I've been busy working on a bunch of new Rat Works items but have failed to keep up with telling the story. I guess I find it more fun to create than to communicate. This is why I'm not in marketing.
This product is available on the Grenadier Works store now:
Backstory:
I noticed early on that there was no obvious grab point on the inside of the large rear gate for closing up the load area when standing at the back of the Grenadier. I find myself either reaching around and pushing it closed from the outside of the door (or spare tire), or I grab the edge of the door which is wrapped in a rubber seal. I don't feel good about grabbing that seal for the next ten+ years and possibly tearing it. A good handle sure would be nice.
I set about measuring, sketching, and prototyping handles last summer. I worked through about a half dozen prototypes before settling on the design shown below. It is a stout 3D printed handle that attaches using M6 screw locations that are present on every Grenadier. One of these screws retains the rubber gate bumper, and the other holds a portion of the latch mechanism to the inside of the door. I was encouraged by other forum members to include a stainless steel bottle opener as well. This is a brilliant addition because the open rear of the Grenadier is the kitchen on my vehicle, and this location puts the bottle opener right next to the fold-down table.
Pic below is an early prototype printed in black, the final version is a bit different shape and is grey so it matches better.
This handle is stout, with plenty of room for big fat fingers or even work gloves. It is 3D-printed in an engineered plastic (PETG) with carbon fiber additive for longevity, and the complex shape blends with the dark gray color of the interior well. Installation is simple and can be accomplished in literally two minutes. As a bonus, the rubber gate bumper is better supported by this handle than the stock setup.
There are some tricky details to printing this item, with support material required and even a custom printed tool used to properly assemble the bottle opener (which uses Nylock captured nuts buried inside the handle. For these reasons I do not plan to post this CAD model for people to print at home. I could probably be convinced if I hear enough requests.
The shape has been carefully designed such that you can grab it and swing the door shut without risk of getting your fingers stuck inside the handle as the door rotates past you. It is ergonomic and easy to grab in the dark. I think it's a great upgrade for anyone camping or working out of the back of the vehicle. It's the kind of thing you don't realize you were missing until it's there.
This is now available as a kit in the Forum store (see link at top of this post). It includes all stainless steel hardware and instructions. Designed and manufactured in the USA.
I'd love to hear feedback from anyone that has already installed one!
This product is available on the Grenadier Works store now:
Rear Gate Interior Pull Handle
Rear Door Pull Handle with Integrated Bottle Opener Take your INEOS Grenadier to the next level with this rugged rear door pull handle, designed for both practicality and adventure. Engineered for off-road enthusiasts and Mall Crawlers alike, this handle offers a secure, ergonomic grip for easy...
grenadierworks.com
Backstory:
I noticed early on that there was no obvious grab point on the inside of the large rear gate for closing up the load area when standing at the back of the Grenadier. I find myself either reaching around and pushing it closed from the outside of the door (or spare tire), or I grab the edge of the door which is wrapped in a rubber seal. I don't feel good about grabbing that seal for the next ten+ years and possibly tearing it. A good handle sure would be nice.
I set about measuring, sketching, and prototyping handles last summer. I worked through about a half dozen prototypes before settling on the design shown below. It is a stout 3D printed handle that attaches using M6 screw locations that are present on every Grenadier. One of these screws retains the rubber gate bumper, and the other holds a portion of the latch mechanism to the inside of the door. I was encouraged by other forum members to include a stainless steel bottle opener as well. This is a brilliant addition because the open rear of the Grenadier is the kitchen on my vehicle, and this location puts the bottle opener right next to the fold-down table.
Pic below is an early prototype printed in black, the final version is a bit different shape and is grey so it matches better.
This handle is stout, with plenty of room for big fat fingers or even work gloves. It is 3D-printed in an engineered plastic (PETG) with carbon fiber additive for longevity, and the complex shape blends with the dark gray color of the interior well. Installation is simple and can be accomplished in literally two minutes. As a bonus, the rubber gate bumper is better supported by this handle than the stock setup.
There are some tricky details to printing this item, with support material required and even a custom printed tool used to properly assemble the bottle opener (which uses Nylock captured nuts buried inside the handle. For these reasons I do not plan to post this CAD model for people to print at home. I could probably be convinced if I hear enough requests.
The shape has been carefully designed such that you can grab it and swing the door shut without risk of getting your fingers stuck inside the handle as the door rotates past you. It is ergonomic and easy to grab in the dark. I think it's a great upgrade for anyone camping or working out of the back of the vehicle. It's the kind of thing you don't realize you were missing until it's there.
This is now available as a kit in the Forum store (see link at top of this post). It includes all stainless steel hardware and instructions. Designed and manufactured in the USA.
I'd love to hear feedback from anyone that has already installed one!
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