Driver's Side A-Pillar Grab Handle

[Dr. Zaius]

My 2004 Grand Cherokee has the driver side grab handle.

My 2011 Frontier did as well.

My 2018 Frontier did NOT have the grab handle.

Rumor was that they made the A-pillar airbag bigger to get a better crash rating.

The Tacomas I looked at didn't have it either, though there is apparently an available kit that can add it.

I wonder if the mid-size trucks simply don't have room in the A-pillar for the airbags and the handle?

The airbag situation makes me wonder if an improperly engineered driver side handle might become a projectile in a crash.

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[puckdodger]

The airbag situation makes me wonder if an improperly engineered driver side handle might become a projectile in a crash.

That is my suspicion as well

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

I basically drove the same Ford L8000 (or exact copies) for about 8 years. Every one had the same grab handle, on the outside behind the driver's door. In/out of the cab 100-150 times each day, and the job was commission based so I was normally moving at a good pace.

This is the handle, although not a Ford.

Then I went for a job interview, and I was doing the circle check in the yard for the road test. I got in to start the truck, on my way back out I reach for the grab handle and it wasn't there. I was already in motion for the step down but without the grab handle, my momentum took me right off the truck and flat on my back on the gravel. Interviewer comes running over and 2 other drivers as well. I wasn't hurt, but completely winded and couldn't move. Full on turtle mode.

 

[snstslns]

If you have bigger tires on your Ranger, have it lifted, and do not have side steps, having grab handles are actually really useful. Since I removed my steps it's become a pain for me as well. Pulling on the steering wheel is unnatural. Also if you off-road at all and you are parked at an angle at all, grab handles are even more useful.

 

[Robert Scott]

And the argument goes on. If the handle is not there, then obviously there is nothing to grab. If there is a handle, then the driver has the option to use or not use it. I miss the handle. My two previous trucks have a handle. Every time a get in the truck, I wish there was a handle rather than grabbing the steering wheel which I find is a bad angle for ingress, then stabilizing myself by grabbing the A Pillar during entry. Getting into the passenger side is a breeze, grab the handle, lift yourself over the seat, perfect. I have a 601 package, no handle.

 

[Grumpaw]

If you have knees that make more noise than "Snap Crackle & Pop" when you bend em, than a grab handle on my drivers side would be a welcome addition

 

[Fawnbuster]

I've seen lots of talk about the grab handle and can't quite understand why anyone would care whether it has one on the drivers side or not? The truck isn't tall enough for it to be useful. I mean you don't climb up into the truck like you would a big 3/4 ton or something. Or is it the asymmetry with it being only on the passenger side? Not knocking anyone. Just genuinely interested.

I just use the steering wheel...

 

[FX4Offroad]

I just use the steering wheel...

So do I.

 

[Grumpaw]

I just use the steering wheel...

Same here. Left foot up on the running board, grab the steering wheel and lever myself up.
But, a grab handle would the strain off the steering wheel, as it was never designed to be used on a constant basis as a grab handle.

 

[Fawnbuster]

Same here. Left foot up on the running board, grab the steering wheel and lever myself up.
But, a grab handle would the strain off the steering wheel, as it was never designed to be used on a constant basis as a grab handle.

Agreed. My f150 had one I used once in a while, I suspect that due to the Ranger being smaller, maybe crash testing showed a potential head injury in a crash?

I don't put my body weight on the steering wheel, I just use it for balance mostly as I either step on the board and sit down or if I am feeling limber I just step high and in I go ?.

Last winter I parked in a lot to go in a business. The lot was plowed, no ice visible on the pavement but alot of grain truck traffic so I parked in the snow, and stepped on the only patch of ice around (under the snow) and promptly fell flat on my back. I was able to snag the door as I went down and keep my head away from the step bar. Otherwise that would've hurt. If they had an security footage I am sure it was a good laugh.

My Durango at the S.O. had one above the drivers window that folded flat against the headliner and was spring loaded so when you let go it retracted back in place.

 

[D Fresh]

If you have bigger tires on your Ranger, have it lifted, and do not have side steps, having grab handles are actually really useful. Since I removed my steps it's become a pain for me as well. Pulling on the steering wheel is unnatural. Also if you off-road at all and you are parked at an angle at all, grab handles are even more useful.

I'll give you the offroad.

But my truck is lifted and on 33"s. My steps are still there but I still don't use them, or slide over the bolster.

I really don't understand the fascination with these. And it's not like I'm tall or anything.

If you must grab something why not the steering wheel?

 

[Dr. Zaius]

I much prefer using the grab handle in my Jeep over the steering wheel.

I think that @Fawnbuster may have hit on the root of the issue as I don't think any of the midsize trucks have one on the driver side whereas all the full size trucks do.

 

[D Fresh]

I much prefer using the grab handle in my Jeep over the steering wheel.

I think that @Fawnbuster may have hit on the root of the issue as I don't think any of the midsize trucks have one on the driver side whereas all the full size trucks do.

I'm sure he's at least close.

My Jeep doesn't have one. Never thought twice about it.

Matter of fact the few times I've driven a vehicle that has one I've always thought "who needs an ohh shit handle on the drivers' side?"

 

[VAMike]

But, a grab handle would the strain off the steering wheel, as it was never designed to be used on a constant basis as a grab handle.

It's been posted before that in fact the steering wheel is designed and tested for that use. Some people argue like you that it isn't, but I'm not sure what that's based on.

 

[Grumpaw]

It's been posted before that in fact the steering wheel is designed and tested for that use. Some people argue like you that it isn't, but I'm not sure what that's based on.

Mike, I'm not arguing...if it is/was designed for the additional use, so be it. I use it for that purpose, but would much prefer a grab handle, either on the post or the upper door entry. Wife's Subi and my recently sold little Subi Crosstrek had them, fold out of the way when not in use.

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