Buddy A-60 Actuator Problems

[Thor]

I have a 2013 Shorelandr with the Trailer Buddy A-60 Actuator. I have a hell of a time getting it on and off the hitch ball. Hooking up I need to lower slowly, at the same time lower the A-60 handle as it sits on the ball, otherwise the lip gets caught up on the bottom of the ball and it won't close. It has to be done just right or the "lip" jams on the bottom part of the hitch ball, and usually takes a few tries.

Getting it off I need to jump on my truck bumper to break it loose. So far I have tried 3 different hitch balls with no luck. I have checked the fit per the JBL FAQ technique, taking the drawbar off the truck, attaching the hitch ball to the trailer and standing on it. It is snug, moves freely and it seems to be spot on.

It seems to be getting worse and I don't see any way to adjust it. I would appreciate any ideas.

 

[itsdgm]

The only time I have an issue uncoupling is when there's forward pressure on the hitch. In other words, if I backed up a hill and chock the boat wheels. The boat is "pushing forward" on the ball and coupler. Sometimes I have to pull forward an inch or two (with he trailer tires chocked) to stretch out the brake actuator. This takes the pressure off the ball/coupler. Then I can jack up the boat and separate it from the hitch.

 

[itsdgm]

I have had the "latch" part of the coupler get caught on the top of the ball while coupling if the hitch is too far back when I lower the tongue of the trailer onto the ball. It seems that it's easier to stop short a half an inch and have the ball slide into the coupler from the front rather than have the tow vehicle too far back.

Sorry, re reading this, I'm not sure if all this makes sense. Maybe too much use of the word ball?