Driver Grab Handle Advice

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to install a driver side grab handle and was hoping someone could provide a good recommendation. What is the best grab handle out there? Any solid and reliable handles?

Any thoughts help, and thanks.

 

Oh boy here we go

 

You might want to read these posts first:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...a-pillars-hud-and-bowl-lights.642703/page-303
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kdjo-grab-handle.781887/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...3rd-gen-today.399305/page-11957#post-27470327
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-pillar-handles.757503/#post-27000830

 

It’s the weekend. Maybe the search function is off duty.

 

Every post only mentions KTJO grab handle. I was hoping for anyone who has used a different brand/option.

Also, my search bar is great, but like I said, all I keep reading about is KTJO handles.

Is that the only option people have tried?

Either way, thanks.

 

Only product I’ve seen for sale is made by KTJO. There are some one offs from folks who made their own.

Personally I would argue that there is a reason why Toyota did not include a drivers side handle in production. Be it visibility, safety, who knows. But you’re playing with fire adding such a product that can compromise safety in a crash.

 

There is one already there... That big round thing, called steering wheel.

 

That's what I use. Works just fine and easy to reach.

 

I am not fucking anywhere near the airbags no matter how handy a handle could be. None of the people making these aftermarket handles have done any testing with airbag systems.

 

KTJO is the only source. Some independent dealers carry them, but they all come from the same place. If you read the discussions here, KTJO has a terrible reputation for poor customer service. That said, I got mine from her quickly, and the only glitch was the wrong J clip, something I rectified for a few cents at the local hardware store. On the whole, very satisfied. But they are not cheap.

Yes, the reason for Toyota is a minor cost saving. Visibility, safety, and airbag interference are all red herrings. If any of those concerns applied, they would apply equally to the passenger side handle.

 

Also keep in mind that the overall cab design is identical to the second gen, which came with a driver's side grab handle, airbag and all. Quite obvious that Toyota was simply saving money by deleting the damned thing.

 

That and the door frame.

 

I use the wheel. However, one solid option worth considering is a strap.

 

For $6 I bought 6 ft of webbing at the local outdoor store and tied a loop onto the passenger side grab handle. Easy to grab the length of webbing to pull my short-legged body up into the cab. Not elegant but cheap and simple.

 

Did that for a while before the KTJO handle became available. Doesn't work well when the engine is idling and the steering wheel lock is disengaged (as it happens often on the trail).

Nowadays with a 3" lift and 35" tires (so the doorsill is 5" higher than stock), the A-pillar grab handle is almost mandatory for ingress in tight spaces, where you can't open the door past the second detent.

 

Still wonder why there isn’t an OEM replacement like my tundra has an option for

 

Open your window and grab the handle you attached to your Prinsu rack.

 

I don't have handles attached to my Prinsu rack and didn't think about that, but that seems like a great and affordable option, thanks!

 

"OEM replacement" for the Tundra means retrofitting parts from a prior year. Not practical in the Tacoma's case because the 2nd gen A-pillar trim doesn't fit, and the mounting hole spacing is shorter by about half an inch. That means even the 3rd gen passenger side handle wouldn't bolt up to the driver's side if you flip it 180.

 

Correct