take the bar off and the plastic liner and replace it with a normal one or a spray liner....this should work in theory.

 

You are sitting in the wrong direction. Just turn 90 degrees and the handle will fit nicely in your butt crack!!!!!

Sorry, I couldn't resist
LOL

Jim

 

Actually, I liked the step when I looked at my truck but didn't order it because of the handle. I use the tailgate as a "workbench" at times and knew the handle would bug me. I bought an aftermarket step that fits in the hitch.
Jim