The Ditch Hitch system was designed by engineers to be the safest vehicle recovery system on the market. From materials to the design and function, Ditch Hitch has proven to be the best solution for getting vehicles out of tough situations.
Function
Removable U-bar allows for use of Ditch Hitch Fuse Link Recovery Straps.
Removing the pin and sliding the Ditch Hitch’s U-bar off the stock allows you to slip a Ditch Hitch Fuse link recovery tow strap through the U-bar securely mounted to the vehicle(s). Once properly inserted into the U-bar, the towing strap is safely locked into the unit. Using the Ditch Hitch with our Ditch Hitch Fuse link strap eliminates the danger of flying metal objects while recovering a stuck vehicle.
Pivot Design
Patented Pivoting Design prevents dangerous side-loading
The U-bar swivels on a specially engineered high-tensile steel pin. The pivoting design ensures the load is always transmitted evenly from the towing strap to the recovery vehicle to eliminate side-loading. The broader surface of the U-bar helps protect the eye of the towing strap. Our patented pivoting design provides over 180º of rotation, which prevents dangerous side-loading.
Aluminum
Solid Aluminum construction is lighter and stronger than steel
Both the U-bar and Stock of the Ditch Hitch are composed of solid marine-grade aluminum. Due to it’s unique design, the aluminum Ditch Hitch has a greater load capacity than steel. Weighing only 7.5 lbs., the Ditch Hitch is 15% stronger and 67% lighter than an equivalent steel model. Unlike steel, the aluminum Ditch Hitch performs in extreme cold and has been field tested at -55º C.
Fabrication
Crafted to the Highest standards using the finest materials
The Ditch Hitch unit is precision machined to 1/1000 inch tolerances and is completely weldless and seamless. The two specially designed pins are attached together by a plastic-coated stainless steel galvanized 3/16″ aircraft cable to prevent pin loss and fumbling for loose pins. The Ditch Hitch is made in Canada and USA by certified machinists and industry professionals. The Ditch Hitch is not mass-produced. They are batch produced with the highest quality source materials.
Specifications
Sound Design and Solid Construction for Unprecedented Strength
Engineer-certified, the Ditch Hitch is designed, tested, and safety-rated using a 4:1 ratio to handle Static and dynamic loads up to 19,000 lbs. The tested breaking strength is 78,000 lbs. That’s equivalent to the weight of 11 half-ton pickup trucks, or a fully loaded cement truck. The Ditch Hitch provides a simple and effective way to secure a Ditch Hitch Fuse Link recovery strap to a vehicle using a standard 2″ frame mounted hitch receiver.
Durability
All-weather materials brush off the harshest conditions
The primary components of the Ditch Hitch are made of aluminum which is impervious to corrosion from the elements. The pins are composed of galvanized, corrosion-resistance, high-tensile steel. The Ditch Hitch will provide years and years of all-weather service and will outlast the truck it’s attached to.
PREVENT INJURY
Every year there are thousands of reported injuries due to vehicle recovery and towing on job sites and in recreational areas. Common injuries experienced with vehicle recoveries are due to drivers, passengers or bystanders being struck by flying metal objects such as hooks, chains, or shackles used in the towing system.
Common injuries include:
– Abrasions
– Lacerations
– Fractures
– Eye and head injuries
– Fatalities
Before the Ditch Hitch system, when a tow truck or winch was unavailable people have had to improvise with chains and straps with hooks. Many of these solutions, such as tow ropes with metal hooks, or tow straps with tail chains have been made available commercially, but they are fundamentally unsafe for vehicle recovery. The flaws with these other towing systems are numerous. Their metal weathers, fatigues and the stress is unmeasurable.
The benefits of using a safer system such as the Ditch Hitch eliminates the dangers associated with vehicle recovery. Used in conjunction with proper vehicle recovery techniques the Ditch Hitch ensures everybody arrives home safe!
ENSURE SAFE TOWING
Ditch Hitch vehicle recovery system is the most effective way to ensure safe towing. There are many features that allow this to be the safest engineered vehicle recovery system.
Ditch Hitch Fuse Link
– Essential so you don’t use hooks or tail chains
– Stretched up to 8%
– Stores energy while stretching and releases it while pulling the vehicle
Using the Ditch Hitch with our Ditch Hitch Fuse Link strap eliminates the danger of flying metal objects while recovering a stuck vehicle.
SHOCK LOAD READY
The Ditch Hitch is designed to withstand the shock load of a vehicle recovery operation
Shock load is a sudden increase of load that has a hammering effect on your equipment. Shockloading can instantly increase the load beyond the capabilities of traditional towing equipment and cause accidents.
Shock loading for vehicle recovery is when you attach the stuck vehicle and the pulling vehicle together with the nylon strap , back up to the stuck vehicle then accelerate quickly to try to ‘jerk’ the vehicle out of where it is stuck.
The Ditch Hitch is the only engineered vehicle recovery system on the market designed specifically for shock load vehicle recovery. The Ditch Hitch’s capacity range is large enough to handle loads of up to 7 tons. Where other equipment breaks and falters under extreme pressure, the Ditch Hitch stays strong. Only weighing 7.5 lbs., the Ditch Hitch is expertly engineered to withstand 78,000 lbs! The Ditch Hitch’s strength, along with its swivelling design and “U” bar shape, makes it perfect for getting vehicles out of tough situations.
The Ditch Hitch Vehicle Recovery Pre-Job Checklist and Training Video provides clear instructions for attempting a shock load vehicle recovery operation.
The Ditch Hitch Difference:
– Swivels 180 degrees to eliminate side loading
– Tested by professional engineers for shock load capabilities
– Breaking point is 78,000 lbs, that’s equivalent to the weight of 11 half ton pickup trucks!
Nominated for Manning Award
The Ditch Hitch® is the only vehicle recovery system on the market certified by a Professional Engineer to be shock loaded.
Testimonials
British Petroleum