This is a good article on how tow ratings are determined. The video is worth watching. https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a29339668/how-truck-tow-rating-is-calculated/ (View Post)
To really stop the issue you probably need to look into this type of hitch mounted guard. https://www.campingworld.com/ultra-guard---70quot%3B-w-x-16quot%3B-h-for-pickups-and-suvs-16426.html?gclid=EA… (View Post)