spike for trailer hitch
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 164
Likes: 13
From: Arizona
If you do this, I would go for something less conspicuous than a spike. Perhaps build a sleeve to go over the tube on your existing receiver so it just looks like your receiver is long. From there you could get a bit more creative by letting it slide back with some springs and a 1/2" bolt on the inside. If someone hits it with enough force, it slides back, they hit a stationary bolt but when they pull back the sleeve pops back out covering the bolt. The reason for using a bolt is it's cheep to replace and easier to pass off as part of the receiver but even with a blunt end a 1/2" bolt will go right through a plastic bumper.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 4
From: Rogersville, TN
As tempting as it is(can't say I haven't had those thoughts too), I can't say following through with it would be too wise. Back when I was in college I parallel parked by the dining hall and ran in to get something to eat and a car pulled within an inch of my back bumper. I was walking to my truck to leave when a guy parked about an inch off of my front bumper and blocked me in. I asked him to pull up so I could get out and he smarted off and told me to have fun getting out and went inside to eat. I put it in 4 low and shoved his car into the next space so I could get out. I would have loved to have something like a spike on it then, but leaving visable damage probably would have gotten me in a bit of trouble 
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 594
Likes: 42
From: fly-over country
in NYC the parking technque used is back in til you hit the parked car behind you, then go forward til you hit the parked car in front of you, then back up a few inches. The drivers will get out and look at the impact areas for some reason, then move on. So i cant call this accidental. ...
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
I use this...
Amazon.com: Smittybilt 27046B Beaver Step for 2" Hitch: Automotive
Very handy to have, useful in many ways, including yours
Amazon.com: Smittybilt 27046B Beaver Step for 2" Hitch: Automotive
Very handy to have, useful in many ways, including yours
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 16
From: Ouray, CO
It's why there are bumpers. Plus, having the truck w/hitches means you come out fine - the other person gets their cars painted bumper scratched.
I hope... once you get older you'll discover lots of more important things to be worried about..
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: OR
PLEASE install one of these and come park next to my truck. I want to replace my bumpers anyway with the newer ones....and I want somebody else to pay for it.
The fact is, a standard hitch ball will both act as a bumper, and protect your real bumper, while still punching a hole in anything it hits. I've personally witnessed a hitch ball stuck in two grilles and through a building. Nice little round hole every time.
If you install a spike it's going to be your fault even if somebody else rams into you.
The fact is, a standard hitch ball will both act as a bumper, and protect your real bumper, while still punching a hole in anything it hits. I've personally witnessed a hitch ball stuck in two grilles and through a building. Nice little round hole every time.
If you install a spike it's going to be your fault even if somebody else rams into you.
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,284
Likes: 2,192
If you do this, I would go for something less conspicuous than a spike. Perhaps build a sleeve to go over the tube on your existing receiver so it just looks like your receiver is long. From there you could get a bit more creative by letting it slide back with some springs and a 1/2" bolt on the inside. If someone hits it with enough force, it slides back, they hit a stationary bolt but when they pull back the sleeve pops back out covering the bolt. The reason for using a bolt is it's cheep to replace and easier to pass off as part of the receiver but even with a blunt end a 1/2" bolt will go right through a plastic bumper.
Yes, it does not need to be more than a few inches long because the issue is folks back up til they crash into your vehicle. so a 3" spike is probally fine. I intend to secure a rubber hose to the spike with a hose clamp so pedestrians don't cut them selves if they walk across the spike. Il make the rubber hose about a half inch longer than the spike. so when the crash durby drivers back up, the rubber hose will give way, and the spik will penetrate their bumper leaving a hole. multiple offense will give yu multiple holes.
now to find the spikes.
I just finished installing the front hitch. already had a back hitch.
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,284
Likes: 2,192
As tempting as it is(can't say I haven't had those thoughts too), I can't say following through with it would be too wise. Back when I was in college I parallel parked by the dining hall and ran in to get something to eat and a car pulled within an inch of my back bumper. I was walking to my truck to leave when a guy parked about an inch off of my front bumper and blocked me in. I asked him to pull up so I could get out and he smarted off and told me to have fun getting out and went inside to eat. I put it in 4 low and shoved his car into the next space so I could get out. I would have loved to have something like a spike on it then, but leaving visable damage probably would have gotten me in a bit of trouble .
.nice story...thanks for sharing...flash backs to my younger days.
so in NYS you can't move another persons vehicle by pushing your way out there is a law on the books and while I have seen many folks bump and grind their way out of a parking spot...I never seen anyone get a ticket for moving someone elses vehicle.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,284
Likes: 2,192
new neighbors moved in as renters. they park their cars on my front bumper...dead on it zero space. not sure what that means. I asked them about it and they told me to go get F#%ked. spike hitch idea is sounding better all the time.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 998
Likes: 23
From: Tennessee
My trucks have never been bumped but it because of the long walks I take when parking. My wifes car has been bumped plenty of times but it is always on the corners, never straight on. If in New York it may not be possible, but I always park way out in the lot with my F350 and Ranger. They are 11 and 12 years old and don't have so much as a door ding, knock on wood.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
First of all, I love the spike idea, even if it was for no reason, lol. That's a total madmax type of accessory. But it's a passive solution.
that's unbelievable that new renters would have the nerve to tell you to get ****ed. These things can escalate quickly. Is it young kids that moved in, or a family? My first thought would be to contact their landlord. As I am one myself, I'd flip out if my tenants cursed out the neighbor. Be calm and methodical, but it sounds like your gonna have to put them in line somehow. Hitch Spike or not! lol
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: LA in Winter WI in Summer
Saw this the other day- not a spike, I would like a set of spikes, but until then, this may be a cost effective step with shock absorption.
WeatherTech BumpStep® Hitch Mounted Bumper Protection | WeatherTech.com
WeatherTech BumpStep® Hitch Mounted Bumper Protection | WeatherTech.com
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
Saw this the other day- not a spike, I would like a set of spikes, but until then, this may be a cost effective step with shock absorption.
WeatherTech BumpStep® Hitch Mounted Bumper Protection | WeatherTech.com
WeatherTech BumpStep® Hitch Mounted Bumper Protection | WeatherTech.com
One thing you really need to do is put up a nigh-vision camera with 24hr
recording. This Nice" person may be a real Jackass and if something dose
happen you want something to hand the cops.