I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Anyone have any recommendations for a rear hitch step/guard for a Truck/SUV?

Something mainly to offer some sort of protection from someone rear ending you from low speeds. I've seen the GoRhino bully bars, I like their low profile, but hear bad reviews of them collecting water inside the tubing and rusting out.

These are the two that Im looking at currently.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...A15AULQ36C9ZYO&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...A23GO7B5XV9KKN&psc=1

The concept of this Super Bumper looks interesting also.
http://superbumper.com

I have this [URL=WeatherTech 81BS1 Unpainted Receiver Bump Step https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H...ii.CbBV7KTZA]Weather tech step[/URL] in my 03 4Runner. Originally got it for a Florida trip to reach the roof carrier. I left it in for protection and as a step for my kiddos to put cleats on when we get to the field.

Super Bumper is the only one that will absorb some of the energy from being rear ended.

Do you want some extra protection, or just a step?

I went with the Go Rhino hitch step. Priced right and its rubber cover is not slippery in the rain.
It has been hit once already and still looks fine.
And some of the heavier designs you see out there rattle quite a bit, so you need to tweak the fit with duct tape to quiet them.

The weathertech is also designed to absorb energy from being hit. I thought of this one, too: [URL=WeatherTech 81BS1XL BUMPSTEP XL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N...bTB6DW30]WeatherTech 81BS1XL BUMPSTEP XL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N..._itr.CbTB6DW30[/URL]

Be careful about leaving the step installed for long periods of time. It’s not uncommon for them to seize in the socket.

I think I'm gonna get me one of these



to defend myself from people who like to hang crap sticking 6" or more from their rear bumpers--then park with that crap hanging over the line.

One thing to think about. Hitches and steps that attach to the frame may save your truck in a very low speed crash but can cause more injuries to passengers. Today’s cars and trucks are designed to absorb the impact. Something bolted to the frame sticking out the back will transfer more energy to the frame and passengers then if your hit in the bumper.

I've considered getting something like this:




The thing that stops me is that my dog rides in the back of the SUV. When we get where we're going, she wants to jump out (rather than letting me pick her up). I'm scared she would miss a step and get a leg caught between the bumper cover and the guard.