Way of securing a strap to pull boot lid shut

I recently borrowed my daughter’s VW camper van for a few days. There is a factory fitted loop handle on the tail gate which would otherwise be out of reach. I’ve used it many times without a problem.

This time it was very windy and the rain lashing down. In my haste to pull down the tail gate and get inside I completely misjudged it. I pulled it down forcefully as the wind was blowing it upwards again. Unfortunately I forgot to move my head out of the way and bounced the tail gate off it. I was seeing stars. 2 weeks later and the lump on the top of my bonce hasn’t fully subsided.

In my last 2 Fiat 500s I had the same problem. D H found somewhere to attach a small strap and a wooden 'toggle' which was easy to grab.

I agree a folding stool is the best idea, Dunelm sell them , not very high but will do the job , plastic , sturdy and strong.

I have the same problem and use an old walking stick with the finger cut off a rubber glove fitted over the crook so that it doesn’t scratch the paint.

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I have decided to get a half step which is light weight to keep in the boot. it is advertised as suitable for the elderly. This should solve the problem. Again many thanks for taking the time to reply.

My short friend has a belt threaded through a slot - that I suppose has been drilled out - to reach it. I just about reached the handle on my son's Tesla, then he said 'Why are you doing that? There's a button down here that closes it!'

readsalot I really like your suggestion and am going to try it out this week. Thanks .

That is a great idea, using an umbrella handle.

Maybe talk to these people?

www.jeffgosling.co.uk/pdfs/Ancillaries.pdf

I have arthritis and keep an old fashioned umbrella in the boot and use the curved handle to pull it down.

I remember my friend had the same problem, she always took her little stool with her and stood on it to close the lid. It wasn't very high about 6 ins but it did the trick. She kept it in the boot of the car.

if you drilled a hole you could put anything, like rope or ribbon through it and tie into a loop?

Skoda thoughtfully provide a sort of handle which drops down from the boot lid to make it easier for us “vertically challenged” drivers. I am 5’2” and find it really helpful.
I’m sure somebody could drill a hole for you.

Keep a steady stool in the boot?

Superglue? A nice strong length of webbing or similar from an outdoor shop superglued in place.