Trail Hitch Skid (3 Viewers)

[kwelhand]

Searched the forum and couldn't find any related topics so I thought I should ask the board.
For: new to me incoming 2013 LX570

Anyone using a hitch skid on their LX or LC with factory bumper?
Unfortunately, I just don't want to replace the F&R bumpers anymore... just don't have time and patience for that type of project (been there done that ).
Anyway, just wanted to see if there's any additional protection I could add to the OEM rear bumper while offroading.

Also, my wife will be driving this truck to her work as well.
She just doesn't want that heavily modified look and wanted to keep the truck OEM look as much as possible.

I'm also looking into the 34" tire option to have more ground clearance, but I was thinking maybe one of those hitch skids might help me in certain offroad situations.
Any thoughts?

 

[Fisher23]

That looks like it might help if you had a large flat ledge you were going over, or if you need more departure angle from a ledge .. BUT most of the time folks damage only one side or corner of the bumper skin.

 

[kwelhand]

That looks like it might help if you had a large flat ledge you were going over, or if you need more departure angle from a ledge .. BUT most of the time folks damage only one side or corner of the

That looks like it might help if you had a large flat ledge you were going over, or if you need more departure angle from a ledge .. BUT most of the time folks damage only one side or corner of the bumper skin.

That’s what I was afraid of… damaging the corner

 

[CharlieS]

Yep, in my experience it's the corners of the rear bumper that get nailed. I've scraped off the hitch frame, but it is very sturdy (the hitch receiver is integral to the frame rear crossmember). This would actually make that issue worse as it sticks down and further out than the factory hitch receiver, which is actually tucked pretty well. I could see getting hung up on that thing. Save the money and use it toward a replacement bumper plastic (what we used to call a bumper skin, since it is just a thin layer of painted plastic).

 

[kwelhand]

Yep, in my experience it's the corners of the rear bumper that get nailed. I've scraped off the hitch frame, but it is very sturdy (the hitch receiver is integral to the frame rear crossmember). This would actually make that issue worse as it sticks down and further out than the factory hitch receiver, which is actually tucked pretty well. I could see getting hung up on that thing. Save the money and use it toward a replacement bumper plastic (what we used to call a bumper skin, since it is just a thin layer of painted plastic).

Ah…

Yep, in my experience it's the corners of the rear bumper that get nailed. I've scraped off the hitch frame, but it is very sturdy (the hitch receiver is integral to the frame rear crossmember). This would actually make that issue worse as it sticks down and further out than the factory hitch receiver, which is actually tucked pretty well. I could see getting hung up on that thing. Save the money and use it toward a replacement bumper plastic (what we used to call a bumper skin, since it is just a thin layer of painted plastic).

I see… excellent point.
Should I get a cheap used or aftermarket bumper cover and keep my incoming beautiful scratch free bumper covers?

 

[CharlieS]

Ah…

I see… excellent point.
Should I get a cheap used or aftermarket bumper cover and keep my incoming beautiful scratch free bumper covers?

Not sure. I just drive mine and live with the scrapes and scratches. I figure eventually I'll either replace it with a factory bumper plastic (or more likely in my case, a metal bumper).

 

[Fisher23]

Searched the forum and couldn't find any related topics so I thought I should ask the board.
For: new to me incoming 2013 LX570

Anyone using a hitch skid on their LX or LC with factory bumper?
Unfortunately, I just don't want to replace the F&R bumpers anymore... just don't have time and patience for that type of project (been there done that ).
Anyway, just wanted to see if there's any additional protection I could add to the OEM rear bumper while offroading.

Also, my wife will be driving this truck to her work as well.
She just doesn't want that heavily modified look and wanted to keep the truck OEM look as much as possible.

I'm also looking into the 34" tire option to have more ground clearance, but I was thinking maybe one of those hitch skids might help me in certain offroad situations.
Any thoughts?




View attachment 2824236

View attachment 2824237

I came across this today which some guys are using on jeeps to not get the spare tire caught.. Look like it may help.
Skid Mark 4x4 makes them.

but these Jeeps usually have clearance right behind the rear wheels which is where most people get damage.

 

[kwelhand]

I came across this today which some guys are using on jeeps to not get the spare tire caught.. Look like it may help.
Skid Mark 4x4 makes them.

but these Jeeps usually have clearance right behind the rear wheels which is where most people get damage.

View attachment 2838189

View attachment 2838190

View attachment 2838192

Very nice!
I might have to take a look at that thing.

 

[Heckraiser]

Just drag the hitch, it won't break. As already mentioned, you're more likely to mangle the plastic bumper cover anyway. Those skids are just going to make your departure angle worse. Might end up dragging the skid when there would have been no contact at all if the skid wasn't there.

 

[kwelhand]

Just drag the hitch, it won't break. As already mentioned, you're more likely to mangle the plastic bumper cover anyway. Those skids are just going to make your departure angle worse. Might end up dragging the skid when there would have been no contact at all if the skid wasn't there.

Time for the high clearance rear steel bumper

 

[bloc]

The corners do get more than their fair share of abuse. Also not wanting full bumpers I've just accepted this. The real problem is if you hang up badly you can push the bumper skin up and dislodge a tail light.. that's when costs start going way up.

One option if you don't want the full-on armor look is Kaymar, and have it matched to body color. Not cheap but it keeps the factory lines and gives much better protection than the original rubbermaid skin. That is my plan eventually.

 

[bloc]

Just remembered.. a couple spots in this video show what a kaymar (and sliders, and skids) does.. the driver is far from gentle. I didn't watch the whole thing again before posting but one scrape is around 11:40

 

[BlackMammoth]

I have only hit the corners... never the dead center. Even with a 2.5" lift and 35s it's easy to hit the corners.

 

[bloc]

I have only hit the corners... never the dead center. Even with a 2.5" lift and 35s it's easy to hit the corners.

Our beloved vehicles have some junk in the trunk, apparently.

 

[Fisher23]

The hitch skid above is made so the vehicle does not hit the spare tire coming off a ledge.

 

[coleAK]

The corners do get more than their fair share of abuse. Also not wanting full bumpers I've just accepted this. The real problem is if you hang up badly you can push the bumper skin up and dislodge a tail light.. that's when costs start going way up.

View attachment 2838685


One option if you don't want the full-on armor look is Kaymar, and have it matched to body color. Not cheap but it keeps the factory lines and gives much better protection than the original rubbermaid skin. That is my plan eventually.

I hung up the corner of my rear bumper a few years back. The plastic buckled and cracked but luckily didn’t damage my tail lights. Popped the crunch out and it all went back in place.