Driver's side grab handle available

[MustardTiger]

If you didn't already know, a driver's side grab handle is now available via the aftermarket for the 4th gen Toyota Tacoma. It's amazing that someone put the effort and dedication in to design/replicate/produce this item and make it available - this truly speaks to the value of the Tacoma marketplace!

It appears that there are two different manufacturers of this item, however it is indeed the same exact part packaged slightly different under two separate brand names. Originally I ordered the "ULTRAERA" grab handle kit off Amazon - and it arrived broken (see the lower plastic tab is broken off). Since I could tell the color matching wasn't quite bang on (darker black vs factory oem)...I decided to order the alternate "BGUCAR" brand. The box it comes in is a little smaller, so the item was more secure inside and arrived intact. Placing the two side by side, they are perfectly identical, down to the part numbers and scripting on the back side. It doesn't matter which one you purchase, you are getting the same thing

The factory OEM A-pillar cover is in the middle, and as you can see...the color is different...a bit lighter black, more charcoal grey/black. It's not a perfect match.

Here is the attachment of the speaker grill, with the factory OEM being plastic welded on. I have not yet tried to swap the two in an effort to keep my JBL speaker grill. If anyone has pictures/procedure of doing that, please share. I figured I'd try the grab handle out first to see if I like it before mutilating the original part.

Other than the not-quite matching color and absent JBL logo....my biggest gripe with this product is there are marks on the plastic that don't wipe off or buff out. Quality is lacking in final visual fit and finish, IMHO. And you can see this on both items. So if you are OCD about it being perfect and an exact match...I'd say hold off on this item until either quality improves, other manufacturers produce them, or Toyota themselves smartens up and equips these trucks from the factory with a grab handle on the drivers side A pillar (thus creating a Toyota part that can be ordered).

OVERALL, I rate this 3.5 out of 5 for quality and fit-finish. Regardless, this is a must-have accessory. Even having it on for one trip up town, getting in and out multiple times...it's very natural, and meant to be. Having a handle on the driver side makes the Tacoma feel more 'truck' - as it truly is supposed to be there, just like on other trucks! You can grab the handle (vs steering wheel) getting out of the truck, stepping onto the running board and lifting up and out...preserving your seat cushion and also making it easier to get out. Getting in the truck, again...it's very natural to grab as your stepping up and in. This handle allows you to not slide across and out of the seat...and I truly believe it will help preserve your seat cushion and cover. A "through handle" is really not necessary here, and I'm being honest.

I genuinely hope that someone from Toyota sees this, gets their corporate act together...and fits these trucks with a grab handle on future production. I would 100% hands down purchase the factory OEM part for my truck. In the meantime, if the aftermarket manufacturer sees this and is willing to refine their product...I'd appreciate having one sent out to me so I can evaluate/review again, with the hopes of a perfect score

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[lauren01]

One way to work around the color match and surface quality problems is to wrap both of the A pillars.
There is another thread posted by BGUCAR which asked forum members about the design before they finalized, and if I remember right, most wanted a pass through, full grip handle. You may be able to search and find the thread.
Great post — thanks for sharing the comparison and finding out that there is another brand marketing the same part.

 

[Taco Ji]

I see that you had already posted on this thread
https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/thre...by-carlimeki-–-what-do-you-want-to-see.13766/

But are they just a reseller of this also? Or true manufacturer? I think I can speak for most people that this is crap and we all expressed it on that thread I linked. We are looking for an actual grab handle like in the back seat grab handles and not these nubs.

 

[MANSAV]

I haven't ever thought of needing a grab handle for the driver side. I have to duck down to get into the truck. However, I wish they made a real grab handle for the passenger side. Hopefully they can make a real grab for both sides.

 

[Yotota]

This thread should get merged with the other Grab Handle thread that the vendor posted.

I highly doubt this has even been tested with the airbag that it covers. I read that the plastic is completely different on these new aftermarket pillar covers... less flexible than the OEM part. That's a problem. The OEM piece is meant to blow open with the airbag, but remain intact. A more brittle plastic will shatter and send sharp bits flying with the airbag deployment.

 

[Canufixit]

If you didn't already know, a driver's side grab handle is now available via the aftermarket for the 4th gen Toyota Tacoma. It's amazing that someone put the effort and dedication in to design/replicate/produce this item and make it available - this truly speaks to the value of the Tacoma marketplace!

