Hitch Problem.

[thursdays child]

Hi y"all, this is our problem. After reversing the van onto the drive the rubber boot and ram retracted and will not release unless we chock the caravan wheels and pull against the chocks. The hand brake is off.Any and all advice much appreciated.We have a Winterhoff stabiliser and a t/a van.You have always been able to sort us out before so thanks for that again
Thursdays Child

 

[KeithJ]

Hi Thursday's Child

I've had this happen from time to time. All that is normally needed is to put on the handbrake and then just let the car run forward a few inches. Obviously if you are still on a slope you need to make sure the van can't run away when unhitched - in which case I would wind the legs down as well.

 

[Damian]

With the van unhitched, try pushing the drawbar inwards(will require some force) and then see if it slowly returns to its normal resting position.
If it does not, the hitch damper has failed and needs replacing

 

[Martin_E]

Or following on from Damian's post.....

it could be that the hitch shaft is bent, thus sticking, but Damians post would be the to follow in the first instance