So I'm looking for an aid to getting in (and out) of the Jeep and like the look of the GraBars (Jeep GraBars). I like that they are USA made and apparently very heavy-duty. For you guys that have them a couple of quick questions: How effective are they at aiding entry/exit to the Jeep? I ask because I bought the nylon grab handles that attach to the roll bar and they are pretty useless for this purpose. Second, do they block your vision out the windshield at all, peripheral vision especially? Thanks!
they do not block vision at all, however in order to push the sun visors all the way to the windsheild you do have to pull them (visors) towards the center a bit to get around the Grabars.
I like mine a lot but since I'm still stock Willys height I don't have an issue getting in and typically grab the steering wheel. My wife on the other hand was very happy when I installed them and uses them every time.
Thanks! But, you guys are making me self-conscious now. That's two replies saying the wife likes them. Does that make me less of a man if want something to help me into the jeep other than the steering wheel
I really like mine to get in and out of the Jeep. However once you are in... it's really hard to reach forward and hold onto something while wheeling. You might also want to install a couple velcro grab handles around the roll bars. To give a better place to grab while wheeling. Again.. IMO, they are great for getting in and out of the jeep... but when it comes to having something to grab onto like an OH SH!T handle.. they are not the best cause they are so far forward and located on the A piller. Hope that helps.
I actually installed a couple of the velcro grab handles figuring they would help entry and exiting and they don't help much. So the GraBars would be in addition to my velcro grab bars. Appreciate the input.
Funny. Mine is only disturbed on the driver side. I can attribute this to the bolts not being perfect. The passenger side bolt wouldn't thread passed a certain point, so I had to add a washer to get it to seat properly. This actually helped in two ways: fixed the fitment and gave it just enough extra clearance to not interfere with the visor.
I think you'll find a lot of people are really happy with their GraBars. They definitely help you get in and out of your rig, better than soft handles will. I haven't head anyone complaining about them blocking your vision either.
Let me know if you have any questions about the bars or if you'd like a quote!
I will say that for me, the answer is a definitive "YES!".
Being 5'8", and having my Jeep on 37's would require me jumping up into the seat getting in. Being able to just slightly pull my self in is wicked easy...these thing are solid and mount solid, while still being pretty much out of the way. Great spot to grab in the rough stuff....
Mike got the GraBars for his jeep AFTER he bought the velcro grab handles and we decided they aren't good for anything except a place to rest your hand while driving. I've said that the velcro handles leave you feeling like you're swinging on a trapeze.
When I ordered my jeep, the GraBars were the very first mod I ordered for me jeep, just because I couldn't imagine having a jeep without them. Those suckers are SOLID! I have a bad knee and I never have any issues getting up in either of our jeeps with the GraBars. They are AWESOME!!!
As people have mentioned, the visor has to be maneuvered around, but it is definitely not a big deal for me. The usefulness of the GraBars well makes up for it. I can't recommend them highly enough! :thumb:
My take on the grabars is that having a heavy bit of steel poking out from your A-pillar toward your head probably isn't the safest idea ever conceived. Most cars have air bags in the A-pillars these days, and I assume they have a good reason for placing them there. Just me, but that's why I wouldn't have them.
I was concerned about that but after installing them I do not see any possible way that your head could contact them unless you were not wearing your seat belt, in which case the angle would still have to be just right. I have been to 100's of crash scenes and most heads hit the windshield straight on when no seat belts are worn. Not saying it is not going to happen but not something that bothers me now that I have them mounted.
I have a 4 door, and put front and back Grabars. I love the fronts, but it seems that no one ever uses the rear. I wouldn't waste the money on back ones again.
I looked into grabars but I decided that they weren't worth the price and ended up buying some 550 paracord and custom made grips for a fraction of the cost.
I think their value:cost is different for everyone. With my knee, I don't feel as comfortable nor as secure with the paracord/webbing type handles as I do with the GraBars. Lots of people who have elderly parents find them worth it for helping them get in and out of their jeeps.
For what they are and the need they are made to fill, I don't think the price is too out of line. It's just something each individual has to evaluate and decide which option is right for their situation.
For me, GraBars are a must have and were the first mod I made to my Jeep. Even with the Jeep bone stock, it was made a huge difference with ease of getting in and out. Especially now that I have a 3 inch lift and 35s. It's not good to be pulling on the steering wheel all the time. I decided not to use them in the back however. I did not like the way it was positioned right next to the passengers head so I'm using straps for the rear. It would be very difficult to hit your head on the front ones. Maybe if you weren't wearing your seat belt but then you would have bigger issues. Unlike most vehicles, the wrangler has a full roll cage and for the A-Pillar to crush enough for the GraBar to "get you", again, you would have bigger issues.
They help for sure and are solid. Well made and easy to install. I have used both on JKs....the Synergy for almost two years and the Grabbars for about 8 months.
I prefer the Synergy handles though- they are quite a bit more out of the way, have a better angle for entry/exit (more horizontal), are out of the peripheral vision, and do not interfere with your visor. They are easily as solid since they anchor to each end but are a more complex install- you also have to notch your pillar trim.
The Synergy ones looked very good too. It was between those and the GraBars for me. I went with the GraBars because I didn't want to cut anything. Can't go wrong with either IMO.
This was the best mod I've made on my jeep. I used to hold onto the steering wheel to get in, I did try the nylon ones and those really suck. I have bad knees so it's very helpful for me getting in and out of the car.. I purchased mine from Ryan and got good a price and fast service. The usefulness outweighs the cost.
In word, YES!
They are one of the best mods you'll do for your Jeep. I took mine a little further, and painted them Baja Yellow. Several people think they are a stock item when they see them.
The Carolina Metal Masters are about $165.00 for the front in black (or $160.00 plain metal finish) and another $165.00 for the rear (or $160.00 plain metal finish).
The GraBars are approx. $175.00 for the set (front and rear).
The Carolina Metal Masters are about $165.00 for the front in black (or $160.00 plain metal finish) and another $165.00 for the rear (or $160.00 plain metal finish).
The GraBars are approx. $175.00 for the set (front and rear).
They make a great item for the gift list too. They aren't a complicated component so others can easily get them for you.
I got them and some interior led replacements for Christmas
That way you can spend the money on other mods.
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