Twistep Dog Step
★★★★★A sturdy, non-slip step that swings out from under your bumper in seconds, so your dog can get in and out without jumping and without you lifting.
- Holds up to 400 lb
- Fully assembled
- No cutting or drilling
- 1-year limited warranty
Will Twistep fit your vehicle?
- Fits most SUVs with a 1.25″ or 2″ receiver and 16″+ from receiver to ground.
- Newer Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, Pathfinder, Grand Cherokee & Expedition need Extension Bracket #3053.
- Does not fit the 2019+ Subaru Ascent or most minivans.
Drawings are not to scale. Tip: measure from the bottom of your hitch receiver to the ground before ordering.
- Fits pickup trucks with a 2″ receiver hitch, and twists back under the truck when not in use.
- Not for 1.25″ receivers. Choose the SUV model for those.
Drawings are not to scale.
Forget the ramp.
Twistep swings out from under your bumper in seconds and gives your dog a sturdy, non-slip step into the car. When you're done, it tucks right back.
Twistep Dog Step for SUVs & Pickup Trucks
Twistep is an instant step that helps your dog get in and out of your vehicle without jumping and without you lifting. It slides into your trailer-hitch receiver and stays there, tucked out of sight under the bumper. When you need it, pull the T-handle, swing the step out and lock it in place. Your dog steps up, and you swing it back.
Jumping in and out of a vehicle over and over can aggravate or even cause arthritis, leg injuries, back sprains and spinal damage. And lifting a big dog isn't easy on your back either. Twistep gives dogs of all ages a lower-impact way in: young dogs protect growing hips and elbows, active dogs get a boost after a long day outdoors, and senior dogs get back the independence of climbing in on their own.
The full-size platform is covered in textured, non-slip rubber and holds up to 400 lb, so it's sturdy enough for people too. It arrives fully assembled, fits without cutting or drilling, and comes in two models: one for SUVs and one for pickup trucks.
Easier on their joints. Easier on you.
Twistep turns a big leap into one small, steady step. That makes every trip calmer, from the daily drive to the dog park to the long weekend away.
Senior dogs
Gentle on aging joints
For dogs with arthritis, stiff hips or recovering from surgery, a high jump can be painful or impossible. A low, steady step lets them climb in on their own again.
Big breeds
No more heavy lifting
Lifting a 90 lb dog into a truck is hard on your back and stressful for your dog. Twistep gives big breeds a halfway point so they do the work, safely.
Active dogs
A boost after the trail
After a day of hiking, hunting or swimming, tired legs appreciate a step up. Young dogs also avoid needless stress on growing hips and elbows.
Simple, sturdy and always there
A dog ramp has to be unfolded, carried, set up and packed away on every trip. Twistep lives on your vehicle and is ready in seconds, so you'll actually use it every time.
Swings out. Tucks away.
The step mounts in your hitch receiver and pivots under the bumper. Pull the T-handle, swing it out, lock it and it's ready. When you're done, it swings back out of the way, with nothing to carry or store in your cargo space.
- One-hand T-handle locks the step in position
- Stores under the bumper when not in use
- Fully assembled right out of the box
Non-slip in any weather
The full-size platform is covered in textured rubber that gives paws a sure footing, even when they're wet or muddy. A quick monthly wash with soap and water keeps it swinging smoothly, even after muddy trails and winter roads.
- Textured rubber surface for confident footing
- Full-size platform with room for big paws
- Replaceable rubber mat if it ever wears out
Three steps to every ride
No unfolding, no carrying, no setting up. Twistep is already on your vehicle, so getting your dog in takes just a few seconds.
Pull the handle
Grab the T-handle and pull the Twistep out from its spot beneath the bumper.
Swing & lock
Rotate the step into place and lock it securely so it's steady under your dog's weight.
Step up
Your dog steps onto the platform and up into the vehicle with confidence. Swing it back when you're done.
See Twistep in action
Short videos of real dogs using Twistep on SUVs and pickup trucks.
Made for your vehicle
Choose the Twistep built for your vehicle. Both hold 400 lb, arrive fully assembled and come with a 1-year limited warranty.
Twistep for SUVs
| Hitch fit | 1.25″ & 2″ receivers |
|---|---|
| Height adjustment | Up to 3″ |
| Ground clearance | 16″ minimum from receiver |
| Install tool | 19 mm socket or wrench |
| Capacity | 400 lb |
Twistep for Pickups
| Hitch fit | 2″ receivers only |
|---|---|
| Height adjustment | Up to 2″ |
| Size | 46″ long, 22″ × 19″ platform |
| Install tool | 24 mm socket or wrench |
| Capacity | 400 lb |
Step vs. dog ramp
Folding ramps are bulky, heavy and slow to set up, so they often get left at home. Here's how Twistep compares.
Heininger TwistepCompared with typical folding dog ramps.
Loved by dogs and their people
Real reviews and photos from Twistep owners.
Twistep step reviews from
heininger.biz and twistep.com
Customer photos
Questions, answered
Quick answers on fit, install and care, so you can order the right model with confidence.
Which model do I need?
Choose the SUV model for SUVs with a 1.25″ or 2″ hitch receiver. Choose the pickup model for trucks with a 2″ receiver. Its longer arm puts the step beside the lowered tailgate.
Will the SUV model fit my vehicle?
It fits most SUVs with at least 16″ of ground clearance below the lower edge of the receiver. These vehicles also need the Twistep Extension Bracket (item #3053) to clear the spare tire: 2006+ Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade and Nissan Pathfinder, 2014+ Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2018+ Ford Expedition. It does not fit the 2019+ Subaru Ascent or most minivans.
What size dog is it for?
It helps dogs of all ages, and it's especially useful for big and senior dogs. It holds up to 400 lb on a Class III hitch, so it's sturdy enough for people too.
How hard is it to install?
It arrives fully assembled. Slide the mounting shaft into your hitch receiver and tighten the receiver bolt with a 19 mm (SUV) or 24 mm (pickup) socket or wrench, or a 21 mm if you use the threaded hitch lock. No cutting or drilling. Use the included hex key to adjust the height if needed.
How low does it sit?
At its shortest setting the platform sits about 6″ below your hitch receiver, and you can raise or lower it with the included hex key. When stored, it tucks under the bumper. How far it sits behind the bumper depends on your bumper and hitch, so contact us if you need exact measurements.
How do I care for it?
Clean it monthly with gentle soap and water, and at least weekly in salty winter conditions. Oil the T-handle shaft and the round pivot generously with a light oil such as 3-In-One. Remove it from your vehicle before going through an automatic car wash.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. Twistep comes with a 1-year limited warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials for the original owner.
Every ride. One easy step.
Daily errands, trailhead weekends or vet visits, give your dog a safe way in and give your back a break.