Abstract: A towing apparatus mounted to a frame of a vehicle includes a receiver and an energy management device. The receiver is operably connected to the energy management device and the energy management device is operably connected to the vehicle frame. When the receiver is moved in a first tow direction, the energy management device is isolated and the tow force is coupled directly to the frame. However, when the energy management device is moved in a second, generally opposite direction, the energy management device reduces some or all of the force applied to the receiver from being transferred to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A bumper system includes a high-strength metal B-shaped beam with miter-cut end sections, a front center energy absorber, and a pair of energy-absorbing end pieces that nestingly engage front outer ends of the beam. By this arrangement, the bumper system with energy absorbers forms an impact system capable of providing good corner impact resistance. The energy-absorbing end pieces act as a low-cost and lightweight extension to the beam, and absorb energy so as to lessen intrusion and decrease the energy that is transmitted into the frame rails of the vehicle.

Abstract: A towing apparatus mounted to a frame of a vehicle includes a receiver and an energy management device. The receiver is operably connected to the energy management device and the energy management device is operably connected to the vehicle frame. When the receiver is moved in a first tow direction, the energy management device is isolated and the tow force is coupled directly to the frame. However, when the energy management device is moved in a second, generally opposite direction, the energy management device reduces some or all of the force applied to the receiver from being transferred to the vehicle frame.