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PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - 400 lbs
(17 reviews)
Price: $249.95
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PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - 400 lbs
Item # HE3052
Retail:$319.76
Our Price: $249.95
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- Reviews (17)
- Q & A (25)
- Videos (2)
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Heininger Holdings Pet Supplies - HE3052
- Vehicle Steps
- Black
- Heininger Holdings
- Small Dogs
- Medium Dogs
- Large Dogs
Help your small or arthritic dog get into and out of the back of your vehicle easily by providing him with a large, sturdy step. This unique platform slides into your trailer hitch receiver and conveniently rotates beneath the car when not in use.
Features:
- Hitch-mounted step makes it easy for your dog - or his human - to get into and out of the rear of your vehicle or the bed of your pickup
- Platform twists out for use and rotates beneath the back bumper for travel
- Adjustable height ensures that step will clear underside of vehicle
- Just line up the holes on the step platform to those on the receiver bar and then bolt in place
- Rubber, anti-slip step surface
- Anti-wobble receiver bolt included
- Durable, corrosion-resistant construction
- Sturdy steel frame with glass-filled nylon platform
- Fully assembled for quick, simple installation
Specs:
- Application: 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" or 2" x 2" trailer hitch receivers
- Step dimensions: 22" wide x 19" deep
- Capacity: 400 lbs
- Height range: 6"
- 1-Year limited warranty
This unique, hitch-mounted step is perfect for your pet, and perfect for you too. Give your dog an unassisted boost into the back of your SUV or the bed of your pickup truck. Step up to reach the roof of your car, van or SUV. Use the platform as a temporary seat to lace up your hiking boots or as a shelf to set your backpack on while you check its contents. And when you're ready to hit the road again, just rotate the step beneath your vehicle for storage and travel.
To swivel the step, press the button on the side of the tower. This unlocks the cover, allowing you access to the pull knob. Lift the pull knob to release the swivel feature and rotate the platform 180 degrees. When the Twistep is in place, in either the stored or step position, the locating pin will snap into place.
3052 Heininger Holdings Portable Pet Twist Step
Video of PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - 400 lbs
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Heininger Holdings Pet Supplies - Vehicle Step - HE3052 Review
PortablePET Twistep Hitch Step Review
Video Transcript for Heininger Holdings Pet Supplies - Vehicle Step - HE3052 Review
Today, we're going to be taking a look at part number HE3052. This is the Heininger Portable Pet Twistep. It's a hitch-mounted step for an inch and a quarter and two inch hitches. The hitch-mounted step is going to make it really easy for your pet to get in and out of the rear of your vehicle or the bed of your truck, which ultimately is going to protect your pet's bones and joints, as well as your back. You can use this to gain access to the roof of your vehicle cargo area or the bed of your truck, or you can use it as a hitch seat when putting on your gear for your activity. The platform is going to twist on for you, just like the position that it's being shown in right now. Then it can rotate beneath the vehicle for transport.
All you have to this is pull this T lever here, and it's going to allow the platform to twist, which I don't have it in the vehicle right now, so I'm just going to show you that this is a rotating mechanism. You can see there that with this installed in the receiver tube of your hitch, the platform would be stored in underneath the vehicle. Then to push it back out to a platform position, you just pull up on that T lever and then you just rotate the step out from underneath the vehicle. That T knob is going to snap back into position automatically, so you don't have to worry about adjusting that. Now, this is going to fit inch and a quarter and two inch hitches, all you have to do is remove the two inch adapter. It's going to be held on there with an Allen bolt. You can use the included tool to remove that, and then it will allow you to gain access to the shank, it's side 01:34 ten inch and a quarter by inch and a quarter trailer hitch. Now to make sure you have enough room to store this underneath the vehicle, Heininger has a built-in adjustment system back here.
All you have to do is remove the four Allen bolts with the included tool, and then you can move this shank up or down. That's going to have a height range of six inches. When it comes to the actual pad right here, this is going to be a rubber anti-slip step surface. Up here, you're also going to get your anti-rattle receiver bolt that is included, as well as the lock washer. That's going to reduce the amount of rattle and wobble from within the hitch. Once you have this inside your hitch, all you have to do is line up your pinholes.
