HitchMate Grab Handle By Heininger - Anybody Use One?

[Anacortes Army Guy]

I'm trying to make it easier getting in and out of my truck's bed, and while the Putco bed rails provide some help, I think this HitchMate Grab Handle would be better.  Plus, I like that it can double as a "retriever thingy" for items in the bed beyond my reach from the tailgate.  Anybody try one of these and can offer an opinion as to how useful it in?  Thanks ahead of time for your thoughts.  Here's their promotional video:

 

 

[Mora84]

Check this out. And it's OEM 

 

 

[Anacortes Army Guy]

9 hours ago, Mora84 said:

Check this out. And it's OEM 

 

 

I replied to the wrong thread, but unfortunately it appears this handle, which I like the functionality of, uses the same mounting holes that my bedrails use, so it's not an option for me.

[Mac-427]

I have a GM accessories folding hard cover on my 2020 Silverado 1500.  Will the GM tail gate handle work with if I flip open the first section of the hard cover.

Edited October 7, 2021 by Mac-427

[Mac-427]

I went ahead and ordered the Heinginer handle and some Plasti Dip to coat it in rubber before I use it.  Best price was at Lowes with free shipping at $66 with my veterans discount.  I'm going to Plasti Dip it with this stuff from Amazon before I let it touch my truck.  Performix 12219 Plasti Dip Clear - 22 oz. Dip Can

[WeGone]

5 hours ago, Mac-427 said:

I have a GM accessories folding hard cover on my 2020 Silverado 1500.  Will the GM tail gate handle work with if I flip open the first section of the hard cover.

 

Mine works with the BakFlip MX4 hard folding cover.

[Anacortes Army Guy]

 

On 10/7/2021 at 9:23 AM, Mac-427 said:

I went ahead and ordered the Heinginer handle and some Plasti Dip to coat it in rubber before I use it.  Best price was at Lowes with free shipping at $66 with my veterans discount.  I'm going to Plasti Dip it with this stuff from Amazon before I let it touch my truck.  Performix 12219 Plasti Dip Clear - 22 oz. Dip Can

I too am concerned about possible abrasion issues with the truck's painted surface on the side of the tailgate opening, but I think I'm going to go with bicycling handlebar tape instead of some type of liquid coating.

[Transient]

My concern is the home of the tailgate.  I use to have the GM Accessories gap filler, and it caused the plastic bushing to crack and the tailgate was sliding out every time I would open out close it.  This grab handle looks like it could put stress on the hinge and damage it.  I did end up installing the GM handle for a different reason, but very glad I did.  

[Mac-427]

On 10/8/2021 at 8:21 PM, Transient said:

My concern is the home of the tailgate.  I use to have the GM Accessories gap filler, and it caused the plastic bushing to crack and the tailgate was sliding out every time I would open out close it.  This grab handle looks like it could put stress on the hinge and damage it.  I did end up installing the GM handle for a different reason, but very glad I did.  

I had exactly the same problem with the gap filler.  Ended up throwing it in the trash.

 

[Mac-427]

On 10/7/2021 at 8:20 AM, Mac-427 said:

I have a GM accessories folding hard cover on my 2020 Silverado 1500.  Will the GM tail gate handle work with if I flip open the first section of the hard cover.

Finally figured out that the GM handle will work for me so I'm going to take the Heininger back to Lowes when I get it.  Just ordered the GM handle.  It will come in next week.

Edited October 11, 2021 by Mac-427

[J2Jones]

2 hours ago, Mac-427 said:

I had exactly the same problem with the gap filler.  Ended up throwing it in the trash.

 

 

On 10/8/2021 at 9:21 PM, Transient said:

My concern is the home of the tailgate.  I use to have the GM Accessories gap filler, and it caused the plastic bushing to crack and the tailgate was sliding out every time I would open out close it.  This grab handle looks like it could put stress on the hinge and damage it.  I did end up installing the GM handle for a different reason, but very glad I did.  

 

OK now I'm nervous because I have the gap filler too.  I'm not sure i understand what it caused to be damaged.  Can one of you add some details and/or maybe a pic so I can keep on the lookout for issues.

 

[Transient]

1 hour ago, J2Jones said:

 

 

OK now I'm nervous because I have the gap filler too.  I'm not sure i understand what it caused to be damaged.  Can one of you add some details and/or maybe a pic so I can keep on the lookout for issues.

 

When the tailgate would open the gap filler would rub against the edge of the truck bed, applying pressure on the tailgate's mounting points.  The weaker side is the right side where the tailgate has a plastic bushing inside the hinge.  The design is such that if you need to remove the tailgate, the right side is where you first remove the tailgate.  The bushing would crack and the tailgate would come out of the hinge while lower or raising.  I had to push the tailgate in every time I opened or closed it. 

[Steve Martin]

5 hours ago, Mac-427 said:

Finally figured out that the GM handle will work for me so I'm going to take the Heininger back to Lowes when I get it.  Just ordered the GM handle.  It will come in next week.

you ordered from dealer?  If so, how much are they charging?  Also, does the hardware come with it?  Any part number(s)?

[Mac-427]

4 hours ago, Steve Martin said:

you ordered from dealer?  If so, how much are they charging?  Also, does the hardware come with it?  Any part number(s)?

I used part # gm 84532302 but it's a little confusing because the part # has changed several times.  I paid $162 for mine because I bought it through my buddy's body shop.

 

https://www.gmpartsoutlet.com/p/GMC__Sierra-1500/HANDLE/75806054/84532302.html?partner=googlebase_adwords&kwd=&origin=pla&partnerDevice=c&userLocation=9027200&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIl-DawcTD8wIVP2xvBB0gMwQrEAQYAiABEgIk9PD_BwE

Edited October 11, 2021 by Mac-427

[Mac-427]

I got my GM assist handle today.  The part number is 84726114 and it is described as an "F-HANDLE." I checked fit and the holes in my truck bed line up, but two of them are unthreaded.  I'm going to hit the hardware store tomorrow but would appreciate knowing what to use on the unthreaded holes to secure the handle.