Originally Posted By: stockrex
I had people with their hitch back into me on 2 occasions, major damage one, bumper damage the other time.
I have NEVER backed into anyone, with or without a hitch, BUT...
I HAVE had people who weren't paying attention rear-end me at stop-lights on 2 occasions. 0 damage the first time (a forgettable 80's car with metal front bumper), and 0 damage the 2nd time (an 80's fullsize Chevy van). Due to bumper height differential, and the fact that my hitch sits just below my rear bumper and sticks out ~1in, I received no damage.
Some of you may find this hard to believe, but I do find that people are more cautious and do not tailgate me nearly as much with hitch vs. without. If you doubt this, your response doesn't mean much unless you've tried it. I live in LA, the car capital, and tailgaters are all over the place on the freeway no matter your speed or lane (and I'm a fast driver and not a left lane hog). My hitch has also clearly protected my vehicle in 2 accidents. I think I've made a pretty clear and practical case for why I leave mine on.
If it makes some of you feel better to ignore the practical reasons I've described to instead characterize it as a childish intimidation tactic, or to compare it to hanging testicles off a truck, then hey...whatever floats your boat, right? Your rants have little to do with why I leave my hitch on my truck, but it's fun to watch you get your ... in a bind over something that won't change, so keep those rants coming!
I had people with their hitch back into me on 2 occasions, major damage one, bumper damage the other time.
I have NEVER backed into anyone, with or without a hitch, BUT...
I HAVE had people who weren't paying attention rear-end me at stop-lights on 2 occasions. 0 damage the first time (a forgettable 80's car with metal front bumper), and 0 damage the 2nd time (an 80's fullsize Chevy van). Due to bumper height differential, and the fact that my hitch sits just below my rear bumper and sticks out ~1in, I received no damage.
Some of you may find this hard to believe, but I do find that people are more cautious and do not tailgate me nearly as much with hitch vs. without. If you doubt this, your response doesn't mean much unless you've tried it. I live in LA, the car capital, and tailgaters are all over the place on the freeway no matter your speed or lane (and I'm a fast driver and not a left lane hog). My hitch has also clearly protected my vehicle in 2 accidents. I think I've made a pretty clear and practical case for why I leave mine on.
If it makes some of you feel better to ignore the practical reasons I've described to instead characterize it as a childish intimidation tactic, or to compare it to hanging testicles off a truck, then hey...whatever floats your boat, right? Your rants have little to do with why I leave my hitch on my truck, but it's fun to watch you get your ... in a bind over something that won't change, so keep those rants coming!