McHitch couplings back in business

Trailer hitch pioneer McHitch is back in business in Queensland.

McHitch, which ceased manufacturing late last year after around 15 years producing its trailblazer off-road trailer coupling, is trading again under a new arrangement that will see Aus-Hitch as its official licensed distributor in Australia.

Its headquarters have also moved from Lithgow, NSW to Caboolture in south-east Queensland.

According to an online statement, the revised McHitch website is now managed by Queensland-based Aus-Hitch and allows visitors to "explore McHitch's towing solutions, understand detailed specifications, and make informed decisions about their towing necessities".

A range of parts as well as McHitch Uniglide Trailer Coupling kits are available to order on the updated website, with pricing from $295 for the original 'Drop-on' Platinum coupling kit. The innovative Automatic All Terrain Coupler introduced in 2014, starts at $395 for the 3.5kg kit, topping out at $595 for the six tonne version.

Aus-Hitch said that "McHitch's advanced manufacturing facilities is again producing a broad spectrum of precision-engineered towing hitches, couplings, and accessories that are sturdy enough to handle rough Outback Australian terrain, and include flexible tow hitches for use in towing trailers and boats".

Aus-Hitch told caravancampingsales it's working closely with the overseas factory to innovate the current products and looking at new designs and finishes. It has already moved on a number of things, including changing the quality of the components to a higher grade 304 stainless steel to ensure a long lasting quality hitch overall, with no change to after-sales support.

The new-gen McHitch team will be exhibiting at the upcoming Let’s Go Brisbane Caravan and Camping Sale at the Brisbane Showgrounds (October 26-29).

Popular with off-road towing enthusiasts due to their ease of use, rugged construction, and jerk-free operation, the McHitch range of yoke and pin-style Uniglide couplings have been fitted to a variety of caravan and camper models over the years, from upmarket off-road brands like Kedron to more affordable imported models from Austrack.

McHitch inventor Joe McGinnes released the unique coupling in 2009 after concerns about towball wear and safety when towing his race car trailer to events behind his motorhome. He essentially adapted a LandCruiser Universal Joint to provide up to 360-degree rotation for extreme off-road use.

Along with its local engineering and development, the award-winning McHitch was praised for the precise nature of its positive locking mechanism and smooth ride, with less shunting and rattling than is often experienced with other trailer couplings. The McHitch couplings are rated from 3500kg to 6000kg to suit a range of applications.

The family-owned company’s mission statement was to “make the safest, most reliable, and robust trailer coupling the world has ever known”.