Made from forged steel, polyurethane, cast
iron and laser-cut stainless steel, the V3Plus –
which I have fitted to my personal camper – is
available with or without an integral
handbrake, so which one you choose may
depend on space on your drawbar, etc.
Hitching up is a matter of aligning the
coupling with the included tow pin and
winding it on. The slide mechanism of the
coupling will engage a groove on the tow pin
and lock into place. In my experience, the
coupling will ‘self-guide’ onto the pin provided
the alignment isn’t out by more than about
10mm. More than that, and you’ll need to
physically nudge the van into position, or
move the tow vehicle.
The DO35 offers one of the lowest height
profiles on the market, making it very suitable
for vanners who experience difficulty opening
their vehicle’s tailgate when hitched up.
As you’d expect for a true offroad coupling, the
DO35 provides 360-degree articulation (vertical
and horizontal) and is rated to 3500kg. A
4500kg-rated version is also available.
The new DO35 V3Plus.
Because the locking mechanism of the
coupling isn’t sealed in a housing, it comes
with the aforementioned dust cap that’s
tethered to the coupling. This cap should be
used when under tow, especially in dusty
towing conditions.
That said, the DO35 – which is compatible
with weight distribution hitches – is hugely
popular for a reason. I have personally towed
caravans for many thousands of kilometres
using this coupling and have never had a
problem it.
RRP: V3Plus price: $430 without
handbrake; $475 with handbrake. Both
prices include mounting bolts, tow pin
and cover, and tool to aid pin installation
on towbar.
MORE INFO
www.cruisemaster.com.au