Does anyone know if you can add a pull handle to Drivers side Pillar?

If you watch this video, for an audio install, you can see when he takes off the A pillar cover that there's an airbag rolled up in there.

Starts @4:05

https://youtu.be/c37zgaUQsVo

 

Agreed, some bad decisions there by yota

 

I had my A-pillar pulled up for cable routing recently. I think a handle could be added. There are mounting tabs, though the lower one does not have a threaded insert. You'd have to do some work, but I think it's a reasonable job.

If you look at the crash videos and side air bag deployment, most of what's in the A-pillar is anchor points. The edge of the A-pillar is very flexible and it just pops out the side. The upper mounting point for the handle is already screwed down, so I don't see a handle interfering with airbag operation.

But... Don't do it because I said it was OK. If you do it and die, I told you it was a bad idea.

 

I definitely think a custom handle could be made even if it only attached to the one bolt on top then the bottom of the handle rest on the plastic pillar - if none of it gets in the way of the airbag. but i am not going to try anything right now. my wife has the problem getting in and so far she doesn't need to drive it YET.

 

Other thoughts:

Not this particular model, but something like this with a single attachment point could be used with the single bolt location that's already there:

Upgraded Grip Wide Design Resistant Ultra Heavy Duty Handles with Solid ABS Cores, Durable Carabiners, Super Strong Nylon Webbing, and Heavy Gauge Welded D-Rings

https://smile.amazon.com/Upgraded-R...1474762282&sr=8-3&keywords=nylon+strap+handle

Just a strap loop (think bus strap) would be less intrusive.



Something like this would give you flexibility on your mounting holes. In case the 2nd gen handle doesn't sit flush on the 3rd gen a-pillar.
https://smile.amazon.com/Bentolin-W...474762046&sr=8-22&keywords=nylon+strap+handle

 

Bump

 

2017's don't have one. I just started grabbing the steering wheel.

 

I grab my steering wheel and pull my self into the truck. Am I causing any future stress / damage by doing this?

 

The airbag has nothing to do with it as the 15 has A Pillar Bags too, hoping the next refresh will have a grab handle that we can get.

 

You can also see a threaded hole were the 2nd Gen bolted the Handle to.

 

Handles are worthless on these trucks. I have a hard enough time ducking to get into mine as it is and a handle in the way would make it worse. The handles are about as worthless as the step bars. Well at least the step over bars keep the rocks from hitting the side of the truck so they are useful for something.

 

I've been doing this too, after cracking a rib. No damage, it's been 3 weeks.

 

05-11 have air bag in A-pillar as well but still have the handle...

Matt

 

Ya, my Gen 2 had that too. Maybe Toyota was trying to save a buck. If they can put it on the passenger side, then why not driver's side?

 

Its absolutely positively a cost cutting move, Kaizen has them chopping costs to the bone.

 

I use the b pillar instead of the steering wheel.

 

I end up grabbing the whole pillar and putting my fingers in the ditch for the roof rack to climb on and out. PITA

 

My 2008 Nissan Frontier was the same way - but it at least had plastic pop outs where you could readily install it on the driver's side if you wanted to -

 

Kaizen is an improvement, usually in a process. Fully agree it is a cost cutting measure, but unlikely finance did a cost cutting kaizen and marketing, sales, and engineering bought off on it.

 

If suspension, bed rails, and roof racks from a 2nd gen fit on a 3rd gen, I highly doubt they changed the a pillar. A handle will most likely fit but if you're OCD you'd have to change the passenger side as well since they're different shapes. I also hate that there isn't a grab bar. But hey atleast there's a wireless phone charger?? I also hate that there isn't a driver side seat pocket