DIY: How to repair a Cruisemaster DO35 hitch
John Ford explains how to refurbish a Cruisemaster DO35 hitch using a locking repair kit.
We know that the Cruisemaster DO35 is one of the most durable and reliable caravan hitches available. These hitches have been around for nearly a quarter of a century and were so well designed that little has changed in their mechanism since day one.
That said, the hitch on our 2012 Trakmaster is probably the original fitting and while it has worked effectively in our two years of ownership, the locking slide is slow to deploy and the reassuring loud clang when it locks into place is now silent. Years of faithful service over miles of red dust have earned the unit a refurbishment and happily Cruisemaster offers a locking repair kit to bring it back to new.
Replacing the locking mechanism is quick and relatively simple although some of the parts are quite small, so care is needed to ensure you don’t drop them. Before I started the replacement, I placed a large cloth under the hitch to keep track of any of the parts, but happily I managed not to drop any during the process.
First up, use a 4mm hex/Allen key to remove the top plate, which is held on by three screws.
Remove the cover plate to reveal the slide mechanism with springs and circular spacers.
Then remove the slide and washer plate, taking care to see where the plunger spring sits so you can replace it correctly.
The kit has a 5mm thread tap to clean out the screw holes, and it’s important to make sure they are clean and dry.
Once done, install the new slide plate and carefully set the springs and collars into the respective slots of the slider plate. Once in place they stay secure and it’s then possible to install the new top plate and fix it with the supplied screws that are prepacked with Loctite using the hex/Allen key.
Cruisemaster recommends placing a small indicator mark on the screw heads to show correct torquing at 5Nm after assembly.
Regular maintenance is important but only requires a small amount of lithium grease and a regular hit with compressed air or high-pressure water.
The replacement DO35 locking mechanism assembly repair kit is available online: cruisemaster.com.au/replacement-do35-locking-mechanism-assembly-repair-kit. Cost is $90 plus postage.
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1. Remove the top plate
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2. The old mechanism is clogged with dust and grease
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 3. A 5mm thread tool is supplied to clean the treads of the screw holes
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4. New springs and collars in place
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5. Retighten hex/Allen screws
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6. Release pins lock the hitch
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If in doubt, consult a professional
Improper maintenance can lead to injury, death or property damage. Maintenance work of this nature should only be undertaken by people with suitable competence. The information provided is general in nature, not comprehensive and should only be taken as a guide. Individual discretion must be exercised and persons undertaking described tasks do so completely at their own risk. Publishers and creators of this content accept no responsibility for loss or damage.
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