Remove you trailer hitch ballmount when you are not towing!
I was walking through a parking lot today, and had to squeeze through between the back of a pickup and the car behind it. I wasn’t really paying attention, and I managed to hit the trailer hitch ballmount with my shin! When I regained consciousness (not really, but WOW! did it hurt) I got a closer look at what I had kicked–it was class 3 trailer hitch with an extra-long ballmount! Now, I agree that it can seem like a hassle to take the ballmount out of your hitch when you aren’t towing, but exposed ballmounts can be a real hazard.
If you are concerned about dirt and grime getting in your hitch receiver, look into a trailer hitch cover. They come in every style imaginable. But please, I implore you, take your ballmount out when you are not towing…the shin you save may be your own!
Trailer Hitch Accessories, Trailer Hitches | Nate, 6 Feb 07