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

[cafecito]

I keep the hitch as a collision deterrent but at the same time I park in a way that it doesn't bother anyone.

And if more drivers were like you, the world would be a better place.

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[Parksplace]

Sleep deprivation + too much on the mind =

Was behind someone at Stop sign, was checking for cars and saw street completely empty, started to roll and hit a Volvo with a hitch ball on the back. Was going less than 5 MPH and the impact was so insignificant my dash cam didnt even record it (granted it was on low sensitivity detection).

Pro tip: Don't roll into hitch balls.

Shopping for new bumper now

I've got a new bumper with red tow hooks that came off of my 2021 Gladiator.

 

[Dougstdig]

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 better take off your mirrors because there’s no reason for them to stick out if it’s parked.

I’m not saying I’m saying, but I’m just saying if you know what I’m saying.

The only ones that usually complain are the ones that walk too closely behind someone’s truck or other vehicle with a hitch and hit it with their knee or shin. It usually only takes a time or two before the average person learns. I’m guessing the folks that seem so passionate about it is because it’s happened to them a lot. There’s no reason why anyone should be that close to someone’s vehicle.

 

[Dougstdig]

Found a screenshot of the wrench mounted to the bumper. Also found a beaver tail photo that I’ve had in my hitches for over 10 years.

 

[cafecito]

You better take off your mirrors because there’s no reason for them to stick out if it’s parked.

I’m not saying I’m saying, but I’m just saying if you know what I’m saying.

The only ones that usually complain are the ones that walk too closely behind someone’s truck or other vehicle with a hitch and hit it with their knee or shin. It usually only takes a time or two before the average person learns. I’m guessing the folks that seem so passionate about it is because it’s happened to them a lot. There’s no reason why anyone should be that close to someone’s vehicle.

Mirrors are required to be street legal. Hitch balls aren't. You're straw-manning pretty bad here dude...

 

[Mr._Bill]

With my Silverado, I would always take mine out, just to protect my own legs. Now, I'm thinking I need to put it in and start visiting parking garages.

 

[Dougstdig]

Mirrors are required to be street legal. Hitch balls aren't. You're straw-manning pretty bad here dude...

I was courteous enough to edit the last paragraph to remove all of the “you’s”. I recommend you grow up and stop complaining and arguing a moot point. There are millions of trucks out there that have hitch balls or other implements.

 

[Dougstdig]

Mirrors are required to be street legal. Hitch balls aren't. You're straw-manning pretty bad here dude...

You are required in most states to garnish some type of flag, tape or rag to alert people when an object protrudes the rear of the vehicle by 3-4 feet. I’ve never seen a legal issue or mandate or otherwise regarding a hitch ball.

End of rant.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I’m not saying I’m saying, but I’m just saying if you know what I’m saying.

Got it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Again, stop walking right up against vehicles. You have a choice - make the smart one. Don't blame others for walking into objects that can be seen by anyone other than those with visual impairments (and they avoid such things anyway)
Everyone has a choice - brush up against my truck and risk an owie, or walk 12" away and avoid boo-boos.
If you ran into any part of my truck, you are too damned close.
I just don't get why this is a problem, and frankly, it is quite obvious it is no problem, not an issue, and no one really cares otherwise I can name 3 states that would have laws.

 

[Wageslave]

I am pretty sure in Illinois, you are not supposed to have a hitch ball that extends more than 4 inches from the bumper (good luck finding one that short) installed if you are not towing. They passed that bill a few years ago here, and is not too surprising since this is where several big auto insurers call home.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I am pretty sure in Illinois, you are not supposed to have a hitch ball that extends more than 4 inches from the bumper (good luck finding one that short) installed if you are not towing. They passed that bill a few years ago here, and is not too surprising since this is where several big auto insurers call home.

Il law:
You can leave the hitch on the rear of a motor vehicle if it does not extend more than four inches beyond the bumper. Any hitch that extends beyond this must be removed.

Extend the bumper out a bit.
I bet mine isn't beyond that - if so, not by much, and again, stay away from my truck.

 

[cafecito]

I was courteous enough to edit the last paragraph to remove all of the “you’s”. I recommend you grow up and stop complaining and arguing a moot point. There are millions of trucks out there that have hitch balls or other implements.

And I recommend you learn to have a simple discussion without resorting to insulting people. Besides, the discussion continued long past the quote you replied to. THIS is what I was talking about - I don't care if idiots walk into a parked vehicle and bang their knee.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...l-does-to-a-bumper-at-5-mph.57765/post-950168

 

[Mister Lamb]

After reading through all these responses and stewing over my bumper the last few days, I've decided to just buy this... PM for purchase link

 

[Barnaby’sdad]

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.

Let’s be real…if someone impacted the tow hitch ball at 5 MPH, they were still going to impact the hitch and bumper.

When I park, I either back into a spot (put the rear and ball mount over the curb and into the grass) or I park out in the middle of a lot with no other vehicles around. I’m conscious of the fact that I drive a larger vehicle and I plan accordingly, so as to not park like an inconsiderate ass.

I tow often enough that I often just leave the hitch ball in because it saves me an extra trip to the garage. I’m not changing my process because someone “might” run into my hitch ball.

That being said, I don’t care about the possibility of someone rear-ending me damaging their vehicle on my hitch ball. I.e. I got rear-ended with my last truck. I did not have the hitch ball in, but the guy (driving a car) ruined the whole front end of his car just the same and scuffed up the hitch and my bumper.

If you’re in the habit of pulling up close enough to people that them having a hitch ball installed is what make the difference for your day getting ruined, you need to reevalute your driving habits.

Edit: Full disclosure…I had a similar accident to the OP 20 years ago. New vehicle with a manual transmission and I let the clutch out at a light and rolled into the hitch ball of the truck in front of me. Minor bumper cover damage.

Why I feel the need to mention that is that with a decent amount of personal accountability even at that age, it wouldn’t have occurred to me to blame the accident on the person in front of me having their hitch ball installed, lol.

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