Do you keep something in the receiver to prevent rear end damage if someone bumps into you?

[jm888]

I was just thinking how much damage even a minor bump to the bumper would cause, or even just someone pulling too close and bumping into it while parking. Do you guys keep a hitch ball or something else in the receiver at all times so somebody would hit that first before your bumper?

 

[Darkside]

I was actually told by a collision repair place that you have a higher chance of frame damage if you get rear ended with a hitch in, he said it usually is cheaper to do a bumper repair than a damaged frame. Personally I think your receiver is going to get hit either way…

 

[jm888]

I don't mean like a rear end collision. I am just talking about where someone might lightly bump you while pulling up too far to park. Something where it would probably scratch up the bumper.

 

[techman]

Bump Step

Might work as low speed impact damage reducer.

 

[Steve_Cornell]

the problem with anything larger than a hitch ball back there will deactivate your rear parking sensors or beep all the time.

 

[flan]

I drive around with one of these mounted.

 

[Darkside]

I don’t leave anything in my hitch because the truck barely fits in parking spots anyway (CCLB) and I always bang my kneecap…

 

[DammitDave]

 

[Poolmonkey]

rear parking sensors

thankfully there is a switch that can render those forever off..

 

[Savage99ss]

thankfully there is a switch that can render those forever off..

Yes, but on my 2018 the rear sensors worked with my hitch installed. Poor design by the engineers.

 

[Poolmonkey]

Yes, but on my 2018 the rear sensors worked with my hitch installed. Poor design by the engineers.

indeed, from conception

 

[dslbrnr]

Keep my hitch on all the time. It folds in but I leave it out just because I've been rear ended several times in parking lots. Nothing like a greased up ball in some idiots radiator! Hasn't damaged my truck at all lol

 

[techman]

This item looks interesting:

Hammer Time

 

[CdnHO]

Solid steel Smittybuilt. Lots of uses including parking lot protection. Got it on Amazon 5 years ago. Heavy but effective. Good for tow strap attachment as well.

 

[areuriding]

 

[areuriding]

Monster Hook, stays on unless I need to tow.

 

[Brutal_HO]

Solid bar Drop hitch or one of these (similar). Never bare.

 

[jerryw1000]

B&W Tri-ball Tow & Stow.....does not set off my back up sensors when stowed.

 

[Great White North Eh]

Solid steel Smittybuilt. Lots of uses including parking lot protection. Got it on Amazon 5 years ago. Heavy but effective. Good for tow strap attachment as well.View attachment 48855

Yup run a beaver tail on both of my trucks. Gottem at crapy tire on sale years ago. Wife’s Jeep I run a big ass cast hook for quick hook- ups.

 

[AJ608]

Keep my hitch on all the time. It folds in but I leave it out just because I've been rear ended several times in parking lots. Nothing like a greased up ball in some idiots radiator! Hasn't damaged my truck at all lol

I do exactly the same ..leave the ol BW hanging out in the breeze