Rock Rails Thread

[scotticus]

I just order Ace Rock Rails to use with my factory Rubi rails. I'll report back when I receive them and install them
https://aceengineeringandfab.com/products/ace-jt-gladiator-rock-sliders

These are interesting to me, i wonder how big the lip is for a step. Can't wait to see what you share!

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[JCJeep1]

Do you use these as steps? How is getting in and out are they at the right height for a step?

I have the RockHard also - I got the angle up though - Install was easy and they are substantial

 

[Deleted member 24603]

that kinda looks like a roam slider with an extra step.....interesting!

Agree!

I just order Ace Rock Rails to use with my factory Rubi rails. I'll report back when I receive them and install them
https://aceengineeringandfab.com/products/ace-jt-gladiator-rock-sliders

I had these on my 2014 JK Rubicon, and liked them allot. Quality product. Only reason I'm not going back to them is I now prefer the look of the ROAM and LOD steps over the tubular design.

 

[steffen707]

Agree!

hopefully without the ROAM wait times......

I got so excited seeing this, but this is probably for a different vehicle, eh?

Wow, checkout this video! Makes me think they have their stuff together. Love the swiss army bumper for the Wrangler.

 

[Deleted member 24603]

hopefully without the ROAM wait times......

I got so excited seeing this, but this is probably for a different vehicle, eh?

Wow, checkout this video! Makes me think they have their stuff together. Love the swiss army bumper for the Wrangler.

The video soundtrack definitely gets the adrenaline going !

This may come down to who gets their product available for purchase first. I'd also like to see specs (and cost) on the LoD sliders to compare "apples to apples" with the ROAM steps. The aluminum is certainly appealing, as it obviously saves weight. I thought the Nemesis Industries aluminum rock sliders I had on my Wrangler were top quality, and no rust worries to boot.

BTW, where in WI are you located? I'll be up in the St. Germain/Eagle River area for a snowmobiling trip in a week (flying from Denver to Minneapolis/renting a car), so no Gladiator with me. Looking forward to the trails, frozen lakes and local bars !

 

[steffen707]

The video soundtrack definitely gets the adrenaline going !

This may come down to who gets their product available for purchase first. I'd also like to see specs (and cost) on the LoD sliders to compare "apples to apples" with the ROAM steps. The aluminum is certainly appealing, as it obviously saves weight. I thought the Nemesis Industries aluminum rock sliders I had on my Wrangler were top quality, and no rust worries to boot.

BTW, where in WI are you located? I'll be up in the St. Germain/Eagle River area for a snowmobiling trip in a week (flying from Denver to Minneapolis/renting a car), so no Gladiator with me. Looking forward to the trails, frozen lakes and local bars !

I'm in Central Wisconsin, about 2 ish hours south of eagle River. You should have a good time.

I might actually get the LOD ones simply because so many people report slow/poor service from ROAM..... I know nothing about LOD though, but their YouTube videos seem like they care about appearance to their customers.

Anybody have any LOD opinions?

 

[WhatExit?]

I'm in Central Wisconsin, about 2 ish hours south of eagle River. You should have a good time.

I might actually get the LOD ones simply because so many people report slow/poor service from ROAM..... I know nothing about LOD though, but their YouTube videos seem like they care about appearance to their customers.

Anybody have any LOD opinions?

Search for LOD threads here and you'll see opinions. In my opinion they make the best rock rails/step slider for Jeeps - their Signature Series sliders. But they aren't making them for the Gladiator (yet). I don't know if they will but I've encouraged them as much as possible to do it.

 

[steffen707]

Search for LOD threads here and you'll see opinions. In my opinion they make the best rock rails/step slider for Jeeps - their Signature Series sliders. But they aren't making them for the Gladiator (yet). I don't know if they will but I've encouraged them as much as possible to do it.

Cool, I'll search today when I need a break. I seem to recall they were generally liked.

 

[piroman683]

what is the advantage of body mount vs. frame mount?

 

[Deleted member 24603]

what is the advantage of body mount vs. frame mount?

