Now that we've got the hitch tightener installed & are planning not to remove it very often, we needed something to protect against bruised shins while loading/unloading the van. Because I wasn't very impressed with the offerings on Amazon, I decided to try making a shin guard using a "pool noodle".
I started by making horizontal cuts no more than halfway through at the top & bottom of the three different parts, then vertical cuts at or narrower than their width, then various oblique cuts at different angles to dig out some of the inside foam to create space for the hitch parts to fit.
The hitch does not fit all the way into the center, because I wanted to leave the full thickness of foam on the other side where protection is needed most. Note, I also filled the hole on top with a leftover scrap carved to fit snugly to help prevent rain & dirt from going inside.
I wrapped a double sided velcro strap around the noodle both above & below the main support bar of the hitch. I found that a serrated knife, such as this old bread knife cut very easily & was good for long straight cuts, but for detailed work, maybe something like a tomato knife or box cutter would be better. Seems like this should work, but it hasn't been tested yet, so we shall see. It's easy enough to get on & off quickly, so that should not be a deter me from using it.
Since we carry bicycles inside the van, this may be most valuable when getting them in & out, when I am more focused on not ripping a hole through the ceiling with a handlebar than with not bumping into the hitch. The only thing worse than bone pain is self-inflicted bone pain. 😉
Comments
I just cut a poole noodle in half and use a cord
2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods
2023 Tab 400 / 2022 F150 XLT Sport 3.5EB
Traded in - 2018 T@B 320 S/2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5
TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods
However, I found a picture online. I circled the part of the hitch that sticks out. The bars are put on when hitched up to camper.
I think the hitch itself weighs 70# so leave it on all summer. This is for the dual axle toy hauler.
And you're right, that is the biggest shin-wacker I've ever seen!
TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods
I always use a lock. I had a bad experience as a young woman when the cotter pin broke and the 40# solid steel hitch (Dad gave to me) fell off after the main pin wiggled out and the trailer escaped. No, the chains were useless! Low speed accident. Did NOT slam on brakes when I saw it gaining on me for a sec. Most people's first reaction is to slam on the brakes. Fortunately, I was taught to just let up on the gas and take a sec to assess the situation. No damage to truck or Uhaul. Trailer was empty except one small item. That was my 3rd-three hour round trip moving to a new place. Fools and Drunks, eh? I don't drink either, but considered it after that trip from Hades. Oiy.
TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods