Hitch Receiver Protection

[the_mace]

Good point. Any suggestions for a locking pin that is long enough?

I’m eyeing the Rhino RB20 hitch step.
https://a.co/d/c7XKT8z

Someone else recommended this one which worked for me on the R1T and I could still attach the safety chains.

CZC AUTO Hitch Receiver Pin Lock,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M6W71JJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

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[foxerson]

Finally got the hitch step and installed it.

Rhino RB20 step and a locking pin:
https://a.co/d/c7XKT8z
https://a.co/d/3ltcCmb

The step was a bit of a hassle to install. It is completely covered in a rubberized coating. They must dip the whole piece. It is a good looking finish on the step. But I had to shave the coating off the bar so it would fit into the receiver.

Inserted to the 2nd hole it fits flush with the rear bumper. Makes for a clean look but it will likely mark up the bumper over time.

 

[crashmtb]

The very first thing that we did when we took delivery of our R1T is remove the hitch receiver cover and put it away for good. We installed a steel step in the receiver to be able to step up on the back of the truck to reach into the bed. This will also help protect the back of the truck from a minor tap to the rear. If you are really concerned about rust, there is a product called Sta-Bil Rust Stopper that We have been using for years to help prevent rust.

Brian

Nice damage multiplier. probably no such laws in Florida but in many places it’s illegal to have a hitch in place when not towing, same for things like these steps.

 

[moosetags]

Nice damage multiplier. probably no such laws in Florida but in many places it’s illegal to have a hitch in place when not towing, same for things like these steps.

I have had a step like this on my trucks for probably 30 years now. I did not realize that a step like this was considered a damage multiplier. To me it's a potential damage reducer for my truck.

Brian

 

[Thedude]

I have had a step like this on my trucks for probably 30 years now. I did not realize that a step like this was considered a damage multiplier. To me it's a potential damage reducer for my truck.

Brian

If someone rear ends you hard it acts a lever and creates a huge amount of bending force against the frame.

 

[mkhuffman]

I have had a step like this on my trucks for probably 30 years now. I did not realize that a step like this was considered a damage multiplier. To me it's a potential damage reducer for my truck.

Brian

A hitch is not designed to absorb impact like a bumper. If it sticks out and another vehicle hits the hitch and not the bumper, the damage will likely be much more severe. IMO.

 

[DaveA]

If someone rear ends you hard it acts a lever and creates a huge amount of bending force against the frame.

Good, frame damage on the truck is almost always totaled out. Quicker to replace the truck than fix. ?

 

[Shorebreak]

These are useful and serve the same multi-purposes that folks have mentioned.

And they're constructed of plastic, so won't act like a metal spear going into your frame.

https://www.weathertech.com/products/bumpstep/

 

[zymolysis]

This is what I got. I like it... tow point, skid plate, rear protection, and a (small) step!
Amazon.com: Supreme Suspensions - Universal Heavy-Duty Multi-Function Hitch Skid Plate with D-Ring Shackle Mount | Universal Fit: Compatible with Any Standard 2" Hitch Receiver : Automotive

Do you still like it? Does it interfere with rear camera?

 

[zymolysis]

Good point. Any suggestions for a locking pin that is long enough?

I’m eyeing the Rhino RB20 hitch step.
https://a.co/d/c7XKT8z

The outside width of the Rivian receiver is 3", so any pin with a working length of 3" or more will be fine.
Edit: no, that was wrong - it's about 3-7/16"
This non-locking pin ($3 from Amazon) is just long enough.
It shows 3" in the diagram for the uncoated part, but with the extra length that is coated, and the gentle radius, it will work with my Rivian receiver.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C6OBBC?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Good, frame damage on the truck is almost always totaled out. Quicker to replace the truck than fix. ?

Unless insurance decides to screw you by claiming your non-factory addition made damage worse, which they have every right to per details in just about every single policy.

 

[DaveA]

Unless insurance decides to screw you by claiming your non-factory addition made damage worse, which they have every right to per details in just about every single policy.

Such a downer you are. ?

 

[R.I.P.]

if the scratches and rust bother you, put the cover back on! otherwise there are rubber inserts that look a bit nicer than a dirty hole.

2 Inch Trailer Hitch Cover Black Rubber Tow Receiver Tube Plug Cap Fits for Any 2" x 2" Square Receiver Tube Fits for Class 3 4 5 to-yota F-ord GMC Chevy Je-ep Le-xus Mer-cedes by Sikawai https://a.co/d/2cshyCd

dirty hole... Hehe

 

[zgStevieD]

Do you still like it? Does it interfere with rear camera?

Love it! I can see it in the cam, but it doesn't necessarily interfere.

 

[PhatDaddy]

A hitch is not designed to absorb impact like a bumper. If it sticks out and another vehicle hits the hitch and not the bumper, the damage will likely be much more severe. IMO.

… unless it is one that IS designed to absorb impact. Just received mine this afternoon… but don’t have my R1T yet so don’t know how it will look. Looks fine when I tried it on my Ridgeline. Sticks out just far enough, but not too far. (Not my picture). Spare bumper.com $199. Forum user Macktheknife has one installed on their Rivian and seems pleased.
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