Body mount is typically less expensive than frame mount and depending on the brand easier to install. Frame mount will give you stronger protection, although IMHO it is overkill for most people. I had body mount rails on my Wrangler (initially ACE rock sliders and then Nemesis Industries aluminum rocker protection), and both performed fine on very rough/rocky trails in the Colorado mountains. Unless you're regularly dragging/winching your rig over large rocks on trails, I think the body mount sliders are plenty strong enough to withstand the occasional hit without any damage to the vehicle itself. Of course, the best protection is good driving skills and tire placement so you avoid the impacts in the first place !

 

[WhatExit?]

Body mount is typically less expensive than frame mount and depending on the brand easier to install. Frame mount will give you stronger protection, although IMHO it is overkill for most people. I had body mount rails on my Wrangler (initially ACE rock sliders and then Nemesis Industries aluminum rocker protection), and both performed fine on very rough/rocky trails in the Colorado mountains. Unless you're regularly dragging/winching your rig over large rocks on trails, I think the body mount sliders are plenty strong enough to withstand the occasional hit without any damage to the vehicle itself. Of course, the best protection is good driving skills and tire placement so you avoid the impacts in the first place !

Mostly agree but it's not about "dragging your rig over large rocks" - any rocks that may scrape or bump on/over are an issue. If you off road around any rocks (hard not to do off road) then rocks are an issue and protecting your Jeep is typically important.

Rock rails/sliders should and typically do support the weight of most of the vehicle so if/when your Jeep comes down on a rock the vehicle is protected. When that happens I don't want any impact transferred to the body (typically along the pinch seam where the body mount sliders attach). I have a choice and I choose to use rails/sliders that are attached only to the frame and can support most of the weight of the Jeep.

It's your Jeep - you get to choose what you do with and to it

 

[Deleted member 24603]

Mostly agree but it's not about "dragging your rig over large rocks" - any rocks that may scrape or bump on/over are an issue. If you off road around any rocks (hard not to do off road) then rocks are an issue and protecting your Jeep is typically important.

Rock rails/sliders should and typically do support the weight of most of the vehicle so if/when your Jeep comes down on a rock the vehicle is protected. When that happens I don't want any impact transferred to the body (typically along the pinch seam where the body mount sliders attach). I have a choice and I choose to use rails/sliders that are attached only to the frame and can support most of the weight of the Jeep.

It's your Jeep - you get to choose what you do with and to it

Amen to that ! If we all did the same mods to our Jeeps it would be awfully boring out there.

I was only trying to point out that I've not personally experienced any vehicle damage from rocks with body mount sliders. My decision on new rock rails for the Gladiator will be based on the design itself (either the LoD Armor Lite or ROAM Step sliders), not how they are mounted. That being said, I do get how the extra level of protection frame mounting provides is peace of mind $$ well spent.

I've seen stock Lexus SUV's and Subaru Outbacks on some very rocky trails and can only imagine what damage is being done while I'm sitting in a 3.5" lifted JK with 37's and hearing an occasional scrape underneath!

 

[Cape taco12]

My primary concern is dropping off a ledge or falling dropping the weight of the truck on the slider. Even moderate trails can give you a small drop of a few inches. In the most extreme case I believe that a frame mounted tube (of quality material” slider will be much stronger and hold up better over time.

Also with a long wheelbase you typically end up planting a slider into a tree/rock to pivot around it. Don’t like the idea of using the body to do that.

Ace has a good demonstration of what I mean by a drop.



Good video on materials and why good steel makes a difference.



LOD destroyer video they test at the end by lifting it in the air by the sliders but I want to see a drop.



That being said the other designs will be fine with small drops and likely won’t cause damage to the body anyway unless it’s chronic. What’s a few dings in a slider anyway? If your not rev-limiter assaulting rocks every week buy what you want.

 

[Westcoastflea]

I ended up getting a set of Rugged Ridge RRC Rocker Guards for essentially free.
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/rockers-sliders/11504-38-rugged-ridge-rrc-rocker-guards
They're decently constructed, fairly light, and overall not bad but definitely not my first choice. Unfortunately, I'll have to take the Rubi rails off, I'll post a photo when I get them installed.

 

[rvillano8188]

Anyone take a look at these yet? Not bad price point and has a dual step along with integrated LED's already. More steps than Rock Rails, but this is the most active thread for both so...

https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...ies-actiontrac-79-inch-powered-running-boards

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