I am a big supporter of using a safe method to get medium to large sized dogs in and out of vehicles, especially the
Easiest way to get your dog in and out of your vehicle
taller SUV’s. I have written articles about using dog ramps before, and am still a believer in them, but I have found something that I believe is even better than a dog ramp. Ramps have great benefits for helping your dog stay healthy, but they can be cumbersome to move and haul around.
The Twistep Dog Step is an even better alternative that using a ramp. I am going to explain how the Twistep works and why it is so handy compared to a ramp. You will see that it is an easy solution for safely loading and unloading your dog.
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Heininger Twistep Dog Stair Step
The Twistep is simply one of the best inventions that I have seen lately to help provide a safe way for your dog to get in and out of your vehicle. It provides a step for your dog to use, reducing the amount of stress that is placed on your dog’s body, especially when they are jumping out of your vehicle.
The Twistep slides into your trailer hitch receiver, giving your dog a safe place to step on their way in and out. The best part, when you aren’t using the step, you simply rotate the Twistep under the rear bumper.
There is no hauling of ramps to your vehicle, no storing of ramps or steps in the back of your vehicle so your dog can get out when you get somewhere else. The Twistep is always with you, your dog and your vehicle.
It just easily rotates 180 degrees to be safely stored under your bumper and locks in place while you are driving. No longer will you have heavy ramps to move around or finding a place to store the ramp in your vehicle.
Features Of Twistep
- The Twistep comes fully assembled and attaches securely to your vehicle in less than a minute.
- Easily train your dog to use the step within minutes. No longer will you need to lift your dog in and out, protecting your back from injury.
- Hold up to 400 pounds.
- Fits 1 1/4″ and 2″ receiver hitches.
- 22″ x 19″ step, making it large enough for your dog or for you to sit on.
- Height is adjustable for different vehicles.
- Pull up on the latch and rotate the Twistep either out for use or in for storage when driving.
- One hand operation, making it easy for you to hold on to your dog’s leash.
- Able to use the step for a seat for yourself or as a step for you to reach roof storage or making it easier for you to get items out of your vehicle.
- 30 day, no questions, money back guarantee. If you don’t like how it works, you can return it within 30 days for a refund.
- Corrosion resistant coating.
- Non-slip surface.
- 6″ of height adjustment.
- 1 year warranty.
Additional Information About Twistep
There are a few items that you need to be aware of before purchasing the Twistep.
You might want to consider getting a hitch lock at the time that you purchase your Twistep. This will prevent someone from being able to steal your step. The cost is around $20 and it can be purchased at the same time that you purchase your step. The size of lock that will work best is the 6033 lock.
You might want to consider applying some reflective tape around the sides of the step. This will help if there is a time that you forget to rotate the step back under your bumper for drivers behind you to see the step and not run into it.
You will want to routinely lubricate around the T-handle shaft to maintain the smooth and easy rotation of the step.
Routinely wash with soapy water to remove sand and grit that can interfere with the operation and in salty conditions, wash one a week for best operation.
There are several models of vehicles that will require a Twistep extension bracket in order for the step to operate properly. Here is the list of vehicles:
- 2006-2018 Chevy Tahoe
- 2006-2018 GMC Yukon
- 2006-2018 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee
The reason for the extension is because of the placement of the spare tire under the vehicle. Make sure to get the extension if you have one of these vehicles. It will not automatically come with your hitch step.
Importance Of Assistance In And Out
It is very important that your dogs have assistance to get in and out of your vehicle even starting at a very young age.
No need for lifting and hauling a ramp
It will help reduce injuries, lower impact on joints and helps reduce arthritis. It can also help against leg injuries, back sprains and tissue damage.
If you start at an early age providing you dog with help to get in and out of your vehicle, you will help protect younger dogs from having problems later in life. It will also help provide older dogs with relief from age related movement conditions.
There can be severe damage caused over a lifetime of dogs jumping out of high vehicles. There is just too much weight on the front shoulders when they are exiting from your SUV.
Using the Twistsep will lessen the impact that is caused by your dog jumping and it will lessen the angle, all which will help your dog’s joints stay healthy longer.
A Quick Review
The amount of stress put on your dog’s body by having to jump in and out of your vehicle for all the years will have negative effects on your dog’s body. The Twistep Dog Step is one of the best hitch steps available, and has easy operation making it my choice for safely getting your dog in and out of your vehicle.
It does have a hefty price tag, but when you consider the potential vet bills that you could incur from your dog injuring themselves or the stress that is put on their joints over the years, I feel the investment is well worth it.
Even though younger dogs have no problems jumping in and out, it is advisable that they also use some type of assistance with your vehicle. You will help prevent unnecessary stress on growing hips and elbows.
For years, my Golden Retrievers jumped in an out of my SUV, and it put a toll on their body. I am now at the point where my dog is to big and heavy to lift in my SUV. He has to put his front paws up on the bumper, and then I have to lift his back end up. He is 11 years old now. But, there is great joy with being independent in getting in by themselves. Our dog’s have pride also, so if this can help them when they no longer can do it on their own, it is worth it.
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Also, you can follow on FaceBook, Pinterest or Twitter below to keep up to date on new products that I find to make life better for you and your dog.
This is a good idea and I can see how it is better than a ramp.
Thanks for reading my article. I am glad you can see some value in the Twistep. It can sure make life easier for our dogs and for us. Safer for the dogs and easier than hauling ramps around or trying to lift them in ourselves.