You're going to have three pinhole options to choose from, so whatever the one's going to work best for your application. Line up your pinholes and just insert this, and then you'll just need to thread it in using a socket and socket wrench. Now if you would like a threaded locking bolt, you can find that on our website with part number HE6033, that is going to be sold separately. This is going to feature a durable corrosion-resistant construction. It's going to feature a sturdy steel frame with heavy duty nylon platform. Out of the box, it's going to come fully assembled for quick simple installation and ready to be installed on your vehicle right away. Again, it is designed for inch and a quarter by inch and a quarter, or two inch by two inch trailer hitch receivers.
The step dimensions, when it comes right here at the platform, is going to give us an overall width of 22 inches and it's going to give us an overall depth, measuring from the very back to the front of 19 inches. It's going to offer a capacity of 400 lbs., but be sure not to exceed the total weight limit of the hitch that's on your vehicle. That's going to do it for our review of part number HE3052. This is the Heininger Portable Pet Twistep hitch-mounted step for inch and a quarter and two inch hitches. .
Customer Reviews
PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - 400 lbs - HE3052
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (17 Customer Reviews)
Help your small or arthritic dog get into and out of the back of your vehicle easily by providing him with a large, sturdy step. This unique platform slides into your trailer hitch receiver and conveniently rotates beneath the car when not in use.
- HE3052
by: Tom M11/20/2019
The step works as advertised. It is very convenient and easy to use. 726748
- HE3052
by: Bill H07/30/2019
Owned for over a year and this is an absolutely awesome product ! Highly recommend for dog owners. Leave it all the time with no issues! 678307
- HE3052
by: Richard E07/25/2017
I mounted this on a Torklift hitch extension anchored to a Curt 2 1/2 receiver as a person stair to access an Alpenlite Camper on a F350 SD 4x4 SRW. Works great as an intermediate step between an adjustable leg step on the ground and the fold out step on the Alpenlite. Provides a large stable landing pad that Jane prefers to the somewhat wobbly scissor stairs, although I will put on a mount for the Step and Glo stairs with landing gear that will work better in some situations. 410597
- HE3052
by: Colin11/21/2018
A must have for a 115 lb dog! When folded under at lowest bolt setting, slightly rubs gas tank on Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 2018. !!!!! 584318
- HE3052
by: Kirk07/23/2019
High quality, quick shipping. Our golden retriever loves it. 673930
- HE3052
by: Carol10/11/2018
The step came assembled, read to use. High quality product. Easy to install and remove. Plan to use it as a step into the cargo area of a Fun Mover for ease of access. Comes with instructions and recommendations for maintenance to maximize life of product. 573605
- HE3052
John - 08/01/2019
58498
by: John08/01/2018
Really Really Love it (and so do my dogs). Great Quality. Pretty much changed my life- always have had big dogs!! Great customer service by etrailer! 548496
Comments
GREAT! Dogs Love it and I love it
John - 08/01/201958498
- HE3052
by: Matt06/21/2018
Well made. Packed and ships well. 524845
- HE3052
by: John05/18/2018
This is the second TwiStep we have. The first one is still in use on a 2014 Jeep Patriot. This one is on a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. These things are really great and we’ll never go without them again. They are so convenient and easy to use day in and day out. Installation is a breeze, if you have a hitch receiver, you’re almost done already. We have six dogs, these give our older dogs their independence back and makes the smaller dogs feel like the big dogs. They are a touch pricey but nothing else even compares. The bearings do need to be lubed anywhere from monthly to every three months depending on where you drive. Dirt and muddy roads will require lubing more often. The good news is that lubing the bearings takes all of about 30 seconds, doesn’t require any tools or removal and you don’t have to get on the ground to do so. After the TwiStep is initially adjusted during installation, it tucks up under the vehicle and out of the way very nicely. We have no complaints or anything bad to say about these, you really can’t go wrong. Also, a big kudos shout out to the folks at etrailer. These folks are great and thanks for all of the how-to videos. 510090
- HE3052
by: Charise04/14/2018
I love the adjustability and stability of this Twistep. The platform can be moved up or down as well as closer or further from the vehicle. And it's solid and doesn't bang around when driving over uneven surfaces. When researching hitch mounted platforms for my dogs, it was a toss up between this one and a 2-step hitch that folded up. I chose this one based on the size of the platform, which was considerably bigger than the steps on the 2-step hitch, and I'm glad I did. I have a Ridgeback mix and this is the perfect size for her. 496588
