HitchHammer 2019 (Standard Size 11.5") - Super Duty Rear Hitch Mounted Rubber Bumper Guard. Flexible Rubber - Black Edition

I haven't been rear ended in over 30 years. I bought a new $65,000 Wrangler 4xe and immediately put this in the hitch just in case. I wish it could be both a step and protection but it's not a step. During rush hour in the first week of ownership of my new Jeep a school bus rear ended a Ford Escort that a 16 year old girl was driving. She didn't hit her breaks so she hit the rear of my Jeep. I barely felt a thing. Her radiator was on the pavement, front grill pushed in. A mess. My Jeep however, didn't have a single scratch. Even the Hitchhammer was in perfect condition. I put on an extension hitch piece of "7 just to make sure nothing could come close to hitting the rear tire. That would have damaged the rear door significantly. The Hitchhammer is amazing and worth 10x its cost. I love it.

My biggest concern is a low speed hit at red lights and stop signs. The idiot that loves to run up to you bumper and then slow down just before they come to a stop has always been a problem for me. Just drive around and look at the bumper of other drivers. I have always used flush mounted patriotic hitch covers which I prefer but when I purchased an expensive 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4X4 with a V8 engine I wanted that extra protection at red lights and stop signs. It is a nice looking vehicle but having a standard trailer hitch sticking out took away from the appearance. I figured if hit at high speed it will not matter what you have for protection. This Hitch adds a little more class to the look of your vehicle. The reason I chose to give a 4 star rating is only because I wish it were all black without the yellow. Other reviews have mentioned the same concern. Overall I would recommend this item for purchase. Just switched today to a 5 star 2/2/19. Realized the yellow does stand out and people notice it while getting close to you. I have had comments on the hitch and apologize for the original rating of 4.

It provides very good protection to your rear bumper and it looks very nice.

The "Hitch Hammer" end or tip is made of solid rubber, keeps damage to both cars at a minimum, big plus! However, a warning for purchasers to remove the Hitch Hammer before going through any automatic car wash. Such a warning notice should be included with this product. My "Hitch Hammer" rubber base that fits in the tow hitch was almost completely severed after I made a trip through an automatic car wash. This was not something that I expected to happen to such a solid product that doesn't protrude that much from my normal in length SUV tow hitch. Attempting to resolve this matter with manufacture now. So far no response to my e-mails via Amazon to manufacturer. In my opinion, the square post that fits in the vehicles tow hitch needs to be made of a solid metal or at least encased in a metal sleeve of some sort. In my opinion this would help prevent any rip away or tear like damage to the "HH" solid rubber post. Take a few mins. to remove your "HH" before you go through any car wash and be a completely happy "Hitch Hammer" owner that will give a 5 star review!

This thing is awesome!! Well worth the purchase. Would do it again.