Hitch Steps - Pros and Cons?

[wombie]

Hi all,

For those of you who have the hitch step bars, would you mind sharing your thoughts on the plus and minus points?

I'm thinking of the rhino bar in particular - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ef?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1253804846&sr=8-1

I like the idea of them mostly as a form of bumper protector. I also think they look pretty good and are relatively inexpensive all things considered.
I'd appreciate any thoughts on downsides though, or alternatives that might be worth a look.

 

[JAC]

I am interested in buying one also...really because it will make it easy for me when is time to wash the runner to reach the top off the roof . It also gives a little protection to the back end I believe.
Now I have seen that one for $56 bucks at other webssites way cheaper than the link you provided. I have seen other models shapes and colors at different prices and even with LED brake lights for about $70 . I dont have the website where Ive been looking at those here at work and really dont have time to look for it cuz I can't remember the name but have it saved in my laptop at home and will post it if you want later. They start at even 35 dollars and up...

 

[Teqeeler]

Hi all,

For those of you who have the hitch step bars, would you mind sharing your thoughts on the plus and minus points?

I'm thinking of the rhino bar in particular - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ef?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1253804846&sr=8-1

I like the idea of them mostly as a form of bumper protector. I also think they look pretty good and are relatively inexpensive all things considered.
I'd appreciate any thoughts on downsides though, or alternatives that might be worth a look.

Burtman industry sells a rear bumper guard, that looks good

 

[wombie]

I am interested in buying one also...really because it will make it easy for me when is time to wash the runner to reach the top off the roof . It also gives a little protection to the back end I believe.
Now I have seen that one for $56 bucks at other webssites way cheaper than the link you provided. I have seen other models shapes and colors at different prices and even with LED brake lights for about $70 . I dont have the website where Ive been looking at those here at work and really dont have time to look for it cuz I can't remember the name but have it saved in my laptop at home and will post it if you want later. They start at even 35 dollars and up...

Thank you - a link would be great And you are totally right, the step will make it far easier to wash the back of the 'runner (as demonstrated by the fact that water beads everywhere on mine but for about the last two feet of roof!)

(I should also add: I like the hitch steps because they about as easy a thing to install as you can get...which is another thing I'm looking for

 

[Teqeeler]

Thank you - a link would be great And you are totally right, the step will make it far easier to wash the back of the 'runner (as demonstrated by the fact that water beads everywhere on mine but for about the last two feet of roof!)

(I should also add: I like the hitch steps because they about as easy a thing to install as you can get...which is another thing I'm looking for

I just climb up on the tires to do the roof lol

 

[wombie]

I just climb up on the tires to do the roof lol

lol - high likelyhood of face planting if i did that. Of course I'd blame the dunflops and not my lack of coordination skills.

 

[Uneek]

I got mine off eBay for $70. It looks nearly identical to the Go Rhino you linked on Amazon. There's a L-shaped bracket and a large screw with a knob on it to keep it from rattling. I didn't use it and can't hear it rattling.

 

[wombie]

Cool - looks great in that photo (which is an awesome shot btw).

Which lock pin do you use?

 

[Uneek]

Cool - looks great in that photo (which is an awesome shot btw).

Which lock pin do you use?

Thank you.

Correction: Left out some info with my previous post. The L-bracket and knob goes underneath the step and hitch, so it's not visible from the top or sides. There's also three holes you can use for the pin, so it can be pushed further out from the bumper/vehicle. My pic has it closest to the bumper.

I have a Trimax 5/8" (model T3) locking pin that I got off eBay for $13 or so. This one on eBay is similar to my Trimax, but it doesn't use a barrel/Kryptonite style key. I don't think it makes a difference, but I like the look of the barbell style pins and not the bent shaped L-pins like this one.

My Trimax pin has some rust on it on the pin side end, but the locking head is still relatively clean.

There are some on eBay now that's similar to my Trimax pin with anti-rattle built in. These would work fine on the hitch step since it's hollow, but not on a solid drawbar or ball-mount for future accessories.

I have an aftermarket hitch on my 4Runner (HiddenHitch #77079) which allows for the use of their J-pin anti-rattle setup that I use with my bike rack.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Uneek]

Just did a quick search on eBay. I don't see as many now as I did when I got mine.

I found this one which doesn't have the end caps that mine has.

 

[MikesToy]

I have the Bully Hitch Step with tailights (lights when you turn on your lights, brakelights and when you turn your signals).
Pros: I can easily reach the top rear when washing my rig. Less people tailgate me. An extra light. Also an extra seat sit on.
Cons: Keeping it shiny.

 

[JAC]

I have the Bully Hitch Step with tailights (lights when you turn on your lights, brakelights and when you turn your signals).
Pros: I can easily reach the top rear when washing my rig. Less people tailgate me. An extra light. Also an extra seat sit on.
Cons: Keeping it shiny.

That's one Sexy A$$

 

[MikesToy]

That's one Sexy A$$

Thanks for the compliment! :wink2:

 

[wombie]

yeah, what he said

Looks good - thanks for sharing the pic!

(man...now I'm torn between the cool extra light and the longer wider hunk of stainless steel....) either way I'm gonna get one!

Thanks Uneek for all the great info on the hitch pins and for looking up the eBay links - really appreciate it!

 

[Uneek]

wombie,

I got mine from this seller on eBay. The pic shows the anti-rattle bracket setup.

I'm starting to like the Go Rhino Dominator bar.

I wish they make the 36" version with the LED. IMO, the short step won't keep parallel parkers off my bumper. The 36" bar will protect more of it, except the corners.

 

[JAC]

Here is mine Go Rhino "Dominator Hitch Step" ..$100 Shipped!

 

[Bossman]

I have a Go Rhino! hitch step on the back of my T4R.

Here is the link for a pic from a previous thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/50247-hitch-bumper-bar-step.html

I got one of these for ease of install, a little added protection for the bumper, and for the step up to access the roof racks (and washing/waxing the roof is made easier, too).

 

[JAC]

I have a Go Rhino! hitch step on the back of my T4R.

Here is the link for a pic from a previous thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/50247-hitch-bumper-bar-step.html

I got one of these for ease of install, a little added protection for the bumper, and for the step up to access the roof racks (and washing/waxing the roof is made easier, too).

I need to get one of those hitch locks...how much $ and where?

 

[Bossman]

Hey JAC,

I have the Master Lock stainless steel receiver lock. When I bought my Go Rhino! hitch step on eBay it came with this lock.

I found this link that might be helpful to you:

Amazon.com: Master Lock 1480DAT Stainless Steel Receiver Lock for 5/8- and 1/2-Inch Receiver Holes: Automotive

Cheers!

 

[MikesToy]

Nice job Julie :bigok:. What kind of antennae you have up there? Do you have XM?