- HE3052
by: John M.12/13/2017
Really good quality step. Like that it can be adjusted. The price was a put off at first, but really glad I ordered it. Fantastic quality. 459804
- HE3052
by: Ron V12/13/2016
I have a 2007 Tahoe with the step at the lowest drop it contacts the spare tire so we can't rotate it. 324581
- HE3052
by: Wayne B01/09/2015
The Twistep was ordered to gain easier access to my Alaskan Camper mounted on a GMC HD 2500 4X4 which is rather high. It seems great....non-slip surface and a good size for our two standard poodles. Tucks back under the truck when not in use, and will stay installed. I returned the SilentACT locking hitch pin, as it was not compatible for my application. My truck has a 2 1/2" hitch receiver, with a 2 " adapter, & the locking hitch pin did not work. I purchased a 5" course thread bold, large washers, & locking nut & the bolt is installed thru the receiver, threads thru both threaded areas on the Twistep, and is very securely mounted to the hitch. As the step will rarely be removed, this works fine. 168353
- HE3052
by: Linda T05/06/2014
I have a 2014 Escape and wanted to give my dogs a way to get in the back of my car without having to lift or assist them. This works perfectly. Was easy to install - easy to twist to put under the bumper - very secure and study for dogs. The Escape has the foot assisted lift gate - put your foot by the hitch and lift gate opens. Was concerned that every time I twisted it under the car it would open the gate. So far that has not happened and I can still use my foot to open the gate. I have a 2"receiver but the Advantage Threaded Hitch Receiver Lock for 1-1/4" Hitches - HE6033 is the hitch pin you want. 129135
- HE3052
3222
Patrick B - 3/26/2014
Cathy R - 02/18/2015
9590
by: Cathy R02/18/2014
My 11 year old baby (130# Anatolian Shepherd) has no problem using the step. He actually waits for me to pull the step out before he'll get in the back of the Outback. 116866
Comments
It is difficult to find a lock for the step. I have a 2 receiver and havent been able to find a lock. I tried item HE6001 and the tread portion of the pin is too large. The lock recommended with the Twistep is for a 1-14 received and doesnt fit a 2 receiver. Ive purchased generic locks from my local store which have been too large. The pin diameter has been too large or the shaft has been too short. My husband is going to have to drill out the hole so I can lock the step.
-- comment by: Cathy R - 03/22/20143222
Drilling out the hole may not be the best idea. The Heininger lock, part # HE6033
Advantage Threaded Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 1-1/4" Hitches
$21.95, should work fine. It is specificed for 1-1/4 inch applications, due to the diameter and thread size. Since the step can be used for both 2 inch and 1-1/4 inch, it uses the 1-1/4 size lock. The span of the HE6033 lock, between the bolt head and lock, measures 3.178 inches. That includes the split washer. If your hitch is under 3 inches width on the outside, the HE6033 will work just fine.
Patrick B - 3/26/2014Comments
Product is still working great and Jake enjoys getting in the vehicle.
Cathy R - 02/18/20159590
- HE3052
by: Harold W.09/16/2013
If you have a large dog this is a must, steps 's right in the back of the car no jumping in and out hurting his joints!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 100277
- HE3045
by: Lon J.01/23/2019
Review from a similar Heininger Holdings Twistep in Pet Supplies
This is a Back-Saver. I have two large dogs: a Great Dane (108 lbs) she has no issue jumping up into the truck bed, however my Great Pyrenees (98 lbs) is a little stockier and she can't jump that high. After straining my back for a second time I decided the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Step was a must have and boy has paid off! Its super easy to open/close and it swivels out quickly locking into place to prevent any sway. It also has a very low profile when closed and the clearance rest higher than the lowest part of the rear differential below my spare tire. 599702
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Ask the Experts about this Heininger Holdings Pet Supplies
- Does the PortablePet HE3052 fit on 2011 Honda Element?I went out and measured the PortablePET Twistep, part # HE3052. I've included a diagram that details the measurements from the center of the hitch pin hole to the back plate of the swivel, which will always be the closest part. The closer of the two holes is 4-1/4 inches away and the further back is 5-3/4 inches. From our test videos, the distance should be right around 3 inches, meaning that the step should work, and I recommend using the rear pin hole for better positioning in relation...
view full answer... - Lubricating Heininger Twistep Portable Pet Step # HE3052I spoke with my contact at Heininger, who recommended applying oil and working the swivel. It's kind of difficult for the oil to find its way into the swivel, so apply a thin bead around the swivel as shown in the photo I provided for you.. Also, apply oil to the hole for the pull knob. This will put the oil right where it can do the most good. You might need to do this a few times.
