD35

[@NasTimeAdventures]

Any particular reason why?

[@PissTakeProduction]

@@NasTimeAdventures Broke on first tow. Called about warranty and the customer service is a joke.

[@NasTimeAdventures]

@@PissTakeProduction I was tossing up between the two. Maybe I stick with the McHitch now. Cheers.

[@Devourer221]

What broke on it?

[@markw.61]

Don’t tell us … show us!

[@danielgreen1894]

Well this didn't age well.

[@v8s01]

It’s just so ugly compared to the DO35