Testing the Hitch

I walked down the driveway to the curb where a heavy pickup truck was parked along the asphalt. Beneath the rear bumper, a solid chrome hitch ball was bolted into the steel receiver like a polished dumbbell. I planted my feet firmly against the curb edge, wrapped both hands around the cool metal sphere, and gave it a solid test pull. It didn't budge an inch—proper heavy-duty hardware. There was a smear of road dust across the top, so I buffed it clean with the firm side of my forearm until the steel caught the afternoon light. A rig that strong deserves to look sharp.