Custom removable steps for factory Gladiator rock slider rails preview (coming soon)

[NXTGENAutomotive]

Production Update:

Dear Fellow Jeepers,

We wanted to pass along a quick update about the highly anticipated launch of our NXTGEN Cross Terrain Steps. Due to supply chain issues related to the recent tariffs and some severe weather outbreaks in the central US, our anticipated launch has been pushed from April until May. We have been hard at work over the past few months and everything relating to creation of our custom molds for the steps, hardware and packaging has gone exceptionally well.

On our end, we are ready to go, however, the world around us has different plans and has pushed our timeline further out. As most of you have probably seen by now, there has been a bit of chaos in the global supply chains the past week or so. Despite the fact that we make our products here, there is exponential demand for US materials now, and the supply chains have not had time to grow to meet this increased demand as of yet. Further compounding the issue is severe weather in the areas much of this activity takes place; the Central and Midwest portions of our country. This means it will take our supply chain longer to get us the materials we need to make these than originally anticipated and we aren’t willing to compromise quality.

While we know delays can be frustrating, we promise the wait will be worth it!

Here are some more product details you can expect once available:

• Heavy-duty alloy impact, rust and corrosion resistant lower clamp portions
• Heavy duty carbon steel, galvanized hot dipped and powder coated upper clamps, side frames and step portions that exceed the tensile strength of the factory rail, providing a long-term corrosion resistant finish to meet or exceed OEM finishes and surpass most aftermarket step products
• Included quality tools to quickly and easily add and remove the clamp and step portions as desired
• Additional sets of extra black coated stainless-steel screws and bolts for any replacement needs
• Premium quality, fully custom-made packaging to protect the steps in transit

Stay tuned for more updates!

Best Regards,

The NXTGEN, Inc Team



Here is a quick video:

Some pictures:

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[ssrlewis]

Any updates?


Steve

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

Dear Fellow Jeepers,



We want to keep you informed about the current status of our Cross Terrain Jeep steps. Production has unfortunately been delayed a second time due to ongoing complications in our supply chain.



Our original delay was related to sourcing the US steel required for making our molds and the product itself. Our process includes the creation of highly specialized tooling—including stamping molds, die-casting molds, casting molds and precision cutting dies. The onset of the tariffs coincided with the ramping up of our production, which caused the timeline of getting our steel to increase. We have since gotten all required steel, all tooling is complete and the steps are fully in production.



The second delay is specifically related to sourcing materials for the packaging, coatings, finishing process and the included tools to install and remove the steps. While we remain committed to making our products and having our suppliers in the USA, certain items must originate from abroad as they are not currently available here. The recent tariff increases have significantly impacted timelines, as many of the materials and products stopped being produced. Simply put, no none could afford to produce during those tariffs and everything ground to a screeching halt. Now that these tariffs have been put on hold, things are picking back up.



While these issues are well outside of our control, our supply chain managers have promised we will have no further delays. The current production estimate shows us wrapping up production in 1 month, followed by boxing and shipping.



This has been a very trying time for everyone involved. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these challenges. If you have any questions or need further updates, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The NXTGEN, Inc Team

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

On a side note, we are not sitting idle as our step production has been delayed. We are currently testing 2 new product prototypes that will launch later in the summer and then the Fall. We think the Wrangler and Gladiator community will be very excited about these!

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

Here is a quick look at the production finish on one of the production clamps

we spent a lot of time trying to dial-in both the durability and the look of the factory finish.

we have been very upset about these delays for a while, but we promise there is a great product coming and we sincerely think it will be worth the wait.

 

[ssrlewis]

Thank you for the update. I’ll go back to waiting and watching for the release.


Steve

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

Thank you for the update. I’ll go back to waiting and watching for the release.


Steve

Thank you, we are sincerely sorry for the additional delay!!

The NXTGEN, Inc Team

 

[Mister Lamb]

Can you elaborate onn

We are currently testing 2 new product prototypes that will launch later in the summer and then the Fall. We think the Wrangler and Gladiator community will be very excited about these!

Any hints?

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

Can you elaborate onn


Any hints?

So we can’t give too much away until we have finalized testing these prototypes.

We do a lot of high-end, in-depth engineering and development of our products and then we like to get IP in place before we release too many details.

But, they could be relating to the stock bumper and interior bits for 24+. I’m personally extremely excited about the stock bumper product!!!

The NXTGEN, Inc Team

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

Things are going very well on the production front and as of now we don't see any more supply chain delays!

Here is the first official production pair:

In addition to spending a ton of time trying to replicate the factory finish, which is rare on aftermarket products, it was important to make something easy to maintain. Let's face it, we drive Jeeps and they are going to get nicked up. Even going to the mall, they can eventually get nicked up.

So we nicked up the rear step and tried several readily available paints for quick, easy and cheap touch-ups. This was the winner:

All parts of the rear step were fully sprayed with 2 coats. The more coats, the more it reduces that nice texture that is found on both the factory rail and our step. But it is a perfect color and sheen match. It is also very durable and will help to keep the steps looking good long term doing Jeep things. The front step is the original factory coating each step will include.

We will cover it all in our detailed instructions!

- The NXTGEN, Inc Team

 

[Mister Lamb]

Awesome. Have a new 2025 Gladiator and my 5'3 wife is getting impatient.... She needs steps and stat. Are we talking first week of June or end of June?

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

Awesome. Have a new 2025 Gladiator and my 5'3 wife is getting impatient.... She needs steps and stat. Are we talking first week of June or end of June?

The production run has been scheduled to be finished the first week of June in the Midwest. Then they are coming out here to So-Cal to be coated, assembled and packaged.

Before the two delays, we were on the same schedules until our supply chain could not fulfill the orders. Therefore, it is likely to be later in the month. We will open up a pre-order for forum members when we are 100% a week or less out from shipping.

- The NXTGEN, Inc Team

 

[NXTGENAutomotive]

Awesome. Have a new 2025 Gladiator and my 5'3 wife is getting impatient.... She needs steps and stat. Are we talking first week of June or end of June?

On a side note, my wife is 5' 1'' and her getting in and out without the various testers was not ideal, for sure. Well, the getting in just looked funny but the getting out and sliding down was going to totally torch the leather seats.

 

[Mister Lamb]

Pre-sale has begun (received email).

$325/2 pack

So $650 + tax + $100 shipping = $814 for me (NY).

Now just asking myself if these are worth the extra $200-300 comparative to other side steps. Should've expected the shipping cost but that extra $100 has me questioning the purchase to be honest

 

[Anchovypizza]

Pre-sale has begun (received email).

$325/2 pack

So $650 + tax + $100 shipping = $814 for me (NY).

Now just asking myself if these are worth the extra $200-300 comparative to other side steps. Should've expected the shipping cost but that extra $100 has me questioning the purchase to be honest

I agree. I think the price went up from what it was originally listed at? And $100 in shipping seems crazy. Think I’ll wait as well.

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