Hand Grabs?

OK, I looked before asking and couldn't find anything, so here goes...
New 2020 SR 4x4 here.
First time climbing into the bed yesterday... Now, I'm not a 'Spring Chicken' anymore (65) so I need a bit of help climbing into the back.
I noticed the wasn't really anything to grab onto... I did however notice that at the back of the bed there where two plastic covers that went into (Both sides) a rectangular hole ... About 2x5" .. I took them off, but the metal edges inside are pretty sharp. I could grab onto those, but thought it wasn't the best idea..
My thought is... Since I bought a Bare Bones Basic, that maybe there are 'hand grab' inserts that fit into these holes, but only with a more expensive model? I'm only guessing here...
But it seems like these holes were put right there for a reason.
If I'm guessing correctly, is it just a matter of going to the dealer and buying the inserts?
My other thought was ... On the rails for the sliding-adjustable tie-downs (Which I love!) if they make a hand-grab that fits and locks into those rails? That would work great also
So any thoughts/advice/info?

 

I think the holes are for the bed lights

 

You can get accessory rail T nuts here (end of the 3rd row):
https://gofastcampers.com/accessories/

With those, you can mount up all kinds of stuff.

 

Haven't seen anyone making Tacoma specific "handles," although it would be easy to incorporate one. West Marine would have more than a few to choose from.

Have you considered the OEM bed step?

https://parts.hendricktoyotaapex.co...MI7uaEqe626wIVEfvjBx1WNAWcEAQYAyABEgJrJfD_BwE

 

Ahh, OK I see...
So what does a geezer like me use to make it easier to get in the bed? (Besides hauling around a plastic milk crate to use as a step? LOL!)

Ahh! OK! I see the 'bed-step'! Very cool! I think my knees are worth an extra $200..

 

An easy method that I found was to park my butt on the tailgate. Spin around, and stand up. Especially as the the tailgate surface is not very knee friendly.

 

Step on one of the rear tires, step up, climb over the rail. Or they do make that little drop down step.

 

They have an accessory that adds a step to the rear bumper

Edit: here it is may or may not be something you'd find helpful for what you're looking to do
https://parts.toyotaofnashua.com/oe...y7jlGmFiFUzY32zqb1WGf4rlKmnpElwgaAti8EALw_wcB

 

Hey all, the bed step looks like the way to go. (After spending $30K+, whats another $200.00, right? LOL!) And I might fabricate something with a T-nut on the railing also...
KUDOS and many, many thanks! Y'all are the best!

 

There's also hitch steps out there.

 

LOL! Hey, maybe back when I was about 40 .. LOL! These days, I need all the 'help' I can get..

 

So true ... But to be fair ... I've had many PU trucks and have yet to find a 'knee friendly' tailgate. Is what it is, right? LOL!

 

Sorry!

You are correct. There are some mods are here for that. A couple inner skin choices and a foam insert idea that some folks were thinking about.

 

Another 65 year old here with beat up Army knees.. I bought the OEM bed step and installed it - great addition and well worth the investment. Last week, my wife and I took the truck to a local drive-in and put a double lounge chair in the bed- used the step to get up and down. Perfection.

 

BDH:
Enjoy your truck. Bed step is great for us old guys!(I'm 2 yrs behind you)
I'm still pretty good with the "climb on the tire method", but I'm afraid I'll slip and scratch my truck!
Easy bedstep install and it works great. I'm sure you'll be able to fabricate a handle to fit into track. Let us know what you come up with.

 

Shit I'm in my thirties and my truck had the step on it when i bought it. I use that sucker all the time. Love the step

 

As DonP already posted, those cutouts are definitely for the OEM bedlights. It's the easiest mod you can possibly do on the 2020, and worth it in my opinion, I love mine. Go for it.

 

Another old fat guy! I found a step on Craigslist for $50 shortly after I bought my truck. Sure helps!

 

I love my step too! What is even better the dealer gave my step for free during my bargain process.

 

If you don’t have a bed cover or she’ll on it i just use the bumper as my step go over the tailgate once in the bed I let the tailgate down since on these 3rd Gen Tacoma’s the tailgate go’s slow as it go’s down not fast & hard. What I do works Great FYi i use the tailgate as my handle to pull my self up & over.i thought of custom making a tailgate type bar step like I have seen on other Brand trucks do already like ford & GM in new full size trucks besides the oem bumper step from Dealer