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- Hitch Step for 2014 Audi Q5The Heininger PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step # HE3052 can be set to several different heights. This can be seen in the linked video at the :43-second mark. 4 bolts are used to set the platform height. At the lowest height setting the TOP of the platform will be 6-inches below the BOTTOM of the receiver opening. I confirmed this with my contact at Heininger. She also noted that the minimum recommended hitch height above ground is 16-inches. This is from the bottom of the receiver...
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- Could the Pet Twistep Fit and Rotate on 2016 Chevy Suburban As long as the hitch on your 2016 Chevy Suburban is the lowest point on the rear of your vehicle the Twistep part # H#3052 could rotate and fit underneath the vehicle easily.
view full answer... - Will PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step # HE3052 Fit 2005 Toyota TundraAssuming that your 2005 Toyota Tundra is equipped with a 1-1/4 or 2 inch trailer hitch, the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step, # HE3052, will work for you. This unique platform slides into your trailer hitch receiver and conveniently rotates beneath the car, as shown in the attached picture, when not in use.
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- Will the PortablePet Twistep Hitch Mounted Step Interfere With an Undermounted Spare TireThe PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # HE3052 mounts directly in the hitch receiver on your 2017 Toyota 4Runner and because the hitch receiver sits right about level with the bottom of the spare tire, it will not interfere when you swing the step back under the vehicle. As long as you're not carrying an significantly wider than stock tire under there, this will work without interference. This step is compatible with both 1-1/4" and 2" hitch receivers and...
view full answer... - Can the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step Be Used To Help Load a Cargo BoxYes, you can use the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step part # HE3052 to help load a cargo box on the roof of your vehicle. You may also be interested in loading the cargo box from the side of the vehicle with the Rightline Gear Moki Door Step part # RL100660 as well.
view full answer... - Tips for Freeing Up PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step thats FrozenSince there isn't a great way to take the step apart your best bet would be to keep trying spray lubes. Try spraying the components and then letting them sit for a while and repeat the process several times. Another option would be to take the step out of the hitch and let it soak in gear oil over night. Eventually it should start to work again unless it's damaged to the point of no repair. Which if this is the case you'd have to replace the step.
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- Does the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step # HE3052 Have to be Stored Under BumperThe fully-assembled PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step # HE3052 that you referenced does have a storage position under the bumper to help prevent bumps and bruises to the shins. Since the anti-slip step pad surface measures a substantial 22-inches wide x 19-inches deep it is a handy option to store it out of the way when not in use. The linked video demonstrates. However, if your application is such that the potential for bumps to the shins is not a concern you could leave the step...
view full answer... - How to Use Twisteps With a Vehicle with a Low Hanging Spare TireAside from removing the spare tire from your vehicle so that the # HE3052 would have clearance to twist around when not needed your best option would be to remove the step when not in use.
view full answer... - Hitch Mounted Step Recommendation for Helping Pets Get In and Out of VehicleWe have hitch steps that are designed for pets that attach to trailer hitches like the Portable PET Twistep Hitch Step part # HE3052 but without knowing what vehicle you have it's hard to give you a step bar type recommendation. I attached a review video for the Pet Step for you to check out.
view full answer... - What Surface is on Top of the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted StepThe top of the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step # HE3052 has a rubber mat with horizontal lines that run from left to right. This is the only version of this step that is available. I attached a review video for this product for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Step Recommendation for Trailer Hitch that Allows 3 inch Drop From Hitch OpeningThe Portable Pet Twistep # HE3052 would work well for you. This is height adjustable and could easily be set at 3 inches from the top of the hitch opening down to the step. If you check out the review video I attached you can see it in use and how to adjust it.
view full answer... - Can the PortablePET Twistep # HE305 be Permanently Installed on Dual Trailer Hitch AdapterYes, you can use a multipurpose ball mount, like the Curt # D210, to tow a trailer weekly and keep the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step # HE3052 permanently installed. I am attaching a link to our selection of ball mounts that you can filter through to find one that has the correct rise/drop for your towing application (see attached helpful article). Keep in mind that some adapters will reduce the Tongue Weight (TW) of your trailer hitch by 50%. The ones that do this have a note...
view full answer... - Recommended Trailer Hitch, Hitch Step, and Bike Rack for 2012 Honda Pilot Your 2012 Honda Pilot should have come equipped with a factory trailer hitch receiver, so there is actually not an aftermarket hitch available for this vehicle. Take a look at the rear bumper for a removable panel or door that might be hiding the hitch receiver. You can also crawl under the Pilot and look up at the underside behind the rear bumper and you should be able to see the hitch. If you don't yet have a hitch step I recommend taking a look at the PortablePET Twistep # HE3052....
view full answer... - Does the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step # HE3052 Fit a 1-1/4 Inch Trailer HitchThe PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step # HE3052 does fit 1-1/4 inch trailer hitches. It comes with an adapter to also fit a 2 inch hitch should the need arise. I have included a link to a video review of this step for you.
