stevenal wrote:
That said, I need to wonder about those stating they use them to protect the bumper. Seems a poor trade to me to sacrifice the truck frame for the bumper. Seems like it might be better the other way around.
I had the hitch out of my receiver on my Class IV hitch of the 4Runner. We were sitting at a light for about 30 secs when someone rearended us.
Quite the thump and scooted us forward a little, but when I got out, only a little cracked plastic of the bumper cover. Their older Camaro, however, was not so lucky.
They didn't pull over with us after the turning light changed and tried to take off. I called it in hit and run, sure didn't want them coming back on us. They were found about a block away in the Walmart parking lot, not going anywhere ;)
We didn't press any charges or anything, just thankful nobody was hurt, and very glad we had that sturdy receiver! If we had the hitch in place (I usually do), they may not have made it through the light.
So just having the receiver is a great supplement to the bumper by itself. Having a hitch would be extra ;)
