Is N-Fab junk?

[NC_Overland]

I detailed my dad’s truck like a month ago and I noticed some rust spots on his side steps. It’s weird because it’s a 2018, southern truck and not a spec of rust anywhere else. I figured it would be an easy job. Six bolts a side, throw them on some saw horses and sand the rust spots, prime, and paint. Boy was I wrong. Their powder coat was shit and all flaking off, then I noticed the insides were rusting out.

I sanded them down. Tomorrow I’m priming and painting. The insides are starting to rust out so after the paint is cured, my dad is going to POR-15 the insides. I was going to surprise him since he was so happy when I detailed his truck. They should be fine after all of this, but this is unacceptable. I had Rough Country side steps that looked exactly the same but were $200 cheaper. N-Fab is supposed to be better. I sold the Canyon a few years ago, but never noticed any rust.

Things escalated quickly

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[USMC-SSGT]

Yes, trash.
I had their steps on my truck from around November till now and they are rusting. Luckily they have a warranty. Reached out and sent them back for a refund.

3 Months after mine (before rust) I bought a different set for my wife’s JL, rusting too. Pulling those too for a refund. Trash finish on their stuff.

 

[Bantam]

One winter and mine have rust all over.
I didn’t expect much but was hoping for longer than that. Just keeping an eye out for some cheap takeoff steps now to replace them.

 

[NC_Overland]

It’s pathetic. Especially, since they cost $500+ retail on his truck.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Yes, cheaply made. I had the removable steps N-Fab bars on my 2017 taco and ran for 3 years They were rusting so bad, I couldn’t take any longer and had the sand blasted and coated by LineX for about $600….then shortly after…there was that elk that wanted a closer look and was a bit careless and wrote off my truck.

This time, the set I got for my JTR are the Patriot brand from Northridge 4x4. HUGE DIFFERENCE in quality of steel, the welds and powder coating. No rust on mine after one year but mind you the truck has only been drivable for 8.5 months out of 16.

 

[NC_Overland]

Current status as I left them yesterday. My dad is going to POR-15 the insides and then paint. That’s the rustoleum rusty metal primer. I bought rustoleum black textured paint for the top coat. It should look similar to the original finish, but I shouldn’t have had to do this.

 

[Rusty PW]

Common problem with powdercoat. Once it gets a chip in it. The metal under it will start to rust. Then it will flake off in pieces. If you live in the north, it happens faster with salt on the road.

 

[Sarge502]

I don’t have personal experience but have heard that from a lot. Funny he mentioned it cause @USMC-SSGT was one of many I’ve heard this from and I just recently turned him on to the Go Rhino RB20s which are amazing btw if looking for a nice step

 

[NC_Overland]

Common problem with powdercoat. Once it gets a chip in it. The metal under it will start to rust. Then it will flake off in pieces. If you live in the north, it happens faster with salt on the road.

I’ve never had that happen on any product I’ve purchased. When I started sanding, I noticed that the powder coating was terrible. It was all flaking off way too easily in some spots, about half of the finish actually.

 

[Rusty PW]

I’ve never had that happen on any product I’ve purchased. When I started sanding, I noticed that the powder coating was terrible. It was all flaking off way too easily in some spots, about half of the finish actually.

I've never had good luck with powdercoat. In about 3 yrs time here in Pa. It's flaking and rusted. So I Line-X my bumpers and rock rails.

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