An Honest DO35 Hitch Review – We’ve Had 3 Of Them!

Read our DO35 Hitch Review to learn why this hitch is a favourite for offroad towing. With superior articulation and unmatched ease of use.

Towing a caravan through Australia’s rugged terrain demands top-notch equipment. For Amanda and I the DO35 off-road hitch has been our go to solution for nearly 7 years. From its unmatched articulation to its ease of use this hitch has earned a permanent place in our setup. After owning three versions of the DO35 this DO35 Review reflects our long term experience and why we believe it’s the best hitch for offroad caravans.

Our Journey With The DO35

V1: The Start of Something Great

Our first DO35 offroad hitch was the V1 installed on our awesome old Supreme Getaway off road caravan. For two years it served us well as we tackled outback roads, crossed rocky creek beds and navigated unpredictable conditions.

Even in its first iteration, the DO35 was a game-changer. The articulation allowed our caravan to follow us smoothly over uneven tracks and the hitching process was remarkably simple. It didn’t have the refinements of later models, but the V1 still impressed us with its robustness and reliability. Reflecting back, the V1 deserves a strong recommendation for anyone looking to start their offroad adventures with a proven hitch.

DO35 V1 Fitted To Our Supreme Getaway

V3: The Next Level

When it came time to upgrade, the V3 caught my eye. I replaced the V1 on the same caravan, eager to see how this new model could improve upon an already excellent design.

The V3 delivered in spades. This version is more refined, with updates that make towing easier and safer:

• Self-aligning pin: A huge time-saver during hitching.
• Simplified maintenance: Grease points were thoughtfully designed for quick servicing.
• Enhanced durability: Built tougher to handle Australia’s punishing conditions.

The V3 has made hitching and unhitching effortless even for Amanda who appreciates intuitive designs. Over the three years we used it on The Supreme Getaway the V3 never faltered. Whether we were navigating tight bends up a track in the Blue Mountains or bashing along corrugations on the Oodnadatta Track it has performed flawlessly.

This DO35 Hitch Review would be incomplete without highlighting its articulation. On challenging tracks, the caravan followed seamlessly, giving us confidence and peace of mind. The improvements over the V1 were clear and we were thrilled with this upgrade.

DO35 V3 Fitted To Our Supreme Getaway

DO35 V3 on the Jayco All Terrain

Fast forward to 2022 and we upgraded to a brand-new Jayco All Terrain Caravan. To my delight, it came pre-installed with the DO35 V3. If it hadn’t, I would have insisted on having one installed at the dealership because no other hitch compares.

This hitch has continued to deliver excellent performance on our new caravan. From steep climbs to uneven tracks, the hitch feels like an extension of the caravan itself. Here’s why:

• 360-degree articulation: Essential for off road towing, allowing the caravan to adapt to terrain without straining the vehicle or hitch.
• Effortless hitching: The self-aligning pin ensures a stress-free process, even when tired after a long day of travel.
• Rock-solid reliability: We’ve encountered all kinds of conditions including dust, rain and mud. The hitch has handled them all without missing a beat.

This latest chapter in our DO35 review has only reinforced why we trust this hitch above all others.

DO35 Fitted To Our Jayco All Terrain

Why Choose the DO35 Hitch?

After using the DO35 hitch across three versions, I can confidently say it’s the gold standard for off-road hitches. Here’s why:

1. Articulation Beyond Compare
   The 360-degree articulation allows the caravan to follow your vehicle smoothly, even on the toughest tracks. This feature is invaluable in Australia’s challenging landscapes.
2. Exceptional Durability
   Designed to handle everything from corrugations to river crossings, the DO35 is built to last.
3. Simplicity and Ease of Use
   From the self-aligning pin to the streamlined design, the DO35 saves time and hassle.
4. Safety First
   The secure locking mechanism ensures peace of mind when towing, even in extreme conditions.
5. Proven Track Record
   From my personal experience across three different versions, this hitch has consistently delivered.

DO35 Hitch – Easy To Install

Installing the hitch is a straightforward process designed with user convenience in mind. The DO35 installation begins with ensuring your tow vehicle is equipped with a compatible towbar. The hitch’s design allows for simple integration, accommodating most standard towing setups.

A key aspect of the installation is its user friendly coupling system, which eliminates the struggle often associated with traditional tow ball hitches. Aligning the caravan with the tow vehicle is significantly easier, thanks to the hitch’s self-aligning coupling mechanism. Once positioned, the pin slides smoothly into place, securing the connection with minimal effort.

Additionally, the hitch is designed with safety in mind. During installation, the inclusion of a double-locking mechanism ensures the coupling remains secure even in challenging offroad conditions. Torque settings for bolts must be precisely followed during setup to guarantee optimal performance.

The DO35 also includes clear installation instructions and diagrams simplifying the process for both experienced users and first timers. For those less confident in DIY installations professional assistance is readily available ensuring the hitch performs flawlessly. With its blend of ease and precision the easy DO35 installation process epitomises functionality and reliability for offroad towing enthusiasts.

Real-World Tips For Using The DO35 Hitch

If you’re new to the DO35 off road hitch here are a few tips based on our experience:

• Maintenance is key: Keep the grease points serviced regularly for smooth operation.
• Practice hitching: The self-aligning pin is intuitive, but a little practice helps make it second nature.
• Inspect before trips: A quick check of the locking mechanism ensures everything is secure.
• Keep it clean: A good wipe over with a rag paying attention to the slide mechanism on top and inside/below to remove dust will increase the longevity of your hitch.

These small steps will help you get the most out of your DO35.

DO35 Hitch Tough As Nails

Final Thoughts On The DO35 Off-road Hitch

This DO35 hitch review is based on years of real-world use and I can honestly say it’s one of the best investments we’ve made for our offroad caravanning adventures. From the early days with the V1 to the current V3 on our Jayco All Terrain, the DO35 has proven its worth time and again.

If you’re in the market for a hitch that combines ease of use, exceptional articulation and rugged durability, look no further. For more information visit the Cruisemaster website.

Here’s to more adventures on Australia’s stunning and unpredictable roads. The DO35 will undoubtedly be a part of ours.

– David and Amanda

What are your thoughts on the DO35?
Share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the caravan community rolling strong!

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs About The DO35 Hitch