In case you're wondering what the damage of a hitch ball does to a bumper at <5 MPH

[NachoRuby]

This is exactly why I wish hitch balls should be removed when not in use. Drivers expect your rear bumper to be the "end" of your vehicle unless they clearly see that you're towing or hauling a long load with a red flag. Big vehicles with hitch balls in parking ramps are nuisances to other drivers, for no other reason than that the owner of the vehicle was just too lazy to take it out.

Not sure I agree this time. This is my first truck, so I never thought about it before, although our TJ did have a ball hitch installed. But I've never once been concerned about someone's hitch being installed on a truck. You shouldn't be that close. And if you are, you would have just hit the bumper if you didn't hit the hitch first.

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[cafecito]

Not sure I agree this time. This is my first truck, so I never thought about it before, although our TJ did have a ball hitch installed. But I've never once been concerned about someone's hitch being installed on a truck. You shouldn't be that close. And if you are, you would have just hit the bumper if you didn't hit the hitch first.

In moving traffic, you're right. In parking lots and ramps, there's no reason for a steel ball to be sticking out past the bumper.

 

[DocMike]

Before you purchase anything, check with your State laws regarding hitches/balls on vehicles when not in use.

In some States that is against the law and the other person CAN be responsible for damages caused.

 

[MPMB]

Doesn't it bother anyone when their balls hit their shins? Then you walk in a parking lot carrying groceries or home improvement supplies and whack your shin on a hitch insert you didn't see.

If you want people to really stay alert, tie a leash on the bumper.

 

[aceisback]

Doesn't it bother anyone when their balls hit their shins? Then you walk in a parking lot carrying groceries or home improvement supplies and whack your shin on a hitch insert you didn't see.

If you want people to really stay alert, tie a leash on the bumper.

Mine only hit mid thigh.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Anti-tailgating device, kinda like bolting a big pipe wrench on bumper... ? Doesn’t someone here do that?
I leave my ball hitch, pintle hook or pintle loop on, but I do have a few trailers and boats in my driveway that I use.

Yes, I've seen a couple pipe wrenches used in some unique ways.. lol

 

[SargeDiesel]

Or buy one of these!
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/74-98-ebay-hitch-skid.55049/

I prefer mine..... but your version

version definitely looks more practical for off roading

 

[SargeDiesel]

This is exactly why I wish hitch balls should be removed when not in use. Drivers expect your rear bumper to be the "end" of your vehicle unless they clearly see that you're towing or hauling a long load with a red flag. Big vehicles with hitch balls in parking ramps are nuisances to other drivers, for no other reason than that the owner of the vehicle was just too lazy to take it out.

Maybe some owners are lazy to take them out, but I think the Jeep community for the most part come up with some creative reasons to leave them in... too many people are getting rear ended from small cars most likely spending more time on their cell phones than driving.

 

[cafecito]

Maybe some owners are lazy to take them out, but I think the Jeep community for the most part come up with some creative reasons to leave them in... too many people are getting rear ended from small cars most likely spending more time on their cell phones than driving.

HMM, now you got me thinking if I need a Prius Skewerer on the back of my Gladdy...

 

[SargeDiesel]

Not sure I agree this time. This is my first truck, so I never thought about it before, although our TJ did have a ball hitch installed. But I've never once been concerned about someone's hitch being installed on a truck. You shouldn't be that close. And if you are, you would have just hit the bumper if you didn't hit the hitch first.

or watch where you are walking, helps to keep your cell phone in your pocket.... I am part of the bruised shin club, but it was my own fault for walking into it ( this was way before modern distractions, like cell phones)

 

[ilovebikes99]

In moving traffic, you're right. In parking lots and ramps, there's no reason for a steel ball to be sticking out past the bumper.

You might be walking too close to the parked vehicle anyway. What if you slip and dent someone's car?

 

[cafecito]

You might be walking too close to the parked vehicle anyway. What if you slip and dent someone's car?

I'm talking about having to drive around them. Most parking ramps where I live allow traffic in both directions with parking on both sides. Commonly, some Florida Man will drive his gigantic truck into one of these ramps with a ball hitch protruding into the driving lane, which effectively stops the flow of traffic and makes everyone have to take turns driving around his dumb vehicle. It's just the usual kind of me-first behavior that makes my blood boil.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

You might be walking too close to the parked vehicle anyway. What if you slip and dent someone's car?

That's how I've thought of it - why the heck are you walking so close to my vehicle that your pant legs brush up against my bumper? I literally see where people have walked so close they brush the dust off the fenders or bumpers.
These things don't stick out a foot - and no one should be walking less than 12" from the truck or bumper.
Simple rule - stay at least 12" from my vehicles or I'm going to be asking if you really like it so much you want to hug it.
I have literally gotten scratches on cars from people with 50 feet of clear ground, walk so close the rub the car.
IMO, serves you right. If you are that close and walk along side the vehicle, you'll bump the mirrors.
I've had that happen, to - come out from a store - no vehicle there, but the mirror is messed up because someone WALKING ran into it. stay the heck away.

Seriously, when it's not parallel parking where vehicles are close end-to-end, why do people need to walk 2 inches from your vehicle?

(people have lost all respect for the property of others...... fine, it's "just a truck" or "just a car" - but it ain't YOUR car or truck, please walk clear of it)

 

[ilovebikes99]

I'm talking about having to drive around them. Most parking ramps where I live allow traffic in both directions with parking on both sides. Commonly, some Florida Man will drive his gigantic truck into one of these ramps with a ball hitch protruding into the driving lane, which effectively stops the flow of traffic and makes everyone have to take turns driving around his dumb vehicle. It's just the usual kind of me-first behavior that makes my blood boil.

Well, or that person had an event where someone didn't pay enough attention, rammed him in the said parking garage, then he had to take time off of work to repair the truck, deal with insurance companies, take time away from his family. There's two ends to every story. I keep the hitch as a collision deterrent but at the same time I park in a way that it doesn't bother anyone.

 

[DocMike]

2.5 In lift and 35s
Most cars go under my Jeep at this point.

HMM, now you got me thinking if I need a Prius Skewerer on the back of my Gladdy...

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