Do you find a struggle when having to pick up items from the truck's tray? Don't worry many people do.
A hitch step will help you do a safer job. Also, if the steps are left on the vehicle they offer protection to the truck with vulnerable, molded bumpers in the event of a rear collision.
A hitch step attaches to an automobile's receiver drawback normally at the back of the vehicle. It will give better access to hard-to-reach locations of vehicle beds or roofs. Therefore, say goodbye to useless standing or extending on your tiptoes just to discover that your reach is too short.
Prior to acquiring a hitch step, you'll want to review your requirements to ensure you pick the ideal design. We remove the uncertainty with this buying overview full of techniques, products, and style pointers to make your choice much simpler.
Why use a hitch step?
Vehicle beds commonly vary in size from 7 to 8 feet long, while huge automobiles can be well over 6 feet high. Any person who possesses a large vehicle and utilizes the back end bed, area, or roof to transport products can gain from including a hitch step to the rear of the truck.
Yeah, fine but what about using a step ladder instead of a hitch step?
- A step ladder is more cumbersome than a hitch step.
- You would have to carry the step ladder everywhere in the back of the truck, how are going to get it? You will need a hitch step, right?
- A hitch step is much more secure and stable than a step ladder, especially when picking up or pulling loads from the rear edge of the vehicle's bed.
What are the benefits of a hitch step?
Let us be real here, we see the advantages of adding a hitch step to your vehicle can make loading and unloading items much easier.
- Hitch steps serve as a guard to safeguard bumpers from accidents that might create damages, scrapes, as well as dings.
- A hitch step offers you assistance in loading and unloading the bed of a pickup truck.
- A hitch step provides much better accessibility to greater locations of your vehicle's roof to get rid of ice or snow and achieve various other jobs that entail a higher reach.
- A hitch step matches your automobile's appearance, specifically on modified trucks with running boards and roof racks.
- A hitch step makes it simpler to strap bikes or any other item on a roof rack.
- A hitch step can easily be installed within minutes and no fancy tools are required.
- Some hitch steps are so strong that can be used to tow.
Features of hitch steps to look for
Parts needed - To have a hitch step on your vehicle only four parts are needed.
- The hitch receiver.
- The hitch step.
- The locking pin or other mechanism.
- Some will have a hitch lock and key.
Rugged surface (non-slip surface) - When stepping up on the hitch step, maintaining your ground is vital. Keeping that in mind, most hitch steps have textured surface areas, plastic or rubberized finishings, or a mix of both to keep individuals from sliding.
Materials used - Hitch steps are either made from thick sun-protected plastic or steel. The advantage of plastic is that it's rust-proof and lighter, steel on the other hand is much harder and heavier. Some steel hitch steps are powder-coated to avoid corrosion.
In-built lights - There are hitch steps with integrated lights that make them simpler to see at night. These versions look fantastic but remember that they need to be installed in the vehicle's electrical systems.
Advice
We know that most of the steps in the notes below are probably obvious to you but is good to remind you of some guidelines to follow.
- Readjust your trailer hitch to the best setting prior to you securing any other equipment. Some designs are a little modifiable for the setup procedure.
- Hitch steps with finished rough textures are normally there as a non-slip finish. Always look for hitch steps with rough textures.
- If using a hitch step for heavy use. Make sure you get one that fully covers the area of your foot and gives better stability and safety.
- Hitch steps with dual steps can offer two functions. The first step helps the accessibility to load or unload equipment near the open tailgate, while the second action can assist you in getting right into the vehicle load bed or onto the vehicle's roof.
- Bear in mind that a hitch step will also add, and help to keep your vehicle looking great with all the accessories and other installed accessories.
- A hitch step can additionally be useful for keeping your truck or vehicle outer clean. Just take a step up to clean as well as wax locations that are challenging to see or get to on high trucks, and vans.
Conclusion
Decent hitch steps can offer you accessibility to the remote parts of your truck, SUV, or Van. Where you could not get to because of the extra heights these vehicles have.
Those days are now gone. Using a hitch step on the rear end of your truck will certainly assist you with the additional reach you require.
Having a hitch step on your vehicle, you can clean and wax your precious truck completely. You will certainly have the ability to reach your vehicle's cargo bed or van's roof covering much more easily.
Another advantage of a hitch step is the safety and security of your vehicle bumper. This is definitely a plus feature and a crucial one.
Black Horse and Go Rhino have not been selected in this review because their popularity on Amazon is minimal.
Can we help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Hitch Steps on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try to add the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Hitch Steps - Reviews
The Best
Tyger Auto - Hitch Armor Compatible with Vehicles with 2" Hitch Receiver, TG-HS8U81238.
