Boarding hand holds

JFranklin

I just attended the Texas Off - Roadeo last week and was totally impressed by the event -- this is an amazing demonstration venue for new (and old) Bronco owners to get their feet we with the new vehicle. I didn't have a test drive so the hours I spent behind the wheel was awesome. However, my one "complaint" (and it is really hard to classify as a complaint, maybe really an observation) was discovered when my spouse arrived to partake of the afternoon session with me. We are both in good shape, but are 65 and maybe not as spry as we used to be. In addition, my wife had her knee replaced a year ago and then slipped on the ice and broke her femur on that leg in Feb '21. Her recovery has gone very well and she gets around pretty well...but when she tried to get into the Bronco, we discovered that even with the tubular step she was barely able to get into the vehicle. The main reason was that the only available hand hold is at the end of the dash and provides no ability to pull UP which is what she needed to get "over the hump".

I'm wondering if it would be possible to design some sort of "boarding handle" in the upper corner of the window (just like my 2000 F-250 has) which would allow for some upward pull. If Ford doesn't do this or an aftermarket doesn't appear, I will find a way to provide some sort of upward assistance.

Believe me though, this is a small inconvenience considering how awesome the vehicle was. The rollout may have been classified as a disaster that has still hasn't worked it's way out, but the engineering and design were a big success from my optic.

JFranklin

I just attended the Texas Off - Roadeo last week and was totally impressed by the event -- this is an amazing demonstration venue for new (and old) Bronco owners to get their feet we with the new vehicle. I didn't have a test drive so the hours I spent behind the wheel was awesome. However, my one "complaint" (and it is really hard to classify as a complaint, maybe really an observation) was discovered when my spouse arrived to partake of the afternoon session with me. We are both in good shape, but are 65 and maybe not as spry as we used to be. In addition, my wife had her knee replaced a year ago and then slipped on the ice and broke her femur on that leg in Feb '21. Her recovery has gone very well and she gets around pretty well...but when she tried to get into the Bronco, we discovered that even with the tubular step she was barely able to get into the vehicle. The main reason was that the only available hand hold is at the end of the dash and provides no ability to pull UP which is what she needed to get "over the hump".

I'm wondering if it would be possible to design some sort of "boarding handle" in the upper corner of the window (just like my 2000 F-250 has) which would allow for some upward pull. If Ford doesn't do this or an aftermarket doesn't appear, I will find a way to provide some sort of upward assistance.

Believe me though, this is a small inconvenience considering how awesome the vehicle was. The rollout may have been classified as a disaster that has still hasn't worked it's way out, but the engineering and design were a big success from my optic.

JFranklin

I just attended the Texas Off - Roadeo last week and was totally impressed by the event -- this is an amazing demonstration venue for new (and old) Bronco owners to get their feet we with the new vehicle. I didn't have a test drive so the hours I spent behind the wheel was awesome. However, my one "complaint" (and it is really hard to classify as a complaint, maybe really an observation) was discovered when my spouse arrived to partake of the afternoon session with me. We are both in good shape, but are 65 and maybe not as spry as we used to be. In addition, my wife had her knee replaced a year ago and then slipped on the ice and broke her femur on that leg in Feb '21. Her recovery has gone very well and she gets around pretty well...but when she tried to get into the Bronco, we discovered that even with the tubular step she was barely able to get into the vehicle. The main reason was that the only available hand hold is at the end of the dash and provides no ability to pull UP which is what she needed to get "over the hump".

I'm wondering if it would be possible to design some sort of "boarding handle" in the upper corner of the window (just like my 2000 F-250 has) which would allow for some upward pull. If Ford doesn't do this or an aftermarket doesn't appear, I will find a way to provide some sort of upward assistance.

Believe me though, this is a small inconvenience considering how awesome the vehicle was. The rollout may have been classified as a disaster that has still hasn't worked it's way out, but the engineering and design were a big success from my optic.

A51

I noticed the same thing and was wondering why they didn't do this. Airbag makes sense

The back seats have them in a better location and I wish they could put the fronts in a similar location. We have a 94 yr old neighbor that we take around to do errands and he can get in/out of the rear seats pretty easy. But like you're saying, the front seats are impossible

I have the OBX and the step helps a little, but still not what you're looking for

If I find a solution I will let you know

Laura

I'm glad you both had such a nice time and that her recovery from the injury is going well! You brought up a good point most of us feel, that there's no "up" through that grab bar. Your idea is a good one; the trouble is the airbags, both in the A pillar and the side curtains. Hoping you find a good solution through more robust steps so you two can comfortably enjoy the Bronco.

BuckYeah

I feel your pain, brother. I don't have any trouble "climbing" into the Bronco, but I can understand how challenging it may be to those who are unfamiliar with climbing aboard. This is especially true if they've become accustomed to stepping down to get into a vehicle. The ease or difficulty of ingress/egress cannot be dismissed. This becomes even more important if the vehicle is intended for daily use. Climbing aboard is one thing, but disembarking is quite another. There is no way to leave graceful. You just seem to fall out. It 'aint pretty. LOL

JFranklin

I have a 2000 Ford Super Duty that I ordered new many years ago. I have the running board option (like the OBX that I ordered) BUT...the truck has a really nice boarding handle which prevents my spouse from both "falling out" (LOL) and gives her a great hand mounting the steed. I understand the air bag issue but this needs to be addressed either by Ford or the aftermarket...tried to put her up in a Sasquatch equipped model when we were at Off-Roadeo and that was an impossibility without my assistance....

Deano Bronc

@1Five1 Garage has a video of a strap they have found that might help. They have it installed on their soft top but they are going to give it a try on a hard top once theirs comes in. Its not in the location you described but it maybe helpful to pull yourself up on the step and then climb in the seat.

1Five1 Garage

Here you go... we love it so far.

JFranklin

Says nothing in the video of where they got them (unless I missed it)? If it fits underneath the front panels of the MIC roof it's perfect for what I need. Thanks

Jakob1972

Yep I had a 2000 F250 I ordered way back when and to help my mom who is 5’2 get in we used something like this. It folds up and you could tie a line on it to pull it back into the Bronco. View attachment 22568

JFranklin

Says nothing in the video of where they got them (unless I missed it)? If it fits underneath the front panels of the MIC roof it's perfect for what I need. Thanks

Deano Bronc

Take a look at these. Not sure how or if they would interfere with the airbag deployment.
The airbag must come out the bottom since the cover is already bolted at the top.
https://www.bartact.com/products/gr...lje_uRziVD7_Ho-nAiiHvLGUPsO7WCf-cySfDk_FBC2fQhttps://www.bartact.com/products/ro...3&_sid=09459614d&_ss=r&variant=39511494033451

Deano Bronc

Take a look at these. Not sure how or if they would interfere with the airbag deployment.
The airbag must come out the bottom since the cover is already bolted at the top.
https://www.bartact.com/products/gr...lje_uRziVD7_Ho-nAiiHvLGUPsO7WCf-cySfDk_FBC2fQhttps://www.bartact.com/products/ro...3&_sid=09459614d&_ss=r&variant=39511494033451