Rear ended today - tow hitch damaged

[Mojave2021]

Some idiot rear ended me tonight. His Honda Civic was totaled, while my tow hitch sustained damage and my factory plastic bumper had a tiny bit of damage as well.

What’s the process involved to replace the factory tow hitch?

I may take this opportunity to get an aftermarket rear bumper depending on the insurance situation.

Here’s a pic of the Honda. Very happy at how well the Gladiator took the hit. I’ll add a pic of the Gladiator damage In the morning as you can’t see any damage in the dark.

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[ShadowsPapa]

It's a bolt-on part. Bolts to the frame and to the bumper. You can do it yourself. Many here have added the factory type receiver on JTs that didn't have the factory tow package.

 

[texanjeeper]

Haha, reminds me of Caddyshack....

You scratched my tow hitch !

 

[bd100]

Look for frame damage where the hitch bolts up.

 

[Mojave2021]

Thanks guys!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

You'll know if there's damage. The receiver hitch bolts to the frame with some large brackets. If it comes out cleanly, not much to worry about. If those side pieces that bolt to the frame aren't straight or you struggle to remove it or the bolts, then take a closer look.
But where that bolts on is pretty strong and it looks like the more solid part of the car, if there was any, went under your truck.

Post a pic or two of your - ok, not your, but your trucks rear end.........
- man, that car is toast!

I feel sorry for anyone who crosses that center line or runs a light and hits the front of my truck. If their car goes under my front bumper, they are in for a big surprise.

 

[Mojave2021]

At first glance I’m not seeing any sign of frame damage but will check more closely in the morning.

 

[Rusty PW]

Take it to a body shop. Let them look at it and write the estimate for the insurance company. They might find stuff that you might not think of or overlook.

 

[jeep1]

There are two different hitch possibilities. There is a Class 3 hitch that bolts onto the existing rear cross member and then the Class 4 hitch that IS the rear cross member. I believe the max-tow and anything with the "Trailer-tow" package is the Class 4.

Obviously the little guy is going to be easier to replace but the Class 4 is only around $275 if it does happen to be damaged and you want to avoid insurance for some reason (time, effort etc....)

 

[USMC_1Wire6337]

How fast were they going? Make sure to keep track of any aches and pains in the next couple of days. Even a stiff back or neck could turn into bigger problems down the road.

 

[Hootbro]

Not that complicated to replace.

 

[BUZZHEAD]

Sorry to hear ,I hope no one was injured.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There are two different hitch possibilities. There is a Class 3 hitch that bolts onto the existing rear cross member and then the Class 4 hitch that IS the rear cross member. I believe the max-tow and anything with the "Trailer-tow" package is the Class 4.

Obviously the little guy is going to be easier to replace but the Class 4 is only around $275 if it does happen to be damaged and you want to avoid insurance for some reason (time, effort etc....)

Any jt tow package has the larger full class 4 that is the cross member. The other is not factory on the jt.

 

[Mojave2021]

Sorry to hear ,I hope no one was injured.

Thanks - no one was injured. I woke up this morning without feeling any pain.

 

[Mojave2021]

Any jt tow package has the larger full class 4 that is the cross member. The other is not factory on the jt.

I’ve got the class 4. Glad to see it’s easy to replace. Given that it’s 100% his fault figuring I might as well have insurance pay for it. Though part of me feels more comfortable fixing this myself. Heading to the body shop later this am to have them assess the damage and give me an estimate.

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