Product information
Introducing TYGER's patented Hitch Armor, a breakthrough in the realm of vehicular storage solutions. This cutting-edge hitch step is designed with easy accessibility in mind, ensuring your storage area is readily available when you need it. The standout feature of this Hitch Armor is its dual girder system, engineered to provide optimum protection against rear-end collisions. With this robust system, your vehicle's rear end and the stored items are shielded from potential damage, offering peace of mind during your journeys.
The TYGER Hitch Armor has been crafted exclusively for vehicles equipped with a 2-inch hitch receiver. Its compatibility makes it a versatile addition to your vehicle, enhancing functionality while maintaining aesthetics. The product boasts a significant weight capacity of 350 LBS, making it an ideal solution for those heavy-duty hauling needs. Whether it's camping equipment or hefty work tools, the Hitch Armor can handle it all.
Ease of installation is another key aspect of the TYGER Hitch Armor. This hitch step features a straightforward plug-in installation process that eliminates the need for complicated procedures or professional help. But that's not all; every purchase comes standard with a complimentary pin lock receiver and stabilizer, adding value to your investment and ensuring secure use.
Crafted with heavy-duty 2-inch diameter and 0.120-inch wall thickness tubes, the TYGER Hitch Armor promises durability and strength. It's further enhanced by a dual-stage powder-coated textured black finish, giving it a sleek look while strengthening its resistance against wear and tear.
However, it's important to note that in some rare instances, the Hitch Armor may interfere with backup sensors. While this sort of occurrence is uncommon, it's something to consider for vehicles with sensitive sensor systems. Lastly, TYGER offers a limited lifetime warranty for US customers, safeguarding against manufacturing defects. This commitment to customer satisfaction underscores TYGER's dedication to quality and reliability.
A great hitch step that looks great and is easy to install. Strong rear armor.
Small niggly things that don't impair the ability to do a great job. Tends to interfere with some vehicle's reverse sensors.
Our Thoughts - This is a great product that will protect the vehicle's bumper and do what it's supposed to do for many years.
Very Good
Product information
Presenting an auto accessory that proudly carries the label "Country of Origin: United States." This hitch step stands as a testament to American manufacturing, adhering to the high standards and quality controls synonymous with US-made goods. As per U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), every item of foreign origin entering the U.S. must be legibly marked with the English name of the country of origin, ensuring transparency for consumers. Our product proudly displays its American roots, offering assurance of its superior build, design, and good price.
The package weight of this auto accessory is noted at 1.429 kilograms. This weight is indicative of the product's robustness and durability without compromising on its price or ease of installation or use. Whether you're a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast, you'll appreciate the manageable weight and price of this product, making it a convenient addition to your vehicle.
As an auto accessory brand, this product is designed to enhance the functionality, style, and aesthetics of your vehicle. It represents a fusion of practicality and style, promising to deliver on performance while adding to your vehicle's appeal. With its U.S. origins, you can expect to see results nothing short of excellent craftsmanship and premium quality.
The package dimensions for this product are 6.502 cm in length, 30.302 cm in width, and 33.909 cm in height. These dimensions ensure that the product is compact enough for easy storage and transport, yet large enough to perform its intended function effectively. The thoughtful packaging design ensures the product reaches you in optimal condition, ready to improve your driving experience.
Crafted with superior quality, this product offers an impeccable fit for the receiver hitch. Its design allows for flexible installation, accommodating up to four different spacing options for the hitch pin placement. This feature ensures a customized and secure fit, enhancing the overall functionality and utility of the product. It's not made of metal but seems strong.
Does not fit a 2022 Hyundai Tuscon. It's advertised as 19"x13"x4" in dimension but it's actually much smaller. Some users said that it doesn't seem sturdy enough.
Our Thoughts - Providing an additional stepping point, this accessory offers enhanced convenience and leverage when accessing your vehicle without needing to lower, open, or close the tailgate. More than just a step, it also serves as sort of a protective barrier for your bumper, shielding it from potential impacts or accidental bumps.
Best Value
Product information
Introducing the Eapele Hitch Step, a product designed to enhance the functionality of your vehicle. This innovative accessory utilizes your vehicle's rear hitch receiver to facilitate easier access to the rear of your vehicle. Whether you are reaching for items in your truck bed or accessing your racks, this front hitch receiver and step can make the process significantly more convenient. It's an essential addition for those who frequently use the rear part of their vehicles.
Our Eapele Hitch Step is compatible with 2-inch receivers, featuring a 2” square connector, ensuring easy and secure attachment. The overall dimensions of the product are 15.3"(L)x 10.5"(W)x2.5"(H), allowing it to perfectly fit into your vehicle's rear without being obtrusive. To further enhance security, each hitch step comes with a hitch pin and clip, preventing it from slipping down during usage.
