The 10 Best Hitch Steps
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in August of 2019. These hitch steps offer a convenient way to access the bed of your truck or the roof rack of your car, and may also prevent any damage to your ride if you get rear-ended. They simply plug into receiver hitches, so they can be installed in just a few minutes, and we've included a wide variety of styles to suit most needs and vehicles. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Weathertech 81BS1
2. TAC Universal
3. TGL Tow Hitch
Editor's Notes
August 27, 2019:
An important consideration when deciding on a step hitch is whether or not you'll ever need to do any towing. While each of the models listed here is easy to remove and install, having to do so repeatedly to swap out your tow hitch can be a pain, so if you pull trailers often you might want to consider something like the Reese Towpower 7060200. It can be used with a ball mount, allowing you to both protect your truck and haul cargo without any extra effort. If you want to tow other cars or pull up tree stumps, the TGL Tow Hitch can come in handy, as it works well with cables or straps.
Of all the options shown here, the Bully CR-600L comes the closest to having bells and whistles, as it has an LED bar that can serve as an early warning system to other drivers. You'd better hope that it works, however, as the step is made with a lot of plastic, so it won't offer as much protection in the event of a crash as other models do.
Given that many of the steps on our list are made of huge hunks of steel, the Weathertech 81BS1 may seem like a curious choice for the top spot. However, it's seriously resilient, and can work in any weather conditions. It won't necessarily add much aesthetic value to your vehicle, but it's an inexpensive, well-made model that may just save your bumper someday.
Special Honors
Gen-Y GH-0069 At over thirty pounds, this is not a lightweight addition to your vehicle. Made of solid steel, it's capable of towing a 50,000-pound load, so there's little risk of it breaking when you stand on it. summitracing.com
ZRoadz Z390010-KIT This is one of the wider models you'll find on the market, as it stretches across a good portion of your SUV's rear hatch. It has two bright LED lamps to alert other drivers to your presence, as well as a universal wiring harness for hooking them up. autoanything.com
Heininger PortablePET Twistep If you have a dog that's getting on in years, you can still take him along on car rides with this unit. It gives your pooch a wide base to use to step up into your SUV, so you won't throw your back out lifting him — or worse, have to leave him behind. chewy.com
4. Reese Towpower 7060200
5. Go Rhino D360T
6. CargoLoc 32507
7. Bully CR-600L
8. C.R. Brophy RHS2
9. Bully Black Bull
10. Gen-Y No-Wobble
After getting his bachelor’s from the University of Texas, Quincy Miller moved out to Los Angeles, where he soon found work as a copywriter and researcher, specializing in health and wellness topics for a major online media brand. Quincy is also knowledgeable about home improvement, as he’s had extensive experience with everything from insulation to power tools to emergency room trips, sometimes in that order. Sharing a home with three dogs and a couple of cats has forced Quincy to learn as much as he can about pet supplies, animal nutrition and, most importantly, the best ways to tackle the mountains of fur that accumulate in every corner of your home.