McHitch

[AJC]

So, I posted here http://www.expandasdownunder.com/sh...ious-re-OR-coupling-WDH-Paj-tow-vehicle/page2
about a range of thoughts including my decision to go for a McHitch.

Others asked for feedback so thjough i'd start a new thread.

It fitted easily (pics to come); was easy to hitch and un-hitch (level - yet to be on a slope).

It towed well; no hitch bump rattle felt or heard. Thats with no WDH. As I understand it, they are not particularly compatable with a WDH. Issue is driving around corners mainly, the tighter the worse, apparently as the hitch pivot and WDH pivot are in different planes. The McHitch's pivot is some 100 mm behind the 'towball' whereas the WDH arms pivot in the WDH head under the towball.

Higher price offroad hitches like HitchEzy or Hitchmaseter DO35 are apparemtly a better compromise as the pivot points are in the same plac (like a old fashioned ball hitch [minimal off-road capacity] or a Hyland).

I'm happy to give it a go and prefer to avoid a WDH anyway.

If I decide i'd prefer a WDH, I'll give the McHitch a trial with the WDH (rather than sell it for a HitchEzy or Hitchmaseter DO35). I'm told the solution for the the cornering issue is to have the chains on the WDH longer to account for the offset pivot points (but that sounds like the WDH would be less effective and or the bars could drag).

Apparently the other solution is to to leave the draw bar brackets loose to allow them to slide on the draw bar (the down weight of the chains and bar keeping the brakets on the draw bar). Think I'd put some sort of medium onto the draw bar where the brackets were to slide if that were the case...avoid wear).

Full report to come mid Oct after 3 weeks of the best Sth Oz can throw at it...can't wait!

 

[Moto Moto]

Thanks for the update. I will be interested to see what you think after using it for a while. There are a few different hitches out there now, so good to get some feedback for anyone thinking of trying one.

 

[Capt. Gadget]

Yeah thanks I'm pretty sure the McHitch is the way I'm going to go

 

[Capt. Gadget]

Bit the Bullet and Bought one and true to it's name "easy fit" it was, just need to take it for a drive now

 

[cruza driver]

Thanks for the update AJC.

 

[Brad]

Nice one AJC.
If you can, play around with the height of the hitch also.
I did that on mine a couple of weeks ago and it is amazing what sort of difference you get even with a 10mm adjustment.
I have the ezylift system but assume the HR system has the same types of adjustments.

 

[Bushman]

It all worked well, Paj much flatter, less air in the Polyairbags for a more comfortable ride, less bump n pitch from the back of the car, less sway at speed etc. No complaint form the hitch when taking the tight turns either, no movement of the chain mounts on the drawbar etc. So, am now a converted WDH user and happy to say it works well with the WDH. I'll continue to experiment with chain length til i get the right balance, next time i'll try 3 hanging, 8 under strain and if that's OK, i'll go for say 4 hanging and 7 under strain.

There should be no movement at all from the chain mounts on the drawbar, i have same set up in my PJ Springs and airbags but using standard hitch, I find with mine I have the chain on the 4th link, (3 loose) I fine it's a balancing act btween the WDH and the airbags, to much air and you can take the weight off the bars. All depends on your load of coarse, I think mine could come up another link.

Though just remember if you get into true off road with the van you need to take the bars off other wise serious damage could result
just have a look at what the Gall Boys did to a Prado leaving the bars on while on Fraser Is.