Alco hitch problem

My handle (the smaller one) not the stabiliser handle, on my van does not always stay up, when I say stay up I mean latched, unless I stick my thumb into the hitch and slightly press,I think the rear stabiliser pad back.

Never seems to bother me except for a dirty thumb.

Hi Fozzie

The pad you are pressing is the one I have to tap,  it's too stiff to push back with your thumb that's why I wondered is it can be adjusted some how. 

This is interesting, mine has just jammed on the car due to a cracked front ware pad falling off. After persuading it off the ball with some grunt and effort the front pad fell out and since then I have the same handle fault you describe. 2 year old van, no more than 1000 miles, kept out of the weather so I am going to pursue Alco for a solution and support.

Does anyone have photo of underneath of hitch showing part that is sticking when lifting small handle up, mine also will not stay up, that is on a 2017 swift challenger.

The front and rear pads are like this I think. Perhaps the screw is loose allowing them to move about?

On the Alko website, there is a pdf for the AKS 3004 showing various pictures and instructions for servicing and cleaning that also shows position of each pad, which should help find the problem

I tried to upload it to save you looking, but CMHC computer says no

Funny this should be raised now.  Mine has been doing the same thing for the last six months or so - annoying if nothing else.  The van was picked up last week by the dealer to go in for service.  I mentioned it to the Technician when he collected it and he said - "just needs a blast with some brake cleaner - no problem".  Van not due back until Thursday so don't know if it's worked - but might be worth a try and it can't do any harm.

Will give a clean with brake cleaner when I am allowed into storage compound. Many thanks for all advice.