HitchMate Tirestep For Suv Truck RV

I gave this product 4 stars because it will probably work very well for most people. It seems to be a nice product. I chose it because it appeared to be nicer than the competition, and I believe it is. However, If you have a vehicle with large diameter wheels and lower profile tires, as are common (even stock) on newer trucks and SUV's, you will have the same problem that I am. The step, the vertical tubes, and the hinges connecting them, are narrower than my wheels, therefore with any weight on the step they contact the wheel rather than the sidewall of the tire, and will damage the wheel. I don't think they address diameter in the ads, other than to say they fit light trucks, NOT commercial trucks. I just received the item and tried it on the car, so I don't yet know what I'm going to do. I paid for expedited shipping because I need it early tomorrow, so temporarily I may zip-tie a piece of pipe insulation to the rear of each side to protect the wheel, but I'm not thrilled with that idea. I think the mfg. should provide a horizontal spreader bar that clamps to the back of the tubes, effectively widening the contact area. I may make my own. I am actually on this website to see if they offer one already, or a wider unit altogether, but I haven't seen either...

I needed something to help me climb into the back of my pickup as I have knee problems because of my age. I looked at all steps available but decided on this one as it looks good, well built, great load limit and the fit is just perfect. Easy set up which makes it a snap to get into the pickup bed. It also has a heavy duty canvas carry bag included. Takes just seconds to install and to pack up when finished. It fits nicely behind the front seat for easy storage. The price is excellent along with super fast shipping. 5*****'s only because there aren't 6. Totally satisfied from start of transaction all the way to final install.

I use this on a Ford F250 with 20” tires and it performs flawlessly. I would say that a 20" tire (my tire size is 275x65xR20) is about the maximum extension you can expect to use this device on. I usually use a step-ladder to do work above my waist, but decided to give this a try. You never know when you will find yourself out on-the-road, or perhaps camping, and without your ladder, and this unit fits the bill perfectly. Lightweight, sturdy, and folds into a compact size, I keep it packed in its carrying case on the back seat floor where it is not in anyones way. Excellent fit and finish, flawless gloss black powdercoat, and the vinyl-lined nylon mesh bag fits well, and holds it nicely.A couple of items that I noticed and handled, and you may want to think about doing. This unit is black, and as such it kinda blends in with the rest of the lower truck, and I could see a ‘shin-replacement’ surgery in my future if I forgot it was attached to the tire. So I added some adhesive-backed reflective safety tape (Lowes/H.D), and stuck it to the front and back facing surfaces, and around the step (see pictures 1 and 2). If I prevent one shin-bone accident, it would be worth the $3 investment.Second item is that the 20 inch tire is pretty wide rim, and the back bottom of the step will contact my rims when I stand on the step (picture 3). So I covered the back with some strip felt (picture 4), and attached a felt ‘button’ right at the bottom, to prevent any rim damage (see picture 5 & 6). Cost about $5.

I used to carry a little step ladder to make getting into the truck bed easier, but didn't always have it in truck. This thing hangs over my stock Ford F150 wheels perfectly. It does not budge or flex under my 265 lbs. So much easier stepping on this, then the top of the tire, as I climb into truck. Same with getting back out. No more jumping off tailgate and hoping I land well and not break anything. Came completely assembled, but one of the plastic end caps protecting the sharp edges of the vertical span of tubing was broken. Called company, and they quickly sent out a replacement cap, but not before I sent them pics of the broken cap. Really? I realized it was broken on the day it was received, and the order proved I just received it. Not a big deal, but don't make your customers go through extra steps for stupid stuff. BTW, the new cap was also too small for the tubing and very loose to the point it would just fall out if I didn't put a piece of black electric tape over it to hold it in. I attached the pic Heininger customer service made me provide, along with copies of receipts, before they would send me this 2 cent piece. C'mon. Just send the part next time.

When launching my boat alone I have to climb into the bed of my truck. Because I am vertically challenged (kinda short guy) it is a strech to climb on the tire into the bed. I have actually hurt myself in the past doing this. This step is SO perfect. I should have bought it much sooner. I have been showing it off to all of my friends. Super easy to use and will adjust to fit almost every wheel size. Yes it can rub against the wheel but I would guess any other type will also. Stop crying about a scratch on your wheel and use a ladder.