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch and Twistep Pet Step for 2015 Ford Edge Titanium with Hands Free LiftgateThe Curt Hitch part # C13234 is a confirmed fit for your 2015 Ford Edge Titanium and will still allow you to use the hands-free liftgate but the sensor will be somewhat limited. We had a customer come back and send us a picture (attached) that shows where they were able to move their foot and have the sensor activate the liftgate. We actually carry the Twistep part # HE3052 as well!
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- Dimensions for the Curt Trailer Hitch Mounted Step with Anti-Skid Surface # C31001The Curt Trailer Hitch Mounted Step with Anti-Skid Surface, # C31001, is 6-3/8 inches front to back and 10-3/4 inches wide. I added dimensions to a picture showing these measurements for you. You may also want to consider the our Hitch Lock, # e98882, to secure the step in your hitch. If you wanted a larger step, check out the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step, # HE3052, that is 22 inches wide x 19 inches deep. To secure this step in your 2 inch hitch you can use the Threaded...
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- Anti-Rattle Device and Hitch Lock that Works with the PortablePET TwistepThe compatible lock and anti-rattle device that works with the Twiststep # HE3052 is # HE6033. Companies intentionally will uniquely thread the bolts and weld nuts so they are compatible with each other but rarely anything else.
view full answer... - Availability of 4 inch Drop Ball for Lowering Twistep Pet Step # HE3052All of the 4 inch drop hi-low adapters we offer will add some length to your hitch, but the Blue Ox # BX88129 will be the shortest at 6-1/2 inches of overall length from pin to pin which will probably work the best with your PET Twistep # HE3052.
view full answer... - Widest Hitch-Mounted Steps For 2 Inch Trailer HitchWe do have a couple options you may be interested in for a wider hitch mounted step. First, I recommend the Carr Mega Step Fold-Up Step, part # CARR190011. This is a 14 inch wide fold-up step that has a weight capacity of 500 lbs. This step folds up when you travel and has a large 14 inch x 5 inch non-skid platform, and will fit a 2 inch receiver opening. The second step you may want to take a look at is the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step, part # HE3052. This step has a platform...
view full answer... - Hitch Lock for Use with Twiststep Hitch-Mount Dog Step # HE3052 on 2014 Chevrolet SuburbanThe 2-inch hitch lock # e98882 that you referenced will work fine on many applications in 2-inch Class III and Class IV hitch receivers, but for use with the Twiststep Hitch-Mount Dog Step # HE3052 a better option is the Advantage Threaded Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # HE6033. This lock will also provide a degree of anti-rattle stabilization, a feature not offered in the etrailer.com lock. Please refer to the linked videos.
view full answer... - Will Bestop Bumper Step Work On Passenger Side of 2017 Ram 3500?Unfortunately the bumper step like the Bestop TrekStep # B75306 is not universal to fit both sides. There is not a passenger side option for your 2017 Ram 3500. For your passenger side step, you may be interested in the Wheel Mount Tire Step # TH2100 or the PortablePET Twistep Hitch Mounted Step for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches - 400 lbs # HE3052
view full answer... - Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2016 Subaru ForesterFor your 2016 Subaru Forester I would recommend the Draw-Tite part # 75876 as it would work great with the Twistep part # HE3052 and because it is a 2 inch hitch that will allow for greater future accessory flexibility. More things like bike racks and cargo carriers are made for 2 inch hitches.
view full answer... - Hitch Step Recommendation for a 1-1/4 inch HitchThe Pilot Hitch Step part # CR-605 has been confirmed to fit 1-1/4 inch hitches and isn't quite as pricey as the # HE3052 that you also referenced. The # CARR190011 is only designed to fit 2 inch hitches.
view full answer...
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Info for this part was:
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Expert Research:
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Expert Research:
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Video Edited:
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Installed by:
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Updated by:
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