The strength and durability of the Eapele Hitch Step are ensured by its powder-coated solid steel construction. We use 8GA thick steel, which can handle a maximum load of close to 400 lbs, making it an incredibly robust addition to your vehicle. The black powder coating ensures it is weatherproof and enhances its longevity, promising years of reliable service.
To ensure both the stability of the product and the protection of your vehicle, our hitch step features a non-slip plastic cover design. The square steel construction is complemented by a plastic cover, providing non-scratching support. Additionally, the ridged plastic cover offers sure footing with a non-skid surface, ensuring safety during usage.
However, please note that the hitch attachment may be slightly loose in some vehicles, leading to minor rattling. For a snug fit and to prevent any movement, we recommend adding some rubber panels or tape. With the Eapele Hitch Step, you can enjoy improved access to your vehicle's rear while benefiting from the product's robust construction and thoughtful design.
Steel sheet construction. It does the job.
Product quality needs improvement. It feels flimsy.
Our Thoughts - In this case, you get what you pay for. Good value for your $s.
Good
Product information
Introducing a product that exemplifies strength and durability - our solid steel constructed accessory. This vital feature is designed to withstand the test of time, providing long-lasting reliability. The use of steel in its construction ensures a robust structure, capable of enduring heavy usage without displaying signs of wear or damage. It's a product built to last, offering consistent performance and longevity.
A standout feature of this product is its ridged design, providing non-slip traction when used as a step. This thoughtful feature enhances safety, preventing slips and falls during usage. Whether you're stepping in or out of your vehicle, these ridges provide a secure foothold, ensuring stability and security each time.
Our accessory is also designed with a large center hole, compatible with all our 3" heavy-duty straps. This compatibility feature increases its versatility, making it a valuable addition to the accessories you add to your vehicle. With this feature, you can easily attach heavy-duty straps, further enhancing the functionality of your vehicle.
The black matte, powder-coat finish is another noteworthy feature of this product. Apart from adding to the brand and its aesthetic appeal, this finish provides more grip and better traction, enhancing the product's grip and usability as a step. The matte finish offers the products a sleek look, while the powder coating imparts resistance against weather elements, ensuring the product's longevity.
Designed to work with 2" receivers, this product offers seamless integration with your vehicle. It's easy to install and remove, providing convenience without compromising on performance. The compatibility with 2" receivers makes it a versatile choice for various vehicles.
This product can also be used as an attachment point for recovery. In situations where your vehicle needs to be towed or recovered, this accessory serves as a sturdy attachment point, enhancing its utility factor. It's a practical addition that could prove invaluable in emergencies.
Finally, we invite you to compare our product's weight with that of our competitors. Our accessory weighs 15 pounds, compared to the usual 10-pound weight of similar products. The increased weight is a testament to the high-grade steel we use in its construction, built for strength and durability. We choose not to compromise on quality by opting for lower-cost materials. Our product is an investment in reliable performance and enduring quality.
Strong and heavy. It will definitely protect the bumper. It can be used for light towing.
Some don't seem to fit properly into the hitch receiver, either too small or too big. Can also rust over some time. Slippery when wet.
Our Thoughts - Will probably outlive the vehicle.
Good
Product information
Experience the convenience of multi-functionality with the Eapele hitch bumper step. This versatile accessory leverages your vehicle’s rear hitch receiver, making it easier for you to climb in and out of the back of your vehicle. But the convenience doesn't stop there. This step also doubles as a tow point, allowing you to attach heavy-duty tow straps when needed. It's an accessory designed to enhance your vehicle's functionality in more ways than one.
The Eapele hitch bumper step is compatible with standard 2" receivers, featuring a standard 2” square connector for easy receiver installation. To prevent any sort of slipping or downward movement, an included pin can be utilized. This feature ensures that the step stays securely in place, providing stable footing whenever you use it.
One of the standout features of this accessory is its construction. Crafted from solid, powder-coated steel, it's incredibly strong and capable of handling a tow strap capacity rated at 10,000 lbs. Not only is it strong, but the powder-coated steel is also weatherproof and durable, promising to last for years. Additionally, the ridges on the step provide a non-skid surface, ensuring a sure footing every time.
The Eapele hitch bumper step boasts flexibility with its two different working heights. It can be installed upside-down to use at a different height according to your needs. This feature can be particularly useful if you're concerned about a low step causing your vehicle to bottom out on rough roads, or if you need a higher step to reach the roof for accessing your cargo box.
While we find the hitch attachment fits snugly in most vehicles, it may be loose in some, leading to slight rattling. A simple tip to overcome this minor issue is to add some tape to prevent movement. This quick fix ensures the step remains securely in place, providing reliable performance at all times.
