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N-Fab side step differences

Garemlin

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So shopping for some side steps. Pretty sold on N-Fab based on looks and reviews. But they have so many choices. Trying to figure out the difference. I can pick out the obvious. But looking for anyone that has seen them all in person and can offer some insight.

So with these two the obvious difference based on the description is one has a 2" tube and the other a 3" tube. Any other differences I'm missing? Any advantage of the 3" over the 2" if that is the only difference?

Jeep Gladiator N-Fab side step differences BEFCBB8B-4CBF-4C45-BCBD-E3E381975F74


Jeep Gladiator N-Fab side step differences B4FA063C-76A4-40FC-9CAC-2F72F9D5F377




These have a tube that curves in any other differences??

Jeep Gladiator N-Fab side step differences 2732CAEE-DAA3-43E9-93A9-1EED8CBA706A




Also considering the Epyx. Difference are obvious. Just throwing them in in case anyone has any comparison opinions.

Jeep Gladiator N-Fab side step differences D066F183-E7A7-4FF6-8ACF-1371583F616B



Basically looking for the ones that are the most durable and have the best footing. Watching reviews of differnt side steps the problem with some is you can't get good footing or slide your foot into the loop.

Any thoughts, opinions or insight would be appreciated.

I'm also open to other suggestions.
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Kevin_D

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These are the n-Fab bars I have:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T57PQJD

Jeep Gladiator N-Fab side step differences Clipboard01


These are the n-Fab model J1980T. They went on pretty easy. The ends bend in, but the tube ends are open. I don't know how this will effect longevity.
I'm on my second set, as the first set was showing signs of rust at the welds. This set I sprayed with cold galvanizing & rust-resistant paint. I don't know how these compare to the ones you posted, as the listings don't show all the n-Fab model numbers.

Kevin
 

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I’m looking at all the same options. The Podiums appear to have the best footing and no gap between the main bar and the step like some of the others do. I believe from what I’ve seen other members post that the Podiums also have the curve front and rear. I believe Quadratecs photos are either old or wrong but I could be wrong on that.
 

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These are the n-Fab bars I have:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T57PQJD

Clipboard01.png


These are the n-Fab model J1980T. They went on pretty easy. The ends bend in, but the tube ends are open. I don't know how this will effect longevity.
I'm on my second set, as the first set was showing signs of rust at the welds. This set I sprayed with cold galvanizing & rust-resistant paint. I don't know how these compare to the ones you posted, as the listings don't show all the n-Fab model numbers.

Kevin
I have the same ones. The curve at ends appears to also curve down a little. This might help with water draining out.
 
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Garemlin

Garemlin

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These are the n-Fab bars I have:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T57PQJD

Clipboard01.png


These are the n-Fab model J1980T. They went on pretty easy. The ends bend in, but the tube ends are open. I don't know how this will effect longevity.
I'm on my second set, as the first set was showing signs of rust at the welds. This set I sprayed with cold galvanizing & rust-resistant paint. I don't know how these compare to the ones you posted, as the listings don't show all the n-Fab model numbers.

Kevin
Yours would be the third picture. Surprised they don't have caps on the ends. Seems like a major point of water build up and rust.
 

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The Bean

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The lack of end caps are the reason I decided against going with nFab. I just don’t trust that enough to hold up to rust or other potential corrosion. Living on the Florida coast with all the salt in the air just isn’t worth the risk of being a guinea pig to see how they hold up. I ended up going with Tyger Auto steps and haven’t looked back.
 
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Garemlin

Garemlin

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The lack of end caps are the reason I decided against going with nFab. I just don’t trust that enough to hold up to rust or other potential corrosion. Living on the Florida coast with all the salt in the air just isn’t worth the risk of being a guinea pig to see how they hold up. I ended up going with Tyger Auto steps and haven’t looked back.
I'm pretty sure the straight versions have end caps. Don't know why they skimped on the curved version.
 

The Bean

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I'm pretty sure the straight versions have end caps. Don't know why they skimped on the curved version.
I liked the look of the curved NFabs, but the ability to let mud/dirt/sand/water into them was not something I wanted. I achieved a very similar look with the Tyger Auto steps. I’ve taken them through standing water, mud pits, sugar sand, beach sand, and some torrential showers. Even through all that they look brand new.

Jeep Gladiator N-Fab side step differences 8DF6AFA0-F11D-4AE0-9444-EC60F5616FBB
 
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Garemlin

Garemlin

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I liked the look of the curved NFabs, but the ability to let mud/dirt/sand/water into them was not something I wanted. I achieved a very similar look with the Tyger Auto steps. I’ve taken them through standing water, mud pits, sugar sand, beach sand, and some torrential showers. Even through all that they look brand new.

8DF6AFA0-F11D-4AE0-9444-EC60F5616FBB.jpeg
I'll check them out. Link??
 
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Garemlin

Garemlin

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I liked the look of the curved NFabs, but the ability to let mud/dirt/sand/water into them was not something I wanted. I achieved a very similar look with the Tyger Auto steps. I’ve taken them through standing water, mud pits, sugar sand, beach sand, and some torrential showers. Even through all that they look brand new.

8DF6AFA0-F11D-4AE0-9444-EC60F5616FBB.jpeg
These???

I like that there is more footing options like a running board. Will make it easier with my granddaughter. The thing I don't like is they leave the pinch weld exposed.
 

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The Bean

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These???

I like that there is more footing options like a running board. Will make it easier with my granddaughter. The thing I don't like is they leave the pinch weld exposed.
Those are them! I don’t mind the small gap between the top of the boards and the pinch weld. Makes it easier to install IMO, and the boards sit slightly lower making it easier for smaller people to step on to get in. Plus after a while you don’t really notice it anymore.

Jeep Gladiator N-Fab side step differences 744034BA-5780-47E7-8BDC-C89DF1C2F1B6


Jeep Gladiator N-Fab side step differences F21964DB-7227-440B-B2F6-63007995356A
 
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Garemlin

Garemlin

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Those are them! I don’t mind the small gap between the top of the boards and the pinch weld. Makes it easier to install IMO, and the boards sit slightly lower making it easier for smaller people to step on to get in. Plus after a while you don’t really notice it anymore.
Thanks. Added them to the list to consider.
 

The Bean

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Thanks. Added them to the list to consider.
Happy to help! It can be overwhelming looking at all that’s out there. Especially when a lot of these steps/boards only have the slightest of differences between them.
 
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Garemlin

Garemlin

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Happy to help! It can be overwhelming looking at all that’s out there. Especially when a lot of these steps/boards only have the slightest of differences between them.
I looked at the Rugged Ridge steps. Shot them down because many of the reviews say they rust pretty quickly. N-Fab was always at the top of the list. But now I have another option to consider.
 

hivol13

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Nfab Epyx here. Had them on about a year and still look great.
Jeep Gladiator N-Fab side step differences 20200614_164641
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