Tow Hitch for insurance?

I installed a step style one my first gen the day after I slipped off a wet bumper and smacked both my shins on the way down. I've had one on every truck ever since. I can relate to the WAF, (wife appreciate factor). That's why I back up into the driveway. And thank goodness for the camera. Even so, I have left a few marks and dents on the garage door when the lighting isn't cooperative. It may be time to place some reflective tape at the right height on the garage door to help gauge distance a little better.

 

Ya I get it. A lot of factors but I’ll take my chances on a hitch hit than a plastic bumper crack. Ugh. You’d be surprised what being rear ended twice in 3 weeks does to your thinking. After my car was totaled I said I’ll stsy in the slow lane from now on. NOBODY gets into a rear end in the slow lane ...as I step out of my new truck. This pic shows the force of impact from the guy that hit my Accord from behind and the force of the impact to my front end as he through me into the car in front of me

 

Physics 101:

If you get hit in the rear at 60 mph, nothing you put in your hitch is gonna help.

Anything you put in your receiver is only going to maybe help at super low speed impacts, like maybe backing into something or somebody bumping you on a parking lot or stop light.

How much damage gets transmitted to your truck in a rear end collision depends solely on what hits you. At 10 mph, a CRV might not mess anything up except scratch your hitch mount. However, if a class 8 truck hits you in the ass at 10 mph your little hitch thingy is useless. Physics.

 

Yup Rear hitch protects the back of your vehicle. But armor up front is needed to help protect from what you experienced there. I am looking into something that isn't overbearing but does have a certain amount of forward protection. Like the SSO slim line hybrid,. https://www.southernstyleoffroad.com/product-category/Tacoma/
THey have all kinds of options for with/without LED, winches, access holes, bare or coated, etc.

 

Obviously this is not an "all protecting no damage ever" scenario. But its better than the factory aluminum cross bar and plastic cover.

 

I get it. I was not trying to pretend that a hitch is a magic bubble. But the frame can “take” more of an impact than a plastic bumper. I’d rather have a scratch hitch than a cracked or scratched bumper from low impacts. Also as stated numerous times buy kind posters it is somewhat of a deterrent to tail gaters.

Also a baseball catcher wears a chest plate to help absorb some impact vs wearing nothing. But that chest plate will do nothing against catching 300lb cannon ball at 200 mph... it’s just simple physics 101 “hiPSI”

 

Obviously this is not an "all protecting no damage ever" scenario. But its better than the factory aluminum cross bar and plastic cover. Fatboyfirebass said it perfect

 

And is that you FBFA? That set up is sweet! Like a modern day polished and shined mad max read off roader!!!

Update never mind. Pic from the site. But that truck is badass

 

I also have the Beaver hitch step, and it is great to help me reach into the bed from the rear.

 

Damn if that does what the video shows. Problem solved! Any luck testing it on a distracted driver

 

I'm sold. My TGL hitch may soon be up for sale, just as soon as I get one of those Sparebumbers

 

I know right. That backing up into the wall vid... crazy props

 

Hitches are needed to tow.

There is an impact angle and speed that a hitch will help protect

There are impact angles and speeds a hitch will make things worse. Sometimes much worse.

If I didn't tow or use a bike carrier or bed extender, I'd be unlikely to install one. As I'm 99% pavement and surrounded by texters and tourists.

In many states its illegal to have something in the receiver when not towing. You may or may not care about that. But if you backed into me with that thing sticking out, my attorney would be interested.

As far as front armor, same deal. Gives lots of protection for lots of things. But in some events (bigger than a deer) the frame will have significant damage and likely total the truck.

Crumple zones are engineered for occupant safety, and they have worked pretty well, even since the early '90's. Altering or removing those has potential consequences.

Much of the decision pro/con lies in how the vehicle is used.

Choose and use appropriately.

 

Now if they put a bright light in it that flashes when you apply the brakes it would be perfect.

I've found from riding motorcycles that visibility is key. Unfortunately, with all the self-absorbed fools that think they can play with their phone and drive, I've pretty much stopped riding. This could help if they come in straight. It's the last second dodge that'll still mess up you and your truck. My personal opinion is they need to attack phones and driving much like drinking and driving.

 

As said above
In many states its illegal to have something in the receiver when not towing.
i know that in some of my nearby towns they pull people over if not towing anything and they don't take "im on my way to get ... bla bla bla "

 

Yup. Illegal. You can actually be liable for causing additional unwarranted damage if you mangle someone's car unnecessarily in a simple accident.

Plus they rust in there and look like ass in no time. Then you have to worry about someone stealing it, etc.

They teach you a simple trick in motorcycle school. People following too closely? Fearing being rear-ended? Leave more space IN FRONT OF YOU. It gives YOU more time to react and get out of the way if you see them doing something stupid. If you are in the left lane going a few car lengths from the car in front of you, when they stop short, you have to too. Boom accident.

Take the damn hitch out, lazy people.

 

Exactly what I was going to say. It’s illegal in California to have anything in the receiver when not towing.

 

.....everything is illegal in CA.....

 

I leave a shackle in my hitch when I'm not towing.



ain't never been bothered for it. I see folks with all kinda massive hitches sticking out, never mind bike racks, etc, never heard of anyone getting a ticket for it.

 

Cops where I live have much more important things going on than hitches not being used. One of the benefits of living in a high crime area, I guess....