Looks and it is strong. No problem stepping on it. It can be used for light towing.
Can rust after some time. Some don't seem to fit properly. Can be a bit slippery when wet.
Our Thoughts - It's very strong and heavy and should last for many years.
Good
Product information
Introducing our Bump Step, a versatile accessory designed to facilitate easy access to various parts of your vehicle. Whether you need to reach the truck bed, luggage racks, or the rear cargo area, this step has got you covered. But its utility extends beyond just providing access; it also serves as a bumper guard. It's designed to protect your vehicle from damage resulting from low-impact rear-end collisions, making it a practical addition to any vehicle.
Our Bump Step stands out for its durable construction. It's manufactured using 16-gauge steel, which enables it to withstand extreme compressions. The non-slip, high-impact rubber step pad enhances the overall strength of the access step, ensuring it can endure heavy usage without compromising on performance.
The installation of our Bump Step is a breeze, thanks to its plug-and-play design. This feature facilitates quick and effortless installation, saving you time and effort. Once installed, the multi-purpose utility step offers a secure and comfortable footing, courtesy of its high-impact rubber pad. This ensures that users can step on it confidently at all times.
Our Bump Step boasts universal compatibility. It's designed to fit standard 2-inch hitch mounts, making it suitable for most common-sized hitch receivers. This universal fit ensures that it can be used with a wide range of vehicles, enhancing its versatility and appeal.
In terms of specifications, our Bump Step measures 18 inches in width, with a tube diameter of 3 inches. Its heavy-duty construction makes it an ideal choice for sports trucks and SUVs. These dimensions and features ensure that it can comfortably accommodate users while offering reliable performance.
Lastly, our Bump Step comes packed with special features. This hitch-mounted utility step allows easy access to luggage racks, truck beds, or SUV interiors. It fits all standard 2" hitch receivers, once again emphasizing its universal compatibility. With such a comprehensive range of features and benefits, our Bump Step is a must-have accessory for any vehicle owner.
Seems to protect the bumper from small bumps. Looks good
It can rust over time. Doesn't look strong. Some small niggly things.
Our Thoughts - Not a great product for quality but it does look good for a while.
Good
Bully - Hitch Receivers for Trucks from Chevy (Chevrolet), Ford, Toyota, GMC, Dodge RAM, Jeep, BBS-1104L.
Product information
Presenting a widely utilized Hitch Step, designed to provide easy access to various areas of your vehicle. Whether you need to reach the truck bed, luggage racks, or the rear cargo area, this accessory is an invaluable aid. But its function isn't limited to just providing access; it also doubles up as a bumper guard. By doing so, it offers protection against potential damage from impact during rear-end collisions. This two-in-one feature makes it a versatile and practical addition to any vehicle.
The durability of this Hitch Step is ensured by its robust construction. Manufactured using 16-gauge steel, it is built to withstand extreme compressions, promising long-term resilience. The strength of this accessory is further enhanced by the inclusion of a non-slip, high-impact rubber step pad. This significant feature not only adds to the overall sturdiness of the step but also ensures secure and stable footing for users.
The installation process of this Hitch Step is straightforward and effortless, thanks to its plug-and-play design. Once installed, the high-impact rubber pad serves a dual purpose. It not only contributes to the durability of the step but also guarantees secure and comfortable footing for users. This multi-purpose utility step is designed to offer both convenience and safety at all times.
One of the standout features of this utility bumper guard is its universal fit. It is specifically designed to accommodate standard 2-inch hitch mounts, making it suitable for most common-sized hitch receivers. This universal compatibility ensures that the bumper guard can be used with a wide range of vehicles, adding to its versatility and appeal.
Looks good and protects the bumper. A non-slip rubber pad that works well.
Not so strong, it's made of thin gauge sheet metal. It will rust after some time.
Our Thoughts - Generally, it's a good and sturdy hitch step that will do a good job.
FAQs
Would a hitch step cause underbody damage?
Small bumps and/or hits by another truck will be fine. However, a full-on rear crash by another vehicle will definitely damage the underbody frame/chassis.
Can a hitch step protect my bumper?
Quick answer, Yes.
Due to the fact that a hitch step protrudes from your bumper, it's the first thing that it will contact other objects.
What are the three types of hitches?
When it comes to rigging practices, there are three fundamental types of hitches that are predominantly used. These include the straight-leg vertical hitch, the choker hitch, and the basket hitch. Each of these hitches plays a crucial role in rigging operations, offering unique benefits and use cases. The type of sling or hitch you choose to use will depend on your specific needs and the nature of the task at hand. Understanding these three basic hitches is essential for anyone involved in rigging activities.
