That is actually a picture of my personal Genright rear plate bumper. Anything of the sort is close enough. Some people have done less and achieved similar results. A hitch with a soft shackle around the pin is good enough assuming that the soft shackle isn't forced against any sharp edges. As long as the end of the receiver is dull enough for pulls that involve a significant angle, you should be good. Even a stock receiver is good enough for that but smoothing it out can't hurt.
Oh haha, did not realize it was your photo, what a coincidence! I had saved it a while ago and added to my "to do" list .. and of course it never got done. Thanks for reminding me here.