truck bed handle

Sonders · February 21, 2023

Wonder what to search for or what this handle is actually called or if anyone has the part # for it? It's the flip up oem handle in the bed. I'd like to add one to my truck as there is nothing to grab onto when trying to climb into the bed. Thanks in advance for any replies.

Another JR · February 21, 2023

The owners manual refers to it as an “assist handle.”

https://www.gmpartsbin.com/p/HANDLE-inside-Alignment-cam-Release-Tailgate/105863948/85116689.html

This is the bracket that goes in the stake pocket you need to mount the handle. There are also two nuts and a bolt to buy.

https://www.gmpartsdirect.com/oem-parts/gm-handle-bracket-84338560?c=Zz1ib2R5JnM9dGFpbC1nYXRlJmw9MTMmbj1TZWFyY2ggUmVzdWx0cyZhPWdtYyZvPXNpZXJyYS0zNTAwLWhkJnk9MjAyMSZ0PXNsdCZlPTYtNmwtdjgtZ2Fz

Sonders · February 21, 2023

awesome, thanks Jon! Looking at the picture and the parts pictures I see now the bracket would go in the stake pocket and the 2 studs would come through the openings in the bedside and 2 nuts would then thread onto the studs to bolt in place. Is there a third bolt that goes in the handle assembly to the right?

Another JR · February 21, 2023

Yes. The bracket has two welded studs and you need the two matching flange nuts. Then there is a third bolt (not nut) that you need that goes into a threaded hole in the bed. My camper is installed right now so I can’t take a picture of the hole. Here is a picture of my removed handle showing the third hole on the right.

Jettech1 · February 22, 2023

Here's what appears to be an aftermarket one. Now you've got me interested in this....lol....the only thing peculiar is that it states for multi pro tail gates. No mention of the standard tailgate.

https://ppepower.com/products/tailgate-grab-handle-kit-billet-aluminum?variant=42574311784691

gemarsh · February 22, 2023

17 minutes ago, Jettech1 said:

Here's what appears to be an aftermarket one. Now you've got me interested in this....lol....the only thing peculiar is that it states for multi pro tail gates. No mention of the standard tailgate.

https://ppepower.com/products/tailgate-grab-handle-kit-billet-aluminum?variant=42574311784691

That is just the knob, not the whole handle. If'n you didn't know.

Jettech1 · February 22, 2023

3 minutes ago, gemarsh said:

That is just the knob, not the whole handle. If'n you didn't know.

Well that sucks. I thought I had a shiny new object to install on my truck....

Another JR · February 22, 2023

The question would be whether all the trucks have the three bolt holes in the bed wall provided for mounting the handle. Maybe Sonders knows?

Sonders · February 22, 2023

Just went out and checked and I do have the 2 vertical holes in stake pocket for bracket to go through. However the third hole to the right isn’t threaded; just an open hole. It’s to the right above the top anchor point.

Sonders · February 22, 2023

Jon, I'm gonna need you to leave your camper installed and go ahead and send that handle my way. hahaha.

Another JR · February 22, 2023

I reinstall it when I have my camper off long enough to bother putting the tailgate back on. They are a bit pricey, aren’t they?

I think if you go underneath and look up forward of the stake pocket you may have hand access to the backside of that third hole. I think on the trucks with the handle a nutplate is installed - probably spot welded in. It’s definitely more substantial than just threaded sheet metal. You may be able to epoxy a nutplate in there yourself if you can get your fingers up there.

Sonders · February 22, 2023

yep, checked and I can have my son with his long skinny arm and hand stick his arm up in the bedside from below. If or when I get around to ordering one, I'll have him reach up there with a nut while I run bolt through on the inside of bed.

rdonarski · February 24, 2023

Hi, I have a 2020 2500HD WT. Both of those parts show as not fitting my vehicle. Mine looks the same as Brad's, but the 3rd hole is threaded. Any ideas on this?

Sonders · February 24, 2023

Dave I'd say you're good to go. Probably says doesn't fit because it wasn't spec'd for your trim level. I just put a leather wrapped wheel in my truck that said wouldn't fit, but it's in there and working. Hell you've got the threaded hole so you're a step ahead of me.