I was rear ended on the freeway in Salt Lake City last month. My hitch extension/step saved my truck and camper from extensive damage.
After seeing the value of such a device I just finished building a custom step and camper protector using a 8" hitch extension and a solid steel step that fits into a 2" receiver (Smittybilt 27046B Beaver Step sold on Amazon)
I welded it to the bottom of the extension and welded 1 1/2" x 1/4" bar stock on the sides to cover the holes and add support. I also added a riser and a second step above, painted it all with with truck bed liner paint to give it some grip and added some aluminum diamond plate on top.
