My old camper had a Treg hitch, so when I found out I could get an option DO 35 on my camper in 2013 , I jumped at it. A DO 35 V2 as I now know.
The hitching method is much better.
But after a while the locking mechanism got blocked with sand, and on a couple of occasions, it got jammed with sand and was hard to uncouple. I sometimes had to take it apart. It was a really bad design.
Then the V3 came out. I debated getting it but it was expensive and maybe on problems were one off - even though the new version had a dust cover.
Well one day, I was driving on a highway, turned a corner, and the hitch shaft broke in 2 and the camper dropped to the road. I called Cruismaster who said they had never heard of that, but if I posted it back ( $80) they would consider a partial warranty discount off a new one. But I needed one right now. Would they give me the discount as cash? NOPE.
The new one was now advertised as stronger ( even though they never heard of a failure). Great. But it is very hard to get the cover on. I called and asked why. They said I was doing it wrong and it is easy if I follow the instructions. I also bought a pin security lock. That was 3 years ago.
Now the lock gets stuck, I called them to see what I can do, and they said they have a new version. I should get that one. I asked if I could order extra keys at the same time. Nope, they don't have a way to do extra keys right now. I asked if a locksmith can do it. I think so is the reply. So I asked how do I get extra keys. The answer was that a NEW version is coming out soon that has the ability for them to cut keys. So If I buy a lock now I am stranded with just 1 spare.
I also raised the difficulty with the cover. Ahh, we have a new version that is easier to get the cover on. There is even an upgrade kit. Really?
So each DO35 has had a lifetime of 2 - 3 years before it is replaced due to faulty designs that are really bad and they keep suggesting get the new version.
I have had it with Cruismaster. Their designs all have problems, and they dump the old products and expect people to buy the new version to fix it. All my other tow bars and hitches have worked for years without this trouble.
What have people found as alternatives? I like the pin system, but the D0 35 is poorly designed with no real support.