Heininger PortablePET SUV Twistep Dog Hitch Step
Pay in 4 interest-free payments of $82.50. .
About This Item
Details
- Twistep easily swivels out from under the vehicle in seconds and tucks away under the bumper when not in use; simple to install on both 1.25 and 2-inch receiver hitches.
- Low-impact, low-stress vehicle access is great for dogs of all ages, sizes and activity levels; allows for six inches of height adjustment.
- Helps limit or prevent potential risks like arthritis, leg injuries, back sprains and other spinal injuries.
- Also eliminates potential personal injury caused by lifting a large, heavy dog into the back of your SUV.
- Sturdy steel construction and 22 x 19-inch non-slip step holds up to 400 pounds; also makes an ideal step or stool for people!
Instructions
Rinse with soap and water. Lubricate moving parts with oil.
FAQ
The Twistep for SUV’s requires a 1.25-inch or 2-inch receiver hitch. The Twistep for Trucks requires a 2-inch receiver hitch.
No. A hitch is required to use this product. The Twistep for SUV’s requires a 1.25-inch or 2-inch receiver hitch. The Twistep for Trucks requires a 2-inch receiver hitch.
The Twistep comes fully assembled but you may need to adjust the height. Then the only task you will have is to attach the Twistep to your hitch and tighten the bolt with a wrench (They require a 7/8 inch wrench, or 22mm socket wrench fitting).
The Twistep for will hold up to 400 pounds on a Class III Hitch – So don’t be afraid to use this step to reach your rooftop cargo.
We recommend a clearance of 12 inches from the bottom of your receiver hitch to the ground.
The need for an Extension bracket depends on the type of vehicle you own. It is designed to give added clearance when there is a spare tire or gas tank located under your vehicle that would impede the Twistep from rotating. If you are not sure if your vehicle will require this item please contact us.
Known vehicles that require an Extension Bracket are: 2006-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade and/or some Nissan Pathfinders (This only applies to SUV model Twisteps)
At its shortest setting the Twistep sits 6 inches below the receiver hitch.
This would depend on several variables. The location of your bumper, how your receiver hitch is installed and which pin hole on the Twistep receiver tube you have used.
The Twistep for SUV’s has a variable of approximately 3 inches of height adjustment. The Twistep for Trucks as a variable of approximately 2 inches of height adjustment.
Check for rust and to see if your T-Handle has been damaged. Remove the T-Handle with a wrench to see if it is bent or if the tip of the pin has been damaged.
We recommend you clean your Twistep from time to time with soap and water, to ensure sand, grit and other debris does not interfere with TWISTEP's smooth operation. In salty conditions, wash the TWISTEP thoroughly at least every week.
Stow the Twistep out of the way or remove it completely if you drive through a car wash.
Routine lubrication of Twistep is required around the T-Handle shaft to ensure the knob lifts easily and platform rotates.
Apply lubrication to the round rotation surface, the area directly below the tower assembly.
We recommend using Use 3-In-One generously and often .
Yes, as long as the vehicles have a compatible receiver hitch. The height may need to be adjusted to the specific vehicle but it is easily removed and installed.

Questions & Answers
10 Customer Questions
Will it fit a 2023 a Nissan Patfinder
How quick can it be uninstalled? I have an extended SUV so if i have to park in a shorter area will I run the risk of damaging the twistep?
Hello, My Pyrenean Mastiff weighs 174 lbs. My Dane weighs 152 lbs. Will this step be able to accommodate their weight? My Pryenean Mastiff has very large paws, equal to the the size of a women's small glove/hand. Will the step work for his paws? Thank you! Mary
Does the product come with a lock pin and key?
Customers Mention
Adjustability
Durability
Ease of Use
Stability
76 Customer Reviews
Finally A Sturdy, Space Saving Step My Dog Trusts
My daughter recently bought a 4Runner and loves taking her dog along, but he’s 80 pounds, almost 10 years old and has never been a great jumper. The height of the
My daughter recently bought a 4Runner and loves taking her dog along, but he’s 80 pounds, almost 10 years old and has never been a great jumper. The height of the new car made it difficult for him to get in and out safely. We tried stairs but he was too nervous because they weren’t sturdy enough and ramps took up too much space to keep in the vehicle. This swivel step has been the perfect solution. It’s the ideal height for him, extremely sturdy and the fact that it swivels under the car for out fo the way storage is a huge bonus. Yes, it’s on the pricier side but if you plan to use it often, it’s absolutely worth it. Highly recommended.
