Since this has gone off topic - from ball mounts illegal (old wives' tale, "tail"?, LOL) to "protection", etc........
My choice is a tube type "Receiver Hitch Step" - or "Rear Bumper Guard" - convenience first, protection secondary.
Brands: Bully, Rhino, Smitty-Built, Harbor Freight, etc.
Thirty-six inch long 3" tube with flat surface/s on top (steps).
Rhino brand is 38" long.
The brand I found long ago was "Polar Bear" - which apparently is no longer sold.
It's adjustable for height, and distance it extends from the receiver.
My set-up:
Bumper height from ground to top of factory bumper is 28".
Factory bumper has built in step - at 22".
From ground to top of Hitch Step is 15".
Distance from receiver (and factory bumper) to outside of step is 6".
Handy step for reaching stuff in the bottom of bed.
Store tow chain & tow strap inside 'the tube".
It's the first item (expendable) for a 'rear-ender'.
BTW - it stays there (even when towing 5th wheel), only removed to use receiver for "something else" - like towing a utility trailer.
Never any problem with ground clearance backing up inclines, etc.
Oh yeah - the poster that finds his ball mount rusted in place: Spray inside receiver *before winter* with PB Blaster, WD-40, etc. Problem solved.
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