Over the last year, I learned that my wife has trouble climbing into my 2015 Jeep Wrangler. Of course, she wouldn’t tell me. Instead, she would pull herself up by reaching across and grabbing the steering wheel. I’ve been on road edges where that could cause disaster.
What I found is that she never felt secure stepping up on the side boards that came stock on the Jeep because she had nothing to grab ahold of. Initially, I installed some nylon handles on my roll bar. In fact, they are still as you’ll see in the pictures, but she doesn’t trust the plastic buckle. So, I decided to look into some steel grab posts that bolted into the OEM anchor points to help her and others climb up into my ride.
When I turned to the web, I initially found a brand called GraBars but the front and rear set was $175 everywhere I looked ([amazon_textlink asin=’B01ETWWOTE’ text=’you can check them out here’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’offroadable-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’ba9fbd32-e7f3-11e8-b9e2-552ea46a9e3e’]). In fact, the front GraBar alone was around $100. I felt that this price tag was pretty rich for a post with a rubber grip, so I did some more research. That is where I landed on the [amazon_textlink asin=’B00XZ7WY4U’ text=’Xprite Grab Bar Kit’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’offroadable-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e5d28b95-e7f3-11e8-a421-f996bf66c592′] on Amazon. The exciting part was that I could get both the front and rear OEM fitting grab bars for around $50, a third of the price. So, I decided to give it a try because of the free return.
However, I soon learned the reason I bought the Xprite Grab Bar wasn’t just because it was a third of the price. What I found after holding both products in my hands is that they were simply manufactured by different places. But the quality, weight, bolts, everything except the rubber grip was the same. The only difference in the rubber grip was the embossed print brand. In this article, I want to share my honest review. After all, I saved $125 which bought me my [amazon_textlink asin=’B00PTR0JKA’ text=’hi-lift jack’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’offroadable-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4f093528-e7f4-11e8-943c-2dbb58bf9e62′].
Contents
Quality
They are solid. When I say solid, I mean it. They weigh just shy of 5lbs. They bolt into factory OEM bolt points with ease. The quality on the [amazon_textlink asin=’B00XZ7WY4U’ text=’Xprite kit’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’offroadable-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’2540cb9e-e7f4-11e8-96a2-7bd1dc5bc813′] is the same as what I found with the GraBars and yes, I have held both in my hands. The Xprite comes with a high-quality powder coat finish. There is no drilling and the hardware came in the box.
Directions were lacking; however, it’s pretty easy to figure out where to bolt these on if you look at the pictures.
Installation
To install the Xprites, you remove two screws on each side in the front and same in the rear. You then install the Xprite Grab Bar with the bolts and hardware that is included in the box. I took the time to make sure I put Loctite on the screws and tightened them to torque. It was dead simple and something I could do by myself.
Would I buy them again?
Well, yes. I’m very pleased with the quality of the [amazon_textlink asin=’B00XZ7WY4U’ text=’Xprite grab bars’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’offroadable-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’059be793-e7f4-11e8-b875-f1efb55ce09e’]. They look sharp and they are fully functional. By buying this alternative to the GraBars USA I was able to get my Hi-Lift jack. So essentially, I solved two things with the price of the GraBars. I’d buy them over and over again and I’ve recommended them to every Jeep Wrangler owner. Just make sure what you order fits your OEM Jeep Wrangler.
A Trick to make the Xprites pop on your Jeep Wrangler
The rubber grips are the exact same size as most BMX grips. If you want some color or coolness take off the rubber grips that come with the Xprites and put on whatever grip you find from the huge BMX selection.
What NOT to do
Don’t try hanging on these as your Jeep Wrangler is moving down the road or even to lean over the cliff to get that really cool picture. It’s just not a good idea. Why push a great product to limits outside of what it is built for? While these Xprite Grab Bars are solid, I’m not sure I would trust my life on them. It just doesn’t make sense. Maybe that is the difference between these Grab Bars and the GraBars USA brand? If that is the case, then maybe choose the ones that guarantee such safety.
Related Questions
Are there grab handles that are easy to install on my Jeep Wrangler? Yes. The Xprite grab bar kit is an excellent option that pretty much anyone with a socket set can install.
Can I paint my GraBar as well as the Xprite? Yes. However, I would uninstall them before painting them. They are steel and finished with paint. Appropriate prep steps need to be taken to get the finish you are after.
