Before raising the tongue, lift up the latch and the ring that goes around the front of the hitch, then slide the ring back. If there is any weight against the hasp on the back of the ball, it will be difficult if not impossible to slide the ring back. Always block the wheels and release any tension that may be on the ball, preferably put a little of pulling tension on the ball after the wheels of the trailer have been blocked. Beating or prying on it can and will deform the ring and only make it more difficult to open. Lube and removing any forward load/tension from the trailer to the tow vehicle will work every time.
