+1. Rep jail here too.

Stewart

 

Nice work Pete.

I liked your "Grabber". Much more sophisticaed then my hoe with the blade broken off. Nothing but the handle with a hook at the end.

 

I dunno'.

This step doesn't appear to have the same stability as the original design.

The platform is no longer on the end of a longer pendulum, and therefore is able to rotate much more easily than the original design. Though easier to stow without disassembly when not in use, it doesn't look nearly as stable as a step.

This design can rotate around the height of the D-rings, whereas the original rotates around the height of the J-hooks, almost an order-of-magnitude difference.

As a result, I'm gonna' build mine more similar to the original design, only using additionally-bent, heavy-duty foundation bolts.

Making it long enough to fit into the bed liner slots is genius!

Pop

 

You know, Marv, I thought about the rotation issue as well and was a little concerned about it. What I've discovered, though, is that looks are deceiving with this thing.

The depth of the grab hooks are deep enough to provide a good radius potential without anything coming loose. Also, while actually standing on it, as you bend over, the step rotates progressively more as you bend and stretch more, and the result is actually a good footing angle while not allowing foot slippage due to the bedliner coating. (Sort of like standing in a swing and leaning forward... your weight and footing keeps good contact without slipping.)

So far, it has not proven to be the potential safety compromise like it seems to be.

 

I also think that your coating idea is a very good one.

Anything anti-skid is good for us old folks....

Pop

 

that is a good idea but mine is permanently on the truck, it makes a great platform. and no swing.

 

Sorry Pete, couldn't resist.

Actually I am familiar with the clips you are using. The spring loaded part doesn't seem to age well and if you put your weight on them without the interlocking part being fully engaged, they tend to open up a bit.

If you look closely at your picture with the blown up part of the interlocking portion, notice how small the diameter of the steel in the shank becomes to make room for the notches to make the interlocking part. If you're using a 3/8" shank, you've got less than 1/8" of steel at the weak point.

You won't see any catastrophic failures, especially at the height you're working at, but I would expect the clips to open up some over time, hence the maintenance item comment.

I do like the swing action for better footing while laying over the motor, but have not decided yet if, or how much of a hindrance it might be when trying to stand back up if your hands were full.

 

No problem at all, Chris... your comments cracked me up with your "Mr. Engineer" opening.

I see what you mean about the clips, and to be honest, they were not my ideal choice, and I'll probably just keep my eyes open for a better mousetrap as time goes on. What I like the least about these clips is NOT the 1/8" structure for the pivot point, but rather is the smallness of the pin which holds the pivot arm to the main clip.

On the "standing back up with hands full issue", that's a good point and I'll have to see how that works out as well.

I am truly grateful for all the critique from you guys... "multitude of counselors" is always the best approach.

 

Been a while since this thread was started, but I've now used the platform several times for extended hours worth of under the hood work, and I can easily say that the swinging action is not a hindrance at all.

When standing back up, all you have to do is press your knees against the grill and stand up.

As for the little clips used to connect the hook to the platform, there has been no damage or distortion to-date. Granted, the platforms serve more as payload management tools than as platforms, but they've held up great for my given frequency of use.

 

Pete, thanks for resurrecting this thread-what a great idea! Larry

 

Thanks, Larry. I wasn't really trying to resurrect it, though, as much as I was to just put closure to some of the initial questions.

I am always encouraged (and learn more) when others put closure to their own threads with how things turn out in the long run, so I try to do the same myself. It's sometimes easy to get a quick fix which doesn't last, and knowing that up front can help others potentially avoid thinking they've resolved a similar issue when there may be more problems in the near future. Sometimes a temporary fix is necessary, but it is not always the most economical approach.

 

I just wish my 1999 F250 7.3L Power Stroke had the two front tow hooks. I’ve looked and can’t find any OEM or heavy duty one I like. If anyone has a link to a site or even has a pair they would like to sell, please give me a shout, please.

 

Welcome (again) to FTE!!

Google is your friend, Kevin! I made a quick search and found the following links for you in just a few minutes..

Brand New OEM
https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts...OC1kaWVzZWw%3D


USED Parts
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...%20ford%20f250

https://www.ebay.com/itm/99-07-Ford-...8AAOSw6INeLi0s

https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-99-07-F....c100005.m1851

 

This is a timely revival of this thread as I happen to be working on a heavy duty, lightweight aluminum & steel adjustable platform as we speak. However it will only work on trucks with a front receiver hitch, it does not use the tow hooks at all. I weighed all the parts last night, 35 lbs total. Hopefully I will get the welding and drilling finished this weekend.

 

Thanks very much!