HF Franklin Step Stool

[rjgvt]

I bought a Franklin folding step stool Harbor Freight shortly after buying my truck. At 6' 2", I can check the oil without it but use it to get stuff out of the side doors on the ARE cap in certain conditions, depending on terrain. I can't reach the top of the hood to close it but usually just grab the latch piece. HF had the step stool on sale this weekend for $6.99, usually $8.49. I picked up two, one for in the garage and the other one for the other side of the truck bed. I like having spare stuff. Step stool is a little over 8" and holds 300 lbs.

 

This past week I picked up a set of GM wheels at a tire/wheel/offroad type of shop in southern VT while I was at my camp chasing turkeys. Found that the slope behind my truck where I parked was enough that I needed the step stool to reach the Multi-Pro tailgate step. 

 

 

[BCGM]

That seems like a great step to have ! I will need something like that bas well as I'm shorter than yourself at 5'10 . 

[bruceb58]

I have one of those I found in a campground. I rarely use it except for emergency. Small enough to keep in the truck but they are too flimsy for regular use.

 

I use one of these instead when working on the truck.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QQ4DNQ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

 

Edited May 6, 2024 by bruceb58

[revrnd]

On 5/5/2024 at 3:41 PM, rjgvt said:

I bought a Franklin folding step stool Harbor Freight shortly after buying my truck. At 6' 2", I can check the oil without it but use it to get stuff out of the side doors on the ARE cap in certain conditions, depending on terrain. I can't reach the top of the hood to close it but usually just grab the latch piece. HF had the step stool on sale this weekend for $6.99, usually $8.49. I picked up two, one for in the garage and the other one for the other side of the truck bed. I like having spare stuff. Step stool is a little over 8" and holds 300 lbs.

 

This past week I picked up a set of GM wheels at a tire/wheel/offroad type of shop in southern VT while I was at my camp chasing turkeys. Found that the slope behind my truck where I parked was enough that I needed the step stool to reach the Multi-Pro tailgate step. 

 

 

 

How tall is it? You may not need it to check the oil, but have you found it useful when doing an oil change?

 

I have used a 3 step ladder in the past during oil changes on my previous K2XX 2500HD (ladder in the front & the truck on a set of 12" ramps). I'm 6' 2" as well.

 

W/ the T1XX version of the HDs, I have read here & elsewhere online that the oil fill is somewhat awkward to reach compared to the K2XX.

 

I am awaiting the 6.6L oil fill funnel adapter too.

Edited October 25, 2025 by revrnd

[rjgvt]

I stated in my original post that it is a little over 8”. I don’t change the oil/filter on my truck but I do keep two of the little stools in my truck, one on each side in case I need it to reach something. I do keep a Lisle offset funnel and 2 quarts of oil in my truck in case I need to add oil while traveling. Have not had to add oil in between oil changes yet. 

[BCGM]

On 5/6/2024 at 4:46 PM, bruceb58 said:

I have one of those I found in a campground. I rarely use it except for emergency. Small enough to keep in the truck but they are too flimsy for regular use.

 

I use one of these instead when working on the truck.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09QQ4DNQ5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

 

Im going to check that one out Thanks Bruce58

[ManyCamaroz]

This is handy as well. Sometimes the 20" height is much. but works great if you have a vehicle on on jack stands and wrenching simultaneously from topside and underneath. 

 

Edited November 16, 2025 by ManyCamaroz

[Pryme]

They also have small aluminum folding step stands at harbor freight for around 20 bucks. I’ve had two for over a decade use them all the time no issues.