Need Rear-End Protection

[KnurledNut]

After my rear-ending, I'm looking to add something on the hitch for a bit more protection.

I'm looking at these 3 on Amazon. I like the battering ram design of the pintle plate (only 6" shank).


Any thoughts? Something better? Prefer solid steel, no plastic/rubber.

 

[crazykid1994]

Maybe a heavier duty bumper. If you use the hitch to absorb an impact you are more likely to end up with frame damage vs using the bumper

 

[McBroom]

Maybe a heavier duty bumper. If you use the hitch to absorb an impact you are more likely to end up with frame damage vs using the bumper

Not necessarily. The bolts will shear off prior to any frame damage.
Yes an offroad type bumper would be my recommendation but for some the cost is way more than the worth.

Blue Mule

Edit: frame damage 'can still occur' but can help to minimize the damage.
Blue Mule
McBroom

 

[Pull Ya]

Any of the three you pictured would be better than nothing, but I agree a better bumper would be the best choice.
** I have to admit that after I read the title of your thread I thought maybe you were in jail and looking for some advice----LOL
Jay

 

[Hemi395]

I have one of these:
https://sparebumper.com/

Not cheap but it wont mess up your frame because it has built in shock absorber.

 

[Tim Garceau]

A protruding hitch will only protect a light direct impact, anything offset or at an angle will be the same result.

 

[KnurledNut]

A protruding hitch will only protect a light direct impact, anything offset or at an angle will be the same result.

I like that, but I didn't see it listed for a Ram.

 

[Potatomafia]

The problem with the "beavertail" style hitch steps are that they are cast. They are susceptible to breaking if you step on them.

I've been in 3 rear end collisions in the year that I have lived here. They were low speed impacts; mostly people not paying attention at stoplights. All 3 were in my 2010 Kia though. Its just my A to B beater.

I have been looking at this one on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WTXCNT...olid=2WPNDSTEE974Q&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it


I realize that it would do nothing for an offcenter impact but I'm just trying to save the bumper. Nothing will prevent damage of a major impact. So either the bumper takes the hit and tweaks the frame or the hitch receiver takes the hit and bends the frame. Hopefully with this style it would deflect the car under the bumper a bit.

 

[Judy]

Hmmmmm

 

[Random_Walk]

I just keep a cheapie $20 2" chrome hitch in the receiver. Works like a charm, and because it's shiny, it tends to get people to not tailgate. I daresay that I can only recall one person tailgating since I did that a year-and-a-half ago, just after I bought the truck and put the receiver in.

 

[coobie]

I have one of these:
https://sparebumper.com/

Not cheap but it wont mess up your frame because it has built in shock absorber.

Also purchased one of the super bumpers>hopefully will never get used..

 

[Hemi395]

Also purchased one of the super bumpers>hopefully will never get used..

Nice! They're a very well made product and it seems like they're a good company.

Now just have to find something to protect the front end

 

[Docwagon1776]

Nice! They're a very well made product and it seems like they're a good company.

Now just have to find something to protect the front end

Snow plow?

 

[Tumbleweed]

Stainless Steel Spare Bumper for me!
Read the details.
https://superbumper.com/superbumper-store/sparebumper-stainless-steel/
Not mine, but you get the idea.

 

[Tumbleweed]

I think there is a free replacement for the Spare Bumper should it get damaged in an accident.

I usually spray some lube, don't get excited, onto the "shaft" of the Spare Bumper every few months. I don't want any issues with being able to pull out early!

 

[Toddbigboytruck]

In Ontario Canada, and believe that all province it is illegal to drive with any thing in your hitch unless it is used. So all the trucks that you see with the trailer hitch ball they can be subject to a $250 fine. I would check in your states before using them I know you protect your truck but when you get a ticket after you are not at fault and are rear ended would be insult

 

[reek]

Not necessarily. The bolts will shear off prior to any frame damage.
Yes an offroad type bumper would be my recommendation but for some the cost is way more than the worth.

Blue Mule

I will respectfully disagree. I had one of those hitch mount steps made out of some solid mild steel. When I got rear ended sitting at a red light, the step survived. The frame on the truck bent enough the box hit below the rear window and left a crease across the sheet metal. the frame was twisted leaving the truck leaning to one side.

 

[Tumbleweed]

Good info to have re: Ontario Law.

I wonder if it has ever been debated that the Spare Bumper is being used when it is in place. Depending on the wording of the law I suppose.

 

[IRSmart]

Not necessarily. The bolts will shear off prior to any frame damage.
Yes an offroad type bumper would be my recommendation but for some the cost is way more than the worth.

Blue Mule

False. My father was rear ended in his Tacoma. Had a hitch in. It bent the hitch downward and pulled the frame down. Since his truck was only a year old he got a brand new frame on the truck. But the hitch being the point of impact was what caused all the damage. You should never rely on the hitch as an impact absorber, it can’t distribute impact forces well enough.

 

[Addicted2fishing]

After my rear-ending, I'm looking to add something on the hitch for a bit more protection.

I'm looking at these 3 on Amazon. I like the battering ram design of the pintle plate (only 6" shank).


Any thoughts? Something better? Prefer solid steel, no plastic/rubber.

I personally like the smittybilt one (top pic)

I’ve been meaning to get one myself. Someone I know rear ended a truck with something in the hitch and the car looked like someone used the jaws of life down the centre of their front end lol.


Tiped on ifone using Tapatalk and auto correct. Can’t you tell?