Last night some scumbag nailed my rear bumper in a parking lot. Of course they didn't leave a note. So now I need to fork out a couple hundred bucks or so to get it fixed. I'm thinking about getting a hitch step to provide at least some protection of the bumper in the future. Anyone use one? I'm afraid of creating a knee buster, but I'd rather replace a $50 step than another bumper.

 

I just leave my trailer receiver in. Punches a nice hole in what ever might hit me. Now I know that sounds childish but in an event just like you described, they won't leave the scene undamaged, I figure it's instant karma.
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Childish or not, I like it! Unfortunately my wife has a habit of walking into the hitch. So I take it out for her. The hitch steps I'm looking at have rounded ends, so hopefully between being bigger and being rounded she won't hurt herself.

 

Only took me 1 time to walk into it to know to watch where I'm walking, perhaps she might remember that pain?
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She is a verrrryyy sloooowww learner.

 

I have been eyeing this one on and off for a few months now.

http://www.smittybilt.ca/jeep-products/accessories/beaver-steps/beaver-step-for-2-hitch-10klb-rated-strap-point/

 

Have you had a look at the Spare Bumper?

sparebumper.com

Looks like it might be just the answer.

 

I've had an SP424 on my truck for about 6 years. a bit more expensive than a simple tail hitch but also designed to absorb some of the impact (big rubber grommets on the exterior hitch and bumpers inside the hitch). Is it worth the extra price? Possibly... I guess I'd rather any impact not be fully transferred to the frame but it may be more 'advertising glam' than anything.
Only downside I have with it is pulling it and installing it when I switch over to my Trailer hitch. Have to use ratchet straps to relieve some of the pressure on the grommets and internal bumper to pull the hitch pin. But in reality that only adds about 5 mins to the project.
( The above is an old photo shortly after I 1st bought it )

 

Sounds like a decent idea. Biggest thing I see wrong with anything like that, it invites "junior redneck" to jump over the tailgate, leaving his size 13 clodhopper tracks on my paint.

 

I use a Reese Step that fits over the ball, You don't have to remove it to tow. I haven't had anyone walk into it yet. Cost about 30-35 $ at Walmart.