So, what hitch do I put on my truck?
This is a question the team at Midland get on a regular basis and thought we would summarise a few popular hitches on the market.
Bartlett Ball
The 127mm Bartlett Ball can be used in dog, tag and pig trailer configurations. However, it does have limited ability for vertical down pressure so has restricted use when buying a fixed drawbar/tag trailer.
Pros:
– Solid connection no slop at all
– Reduced wear and tear
– Easy connection
– Can be used on fixed and hinged drawbars
– Has great pull capacity
– Maximum ATM 22T
Cons:
– Limited vertical load capacity on a fixed drawbar
50mm Automatic Coupling – Ringfeder
The 50mm automatic coupling or so-called Ringfeder has been a very popular hitch for many years, it can swivel in the case of a rollover, however, has a very limited capacity for vertical down pressure so has restricted use when buying a fixed drawbar/tag trailer.
Pros:
– Easy and quick connection
– Swivels in the case of a rollover
– Mostly used on hinged drawbars/dog trailers.
– Has great pull capacity
– Maximum ATM 33T
Cons:
– Very limited vertical load capacity on a fixed drawbar/tag trailers.
Pintle Hook
The heavy-duty pintle hook is becoming a more popular hitch due to its vertical load capacity and quick connection times.
Pros:
– 9t vertical load capacity
– Quick and easy connection
– Has great pull capacity
– Maximum ATM 28T
Cons:
– The hitch has slop when towing, causing wear and tear.
Drake Flying Saucer Hitch
The Flying saucer hitch has the greatest vertical load capacity of up to 12 tonnes, however, is very cumbersome to connect requires tools for connection and disconnection.
Pros:
– 12t Vertical load capacity
– Solid connection no slop at all.
– Has great pull capacity
– Reduced wear and tear
– Maximum ATM 29T
Cons:
– Slow and difficult connection
– Requires tools
– Expensive
In conclusion, what hitch should you use?
To maximise payload on a fixed drawbar trailer/tag trailer, we recommend using the Wallace Forge pintle hook with a booster, this gives you the most vertical load capacity, fast and easy connection.
If you are buying a hinged drawbar/ dog trailer we recommend the 50mm automatic coupling this will give you the versatility to tow tipping dog trailers without the hassle of having an interchangeable hitch, also provides great pull capacity, with fast and easy connection.
