I have the slider version of the 16K patriot hitch. Have never had it bind when unhooking. Lift the trailer until the pinbox barely lifts off the hitch, pull the pin and open the handle.
When hooking up open the handle, get lined up with the pin box slightly below the top of the hitch and back in, the handle will close on its own. Do a quick visual check and put the lock pin in.
I lube the bushings on the uprights every month or so. I wipe off the kingpin and use my finger to put a light coat of bearing grease in the grove every time I tow. There is a grease fitting on the hitch that also needs to be lubed every 6 months. It's covered in the manual.
Gary
