Why NOT to leave your hitch in the receiver when not towing.
05-19-2013, 11:08 AM
#1
Why NOT to leave your hitch in the receiver when not towing.
So here is my experience.
I used to leave my hitch in thinking that it would be useful for backing up into tight spots or if I ever got rear ended.
So I did get rear ended by another 1/2 ton and he pretty much hit the receiver head dead on. the result was that the hook was pushed under his bumper and it bent the frame on my truck. See the way the receiver is mounted its like a leverage point and the force that would probably have been absorbed straight no by my bumper and MAYBE the box was transferred to the frame as a downward twist and the frame bent up pretty bad, this wrecked the box sides, pan etc.
In the end I think the hook only caused more damage plus when I pulled away it ripped the other guys bumper off which was my only real consolation. Bottom line I guess is that he bumpers are designed to do what they do for a reason.
I used to leave my hitch in thinking that it would be useful for backing up into tight spots or if I ever got rear ended.
So I did get rear ended by another 1/2 ton and he pretty much hit the receiver head dead on. the result was that the hook was pushed under his bumper and it bent the frame on my truck. See the way the receiver is mounted its like a leverage point and the force that would probably have been absorbed straight no by my bumper and MAYBE the box was transferred to the frame as a downward twist and the frame bent up pretty bad, this wrecked the box sides, pan etc.
In the end I think the hook only caused more damage plus when I pulled away it ripped the other guys bumper off which was my only real consolation. Bottom line I guess is that he bumpers are designed to do what they do for a reason.
Popular Reply
05-19-2013, 03:04 PM
Figures that Kalifornia would pass a law requiring you to protect others from their own stupidity.
05-19-2013, 11:15 AM
#2
So here is my experience.
I used to leave my hitch in thinking that it would be useful for backing up into tight spots or if I ever got rear ended.
So I did get rear ended by another 1/2 ton and he pretty much hit the receiver head dead on. the result was that the hook was pushed under his bumper and it bent the frame on my truck. See the way the receiver is mounted its like a leverage point and the force that would probably have been absorbed straight no by my bumper and MAYBE the box was transferred to the frame as a downward twist and the frame bent up pretty bad, this wrecked the box sides, pan etc.
In the end I think the hook only caused more damage plus when I pulled away it ripped the other guys bumper off which was my only real consolation. Bottom line I guess is that he bumpers are designed to do what they do for a reason.
I used to leave my hitch in thinking that it would be useful for backing up into tight spots or if I ever got rear ended.
So I did get rear ended by another 1/2 ton and he pretty much hit the receiver head dead on. the result was that the hook was pushed under his bumper and it bent the frame on my truck. See the way the receiver is mounted its like a leverage point and the force that would probably have been absorbed straight no by my bumper and MAYBE the box was transferred to the frame as a downward twist and the frame bent up pretty bad, this wrecked the box sides, pan etc.
In the end I think the hook only caused more damage plus when I pulled away it ripped the other guys bumper off which was my only real consolation. Bottom line I guess is that he bumpers are designed to do what they do for a reason.
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05-19-2013, 12:39 PM
#4
I say leave it on...
You should have seen the job I did on a taxi-cab that rear ended me in Orlando... If I had a hitch on it, it would have killed his radiator. I'm disappointed I didn't..
You should have seen the job I did on a taxi-cab that rear ended me in Orlando... If I had a hitch on it, it would have killed his radiator. I'm disappointed I didn't..
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05-19-2013, 01:06 PM
#5
Senior Member
I leave mine in.
Have too. Too many tailgaters and terrible drivers.
On my last truck I got rear-ended in the city by a prius taxi. We both got out and he said he wanted me to pay him 5000 dollars because his radiator and grill and bumper were smashed. So we start arguing and I call his company and his boss comes down (my hitch is still in his front end!) and sees the issue. He looks at his driver and says something in a different language, looks at me and says sorry for his rear ending me and that if there is any damage to my truck to call him back and he will get his driver to pay for it out of his own pocket. As I drove away I ripped his bumper right off!
Get a call about 45 min later from the owner and he told me the time of the crash, the driver was texting him on his phone saying he was in a lot waiting for a call.
I leave the hitch in 100% now and never will take it out unless I put a big hook on it.
Have too. Too many tailgaters and terrible drivers.
On my last truck I got rear-ended in the city by a prius taxi. We both got out and he said he wanted me to pay him 5000 dollars because his radiator and grill and bumper were smashed. So we start arguing and I call his company and his boss comes down (my hitch is still in his front end!) and sees the issue. He looks at his driver and says something in a different language, looks at me and says sorry for his rear ending me and that if there is any damage to my truck to call him back and he will get his driver to pay for it out of his own pocket. As I drove away I ripped his bumper right off!
Get a call about 45 min later from the owner and he told me the time of the crash, the driver was texting him on his phone saying he was in a lot waiting for a call.
I leave the hitch in 100% now and never will take it out unless I put a big hook on it.
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05-19-2013, 01:10 PM
#6
Senior Member
You would have been screwed whether it was there or not. Be glad the truck has a class III/IV to absorb and transfer the impact.
05-19-2013, 01:12 PM
#7
Iowa Farmer
You should take it out once every week or two to prevent it from rusting in the receiver. Otherwise you won't be able to get it out...
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05-19-2013, 01:26 PM
#8
Senior Member
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05-19-2013, 02:37 PM
#10
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