Troubleshooting Hidden Hitch that Won't Release From Crossbar

Updated 08/14/2025 | Published 08/09/2025

Question:

I was able to install everything without a hitch pun intended... But, now I have a predicament. I put the receiver in and locked it, but now I cant seem to get it unlocked for the life of me. Ive tried both keys and moved the knob in every position it will let me... but still cant get it to unlock so I can take the receiver off. I dont want to force it as I fear Ill break the key off in the lock if I tork it any more than I have. Any suggestions or tricks you can think of to help me get this thing off. Somewhat defeats the purpose of a hidden hitch if I cant remove it.

asked by: Ryan P

Hidden Hitch Stuck
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Ryan, how long was it attached before it seemingly got stuck? Enough time for some corrosion to get in there or do you think it's a release mechanism that is acting up? Was it releasing like normal at one point or has it been an issue this whole time?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Ryan P.

8/14/2025

It has been like this the whole time. I tested it once before installing and seemed to work fine. However, first time after install I ended up in this predicament. There was no time for any sort of corrosion to occur.

Jameson C.

8/14/2025

@RyanP That makes me think somehow the mechanism is bound up once the install hardware was torqued down the mechanism was unable to release. It's probably a pain but you could test this by loosening the hardware and seeing if that allows it to start working again.