ROA Off-Road's Guide To Off-Road Articulating Hitches
In this blog, I want to explore the various styles of hitches you might find on off-road trailers worldwide. After lots of real-life testing over many years, the team and I have learned a lot about what makes an off-road hitch excellent, considering not just performance, but also how easy it is to use and understand. I am excited to share our top 5 hitches, not in any specific order because each one has its own special strengths. Let's get started!
McHitch
The McHitch, which reigns from Australia, is a simple and easy-to-use hitch that's perfect for solo travelers. It's unique design locks in multiple places, and allows for an easy hitching up experience.
Just the other day, I was hooking up a trailer with a ball hitch, unfortunately my back up camera wasn't working and it took several attempts, and several minutes to get it lined up just right. It can become tiresome doing this multiple times throughout a camping trip. However, the McHitch solves this problem. All you need to do is line up the hitch with the receiver, and you back right into it! Ta-da! All hooked up, and ready to adventure.
Weight Rating:
*4.5 Tonne - 9,200 Pound Limit
*6 Tonne - 13,200 Pound Limit
Pros:
* Simple and easy to use
* Durable
* Unlimited articulation
* Unique hitch pin that makes theft nearly impossible
Cons:
* Different hitch receiver that has a learning curve
* Limited adjustability
Cruisemaster DO35/DO45 Hitch
Cruisemaster offers two great off-road articulating hitches which are the D035 and D045. The D035 is often used on light trailers, with a smaller receiver. The DO45 is slightly larger, and is used on heavier, bigger trailers. As the other hitches in this blog, this hitch can articulate in all directions, making washes, steep inclines, and undulating roads a breeze, all while taking stress off of your truck, allowing the hitch to do the work.
This hitch sets up very similarly to a ball hitch, you simply back the trailer up under the donut hole, and using the jack to lower the trailer onto the hitch. On some lighter trailers which the D035 is commonly found on, you can even roll the trailer a bit to get it lined up, which requires less backing up, checking, and backing up again. This hitch is simple to understand and performs just as you'd like it to.
Weight Ratings:
*DO35 - 7,716 Pounds
*DO45 - 9,200 Pounds
Pros:
* Excellent construction quality
* Easy to use
* Unlimited articulation
Cons:
* More expensive than some other options
* May require more maintenance
* Requires a unique receiver that will only be used for this trailer
Lock and Roll Hitch
The Lock and Roll Hitch is a popular option for those who want a hitch that's simple and durable. While the Lock N Roll is best used on light trailers, it can be used on trailers up to 11,000 pounds. It isn't the easiest hitch to hook up, and requires some precise backing up, and getting your truck in just the right spot to hook it up, if you are slightly off, you may need to kick the hitch to get it in the right place.
The great part about this hitch, is there is very little that can go wrong, and that can be important on long excursions, off-roaders know the less things that can go wrong, the better.
Pros:
* Durable
* Unlimited articulation
* Suitable for lighter trailers
Cons:
* May not be suitable for heavier trailers
* Limited adjustability
* Difficult hitching process
Easy Hitch
The Easy Hitch from Australia is a robust and easy-to-use hitch that's perfect for off-road enthusiasts. It features a unique lever that allows users to open the coupling even if they have difficulty using their hands, making it a great option for those with mobility issues.
Pros:
* Robust and durable
* Easy to use
* Unique lever for easy coupling
* Suitable for off-road adventures
Cons:
* More expensive than some other options
* May require additional maintenance
**Conclusion**
We hope you've enjoyed this comprehensive guide to articulating hitches. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or just starting out, there's a hitch out there that's right for you. Remember to do your research and choose a hitch that meets your specific needs and trailer requirements. Thanks for joining us, and we look forward to seeing you on the trails!