Stabiliser hitch

[Spacemutt]

We have a stabiliser hitch that grips the tow ball with 2 pads to stop it snaking. This means that you can't grease the ball. Recently it's become a real ****** to release. You need to shunt if back and forth or jump up and down on the Land Rover to get it to release. Any idea why?

[Otter]

Try unlocking and lifting the handle to the fully disengaged position before you put any load on the jockey wheel. Our Winterhoff is very sensitive to the load on it.

Otherwise, check the friction pads for wear, they might not want to disengage.

[Bush Tucker Man]

I'll agree with Otter, the Winterhoff is a bit temperamental at times.
It occasionally requires a 'kick' to give up its grip.

Damn fine when it's in action though.
Plus it works with no clearance problems with a Dixon-Bate 'Pinball Wizard'

[Spacemutt]

We always lower the jockey wheel to ground level lift the handles, then wind down the wheel to lift it off the ball. It might be wear in the pads as it's a 10 year old 'van. Any idea how to replace them?

I've never had any trouble with snaking with this hitch. I used to have trouble with it fouling the drop plate, and there not being enough clearance under the spare wheel to lift the handle, so you had to open the back door (which would foul on the jockey wheel or handbrake if it was up). :D But we've now got the longer neck ball and it's fine. :)