Low step in height for 4 wheel drive pickup

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
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I have an artificial hip, and arthritis the rest of the way around. I also have a mastiff who rides shotgun. She is well over 100 pounds and there is a limit to how high she is able to jump in the front seat of the truck, and it will not get any better as she ages.

I know that I can get steps and can get a ramp of some kind for the dog, but I'd like to know if anyone knows how to find the step in height for pick ups, specifically, the Colorado, Tacoma and Frontier. I have found that all these add ons are generally a pain in the butt.

My basic review of specs doesn't really give me much information, although they all seem to have about 10" or ground clearance.
 
Have you though about an old pickup? 70's ish?

The modern stuff is pretty obsessed with ground clearance, approach angles and looking jacked up.
 
I know my father in law that has some lower back, knee and hip issues finds it much easier to get in and out of a full size 1/2 ton truck than the smaller ones like the Colorado, Tacoma & Frontier. My dad got rid of his Frontier 4x4 for similar issues. Aside from that I have a 140lb mountain dog and I can't imagine him riding shotgun comfortably in the smaller trucks. Just a thought. Danke42 makes a good point on the older vs newer model trucks.
 
Older model is not a realistic option. I need a daily driver and have a 40 mile commute. Long story short, for a variety of reasons I need a light duty truck (I have a couple of apartment buildings so I'm always carrying or hauling something, but no towing). It is always an option to have a car and a truck but I kind of hate having two vehicles, for some reason. That's just a personal thing I guess.

The front seat of my 02 Ranger has plenty of room for a dog. Sofia fits fine in my Ranger. Heck, my 6'3" 350lb brother in law fits in it just fine, so a 120 lb dog isn't much of a challenge. Its more of a matter of what is easier to get in and out of.

Interesting that the full size may be easier entry. The only one I looked at was the new F150 and I had to climb into it. I can kind of "slide" right into my 02 Ranger. Its worth a look because some of the full size trucks aren't really that much more expensive than the smaller ones.

Thanks!
 
I've noticed that some trucks are an odd height - too tall to 'slide' into, but not tall enough to need a step. Others have hand-grabs in the wrong places, inconveniently placed steering wheels, or other design flaws that make it awkward to climb in.
My point, there are so many different trucks, variations, and alterations that it really comes down to trying them all out and seeing which model fits you best.

If you need 4WD but not clearance, maybe consider a running bar with a 'grippy' step. You could also downsize the tires and/or wheels from the stock size. Make it a lowrider. ;)

It'd be difficult to get into my pickup if it didn't have a running bar. Never had one on a truck before and love it:

IMG_0145.jpg
 
Have you looked at the Ram 1500's ? I don't know how much difference there is between those and the F-150. I drove one for a loaner for a week when my 14 Ram was in the shop, and it was very easy for me to get in and out of, especially compared to my 2500. I drove another 1500 that had the factory running boards and it was even easier...

This is the first truck I have owned with steps. They make a huge difference. The main reason I wanted them was so I wasn't dragging my butt over the edge of the leather seat, and wearing it down prematurely, but it sure makes it easier once I got use to them...

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A minivan might be a good option. My old landlord bought one and swears by it for a work vehicle. You can climb in them for work space and you can fit a full sheet of plywood. An added bonus is the dog would love it.

Those running boards got the back of my pants dirty and I hardly ever used them as intended, other than a place to put my beer. My rig wasn't as tall as the Dodge though
 
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