It appears that there are two different manufacturers of this item, however it is indeed the same exact part packaged slightly different under two separate brand names. Originally I ordered the "ULTRAERA" grab handle kit off Amazon - and it arrived broken (see the lower plastic tab is broken off). Since I could tell the color matching wasn't quite bang on (darker black vs factory oem)...I decided to order the alternate "BGUCAR" brand. The box it comes in is a little smaller, so the item was more secure inside and arrived intact. Placing the two side by side, they are perfectly identical, down to the part numbers and scripting on the back side. It doesn't matter which one you purchase, you are getting the same thing

The factory OEM A-pillar cover is in the middle, and as you can see...the color is different...a bit lighter black, more charcoal grey/black. It's not a perfect match.

Here is the attachment of the speaker grill, with the factory OEM being plastic welded on. I have not yet tried to swap the two in an effort to keep my JBL speaker grill. If anyone has pictures/procedure of doing that, please share. I figured I'd try the grab handle out first to see if I like it before mutilating the original part.

Other than the not-quite matching color and absent JBL logo....my biggest gripe with this product is there are marks on the plastic that don't wipe off or buff out. Quality is lacking in final visual fit and finish, IMHO. And you can see this on both items. So if you are OCD about it being perfect and an exact match...I'd say hold off on this item until either quality improves, other manufacturers produce them, or Toyota themselves smartens up and equips these trucks from the factory with a grab handle on the drivers side A pillar (thus creating a Toyota part that can be ordered).

OVERALL, I rate this 3.5 out of 5 for quality and fit-finish. Regardless, this is a must-have accessory. Even having it on for one trip up town, getting in and out multiple times...it's very natural, and meant to be. Having a handle on the driver side makes the Tacoma feel more 'truck' - as it truly is supposed to be there, just like on other trucks! You can grab the handle (vs steering wheel) getting out of the truck, stepping onto the running board and lifting up and out...preserving your seat cushion and also making it easier to get out. Getting in the truck, again...it's very natural to grab as your stepping up and in. This handle allows you to not slide across and out of the seat...and I truly believe it will help preserve your seat cushion and cover. A "through handle" is really not necessary here, and I'm being honest.

I genuinely hope that someone from Toyota sees this, gets their corporate act together...and fits these trucks with a grab handle on future production. I would 100% hands down purchase the factory OEM part for my truck. In the meantime, if the aftermarket manufacturer sees this and is willing to refine their product...I'd appreciate having one sent out to me so I can evaluate/review again, with the hopes of a perfect score

My guess is that the plastic used was poor and or/included a way too much regrind. JMO If you are not going to return the part I suggest you try to crack / break off another tab or area to see how brittle it is ... Although it could be a bad fill / cold seam at the tab due depending on where the ejection points and mold/plastic temps when molded (i.e. cold mold/first shot).

 

[JimScotty0]

Here is the attachment of the speaker grill, with the factory OEM being plastic welded on. I have not yet tried to swap the two in an effort to keep my JBL speaker grill. If anyone has pictures/procedure of doing that, please share. I figured I'd try the grab handle out first to see if I like it before mutilating the original part.

Great writeup and presentation! My son installed mine as I was busy at that time, but I did talk with him along the installation process. We did put the original JBL speaker grill into the new handle, but it wasn't a slam dunk. The screw holes didn't line up and couldn't be used, but the clips did and we used them, unfortunately they weren't enough to hold the speaker assembly in place due to the pressure tight fit. We had to Dremel down the plastic screw posts to make them flat and then we used a black silicone completely around the JBL speaker assembly. After 24hrs of drying, we put it in place and it held.

I use this handle and it does work well to assist with entering and exiting the vehicle. It isn't perfect, but it does look good enough and very functional, and strong.

 

[MustardTiger]

@Yotota actually the plastic is identical in thickness and type (PP + EPDM). I really don't see there being an issue with the airbag at all. The only thing that's different is there are now two bolts vs one bolt + a plastic retaining push clip. The airbag will deploy out along the driver side glass. I don't have any concerns at all. If anything what is off a tiny bit is the color - otherwise it's an identical part.

 

[MustardTiger]

@JimScotty0 it looks great! Yeah I think eventually I'm going to try and swap the JBL speaker grill. I just have to accept that it makes it permanent by cutting off the plastic screw tabs. But all in all...the handle is very useful, and like I said...totally natural. Even from a driving perspective, it's nice to see both A-pillars match now with a handle. There might not be enough real estate/room to have a pillar with a through handle...it might be too bulky

 

[Yotota]

@Yotota actually the plastic is identical in thickness and type (PP + EPDM). I really don't see there being an issue with the airbag at all. The only thing that's different is there are now two bolts vs one bolt + a plastic retaining push clip. The airbag will deploy out along the driver side glass. I don't have any concerns at all. If anything what is off a tiny bit is the color - otherwise it's an identical part.

Gotcha, that's good to hear. The color is annoying but that can be improved in future production runs pretty easily.

 

[AspenThicket]

I want one without the speaker since I have the poverty trim...

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