Sunland spruiks shock-absorbing caravan coupling

With an increasing number of large caravans now being towed by stiffly-sprung 4WD ‘adventure trucks’, the problem of road shocks being transmitted through to the 'van is an issue that could affect both the tow vehicle’s and the van’s longevity, as well as its safety in slippery road conditions.

The Australian-designed and made Oz Glide tow hitch dampening system that claims to solve this problem by reducing road shocks to the towed vehicle, was showcased at the 2022 Queensland Supershow, complete with a Cruisemaster DO-35 coupling and fitted to a bare aluminium chassis on the stand of Caboolture’s Sunland Caravans.

Sunland says it fits the hitch as standard to its largest premium models because it enhances the towing experience on badly-surfaced inland Australian roads.

Chassis-mounted, rather than tow vehicle-mounted like the popular American Gen-Y torsion flex hitches fitted to many large American pick-ups, the Oz Glide is claimed to offer a smooth ride to both the tow vehicle and caravan, equipment trailer or horse float by absorbing road shocks – particularly important when towing off road.

By reducing the porpoising, the hitch also keeps the front wheels of the tow vehicle better planted on the road, maximising grip on wet or slippery roads.

Bolted to the trailer's A-frame and connected to the tow vehicle by its coupling, the Oz Glide uses two shock absorbers and an airbag to reduce the downward impact on the tow-ball. The airbag does most of the work, with the shock absorbers inhibiting any recoil.

This is a particular benefit for horse float towing as, while caravanners might tow a heavy load, it certainly doesn’t move around like a couple of excited horses might!

A benefit of the Oz Glide, which was designed initially by Queenslander Barry Blumke some years ago, is that it only requires a conventional tow hitch and towball and is therefore very easy to fit and hitch up.

With a RRP of $2800 including GST and freight within Australia, the coupling meets Australian Design Rules for 3.5 tonnes, with a version currently being developed by Blumke’s son-in-law Allen Stevenson for 4.5 tonne certification at his Meridan Plains, Queensland workshop.

Stevenson says demand for the 3500kg Oz Glide has been from people across the range and despite a money-back guarantee on satisfaction, he has never had to provide a refund.

It's available direct from the Oz Glide website.