Easy to operate!
Works exactly like advertised - pull up on the t-handle, easily rotate step to lock into position and you are good to go! Took all of about 30 seconds to get my
Works exactly like advertised - pull up on the t-handle, easily rotate step to lock into position and you are good to go! Took all of about 30 seconds to get my dog used to it. No more struggling to get a ramp out and into position, or having to worry about the ramp scratching up the cargo area. The twist step is great! Worth the price.
So helpful for getting my dogs in the car
My younger dog can leap straight into my Subaru but my senior can’t. With this step she can get in and out almost entirely on her own! So helpful to not have to
My younger dog can leap straight into my Subaru but my senior can’t. With this step she can get in and out almost entirely on her own! So helpful to not have to lift her every time. And it swivels under the car easily. Folks ask me where I got it all the time when they see us using it
It works!!
This thing is amazing. I have a Jeep and my dogs go everywhere with me. One of them won’t jump and I don’t like for them to jump down either and put all that force
This thing is amazing. I have a Jeep and my dogs go everywhere with me. One of them won’t jump and I don’t like for them to jump down either and put all that force on their joints. We installed this and it’s awesome! Just took a few minutes and it is heavy duty, it doesn’t wiggle or rattle. My dogs love it. I have had so many people ask me about when they see me using it. Another great feature is that is spins around and stores under my Jeep so nothing is sticking out. A level lets you spin it back out for easy use. No more lifting a 40lb dog into the back and lifting them back out. They jump right in. I LOVE THIS THING!!
Love at first now not so much
This step was initially amazing and I was able to use it to get my 116 lb dog in my suv. I used 3 in 1 oil on it lots of time and never took it through the car wash
This step was initially amazing and I was able to use it to get my 116 lb dog in my suv. I used 3 in 1 oil on it lots of time and never took it through the car wash. I was tempted but nope. Now after a year it’s TOTALLY STUCK. I had to stand on it and use a mallet to get it to move. I also tried taking it apart. Which is what the website says to do. I can’t seem to get one of the bolts out so now it’s useless and STILL STUCK! The rubber is also coming off of the top. Not the biggest problem. I’m disappointed and still gonna try and get it apart but it was expensive and I thought it would last a long time
Dog step - attached to vehicle, brilliant idea!
Love this dog step, "permanently" attached as opposed to one that has to be stowed onboard. Read the FAQs!-my vehicle needed the extension bracket (several vehicles
Love this dog step, "permanently" attached as opposed to one that has to be stowed onboard. Read the FAQs!-my vehicle needed the extension bracket (several vehicles need it, not only 2006-2016 Chevy Tahoe but also the 2025), purchased directly from Heininger, another $60 but it works well to now clear the undermount spare tire with the stowed step.
Full sized vehicles require additional adaptive purchases
With the Nissan armada the ste his the spare tire. This is requiring an additional purchase to drop it low enough to clear the spare.
With the Nissan armada the ste his the spare tire. This is requiring an additional purchase to drop it low enough to clear the spare.
Great product
I was hesitant because of the price but this is an incredible product! Even my dogs who can get in my lifted jeep wait to use this instead ! The old dog I bought
I was hesitant because of the price but this is an incredible product! Even my dogs who can get in my lifted jeep wait to use this instead ! The old dog I bought it for absolutely loves it where most other products made her feel unstable and insecure, this one lets her come along and she is happy and confident It’s a breeze to install and well worth it
Sturdy built but hangs too low
Well built device and allows some adjustment but even setup in its highest mount point still is only 6" above the road on my 2025 Chevy Equinox. My driveway is a
Well built device and allows some adjustment but even setup in its highest mount point still is only 6" above the road on my 2025 Chevy Equinox. My driveway is a bit hilly so step hits the street when I back out.
It won’t twist under the jeep.
We haven’t been able to test it because it doesn’t fit properly.
We haven’t been able to test it because it doesn’t fit properly.
