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Avoiding Swaying or Snaking


COUPLINGS

What are the different types of couplings and which one is right for your vehicle and RV?

 


Treg Hitch

 

 

Couplings  – What is a coupling ?

There are five main parts involved in the coupling: the tow bar, the tow ball and the ball mount or tongue that all attach to the tow vehicle plus the coupling body and the ‘A’ Frame or trailer draw bar that form the attachment points on the trailer.

Some caravan manufacturers will provide an option for the type of coupling.  There are various types but the most common is the on-road ball coupling. 

Standard Quick Release Plunger Coupling

Most caravans and trailers come with a standard plunger ball mount coupling.  These quick release plunger couplings are not considered to be strong enough to withstand the rigors of off-road use.

Some of the imported European caravans have a coupling that incorporates a stabilizer (See article on Sway Control Devices)

To avoid damage to the back bumper of the tow vehicle there are devices such as the Couplemate Hitchup Guide and Lock
Click to enlarge

What is a Hyland Hitch?

The Hyland hitch, manufactured by Darren Hyland, is made to give the ball full articulation and it has full 360 degree sideway swivel so it is often favoured for off-road caravans and trailers.  Proper setting up using a 3.5 tonne ball with a higher stem is required.  The Hyland hitch head can be padlocked to prevent theft of your RV.

Camper trailers can be taken over much rougher terrain and the ‘up and down’ movement can be harsh and result in the bottoming out on the coupling and break either the tow bar, coupling or tow ball.  Options are to use other types of couplings such as the ‘Treg’ or ‘Orac” .
 


Hyland Hitch

The Treg, Trigg and Orac hitches are often used for camper trailers and not caravans due to the difficulties experienced in lining up the hitch pin to the rear of the tow vehicle.  Camper trailers are more likely to be able to be physically moved to line up the hitch than say the heavier caravans.
 

What is a Treg Hitch / Coupling ?

The ‘Treg’ hitch has a polyurethane block which has some shock absorbing properties and stops noise and vibration from the trailer to the vehicle.

 

What is a Trigg Poly Block Coupling?

The Trigg hitch is manufactured to ADR by Trigg Bros Pty Ltd of South Australia, for up to 2 and 3 ton use is similar to but should not be confused with the Treg Hitch.

 

What is an AT35 Coupling?

The AT35 hitch coupling is rated to 3,500 kg and provides high articulation (70 degree min) in all combinations of movement.  The AT35 coupling is often used by 4WD owners with a camper trailer or all terrain/off-road caravans.


 


 


Orac

What is an Orac Coupling ?

The ‘Orac” type hitch allows full vertical movement and full 360 degree sideways movement as well.

 

 Other articles that may interest you -

Tow Bars & Tow Balls
The tow bar should clearly identify its maximum towing weight rating and its maximum ball mass.
  Best Tow Vehicle
What vehicle do you need to tow with? Diesel? Petrol? Gas? Manual? Automatic?
  Hitches & Weight Distribution
How to stop the fish-tailing and snaking of your caravan.
 
Caravan Towing Tips
Gain towing experience, confidence and tips.  Avoid "suction" from other vehicles as they pass.
  Caravan Reversing / Parking Tips
Tired of being the entertainment of the caravan park when reversing. 
Become an expert in no time.

 
  Sway Control Devices
How to stop swaying and snaking of your caravan. Examine different devices available.
 

 

 

 


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