i need to replace the damper on the towing hitch, so i have removed the tow ball hitch and the one rear bolt that holds the damper, so the unit is now free but it will not pull out as it has a T type end, it will move back and forwards but not come out. What more do i need to remove and how.

When you removed the hitch did you find a drawtube spacer located inside the tube where the front horizontal hitch bolt locates?

This is fitted to prevent the drawtube deforming when the bolt is tightened, and if the drawtube is deformed, ie narrower in the horizontal plane, then you'll struggle to get the damper out.

If that is the problem then if you turn the front T section of the damper 90 deg so it's vertical it should come out quite easily.

Thanks for the reply but the problem was at the far end of the damper.
I have now removed the complete unit , undone the hand brake unit and the six small bolts on the side of main rail and then removed the side shaft complete, and the damper just comes out.

Hi I am have the same issue as I cannot remove the tow hitch. Any advice would be great! It’s an Eriba Familia 1979.