Side steps or not? Or... get steps bed-linered

[Underpants]

I bought this Jeep with these aftermarket steps/rails. They're faded and it really bugs me. So I got some brand new OEM takeoffs from the local dealer for a dime.

I prefer the clean look of the OEM rails, but it might end up being annoying. I'm tall but your mom isn't so she needs a hand getting in and out.


Thoughts on getting the steps blasted/coated with something? Or just get a new set that's a little more aesthetic?

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[Jmag92]

I bought this Jeep with these aftermarket steps/rails. They're faded and it really bugs me. So I got some brand new OEM takeoffs from the local dealer for a dime.

I prefer the clean look of the OEM rails, but it might end up being annoying. I'm tall but your mom isn't so she needs a hand getting in and out.


Thoughts on getting the steps blasted/coated with something? Or just get a new set that's a little more aesthetic?

I bought aftermarket steps and after a year they faded and had some surface rust. I cleaned them and used some rust remover, then brushed bedliner on them. The results have been very good. They do not slip like they used to and they have stayed looking pretty good.

 

[NortonJTSS]

I like the Mopar black tubular side steps.. no signs of corrosion after 5 years as opposed to many aftermarket options I’ve seen

 

[Mad Mac]

A safer cheaper option may be
an RV Step Stool Folding Platform
and be oh so gallant.

It would also be helpful
for working under the hood,
checking oil and so forth.
Just stow it in the bed
or behind the front seat.

 

[sheath]

Good thread!
Snow and ice makes it important to pick a competent step.
My preference is no steps, but my friend is very short and she has a knee replacement. She can get in great.
Getting out is a bit more work, and I'm concerned with winter conditions.

I really like @Mad Mac's idea, but with better ice/snow grip on the tread.
Nice thing is she waits for me to open the door, so it would be pretty easy to put the step down, then open the door for her.

There is a vendor on here who makes a bolt on step in two heights for the stock Rubicon Rock Rails. They seem well designed, and easy to install/remove (as long as the bolts/nuts are properly "winterized"). Only concern would be twisting the lower leg while getting out.
A separate step minimizes that risk, but requires a pretty flat and firm surface.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[kkirsch06]

I bought this Jeep with these aftermarket steps/rails. They're faded and it really bugs me. So I got some brand new OEM takeoffs from the local dealer for a dime.

I prefer the clean look of the OEM rails, but it might end up being annoying. I'm tall but your mom isn't so she needs a hand getting in and out.


Thoughts on getting the steps blasted/coated with something? Or just get a new set that's a little more aesthetic?

Good thread!
Snow and ice makes it important to pick a competent step.
My preference is no steps, but my friend is very short and she has a knee replacement. She can get in great.
Getting out is a bit more work, and I'm concerned with winter conditions.

I really like @Mad Mac's idea, but with better ice/snow grip on the tread.
Nice thing is she waits for me to open the door, so it would be pretty easy to put the step down, then open the door for her.

There is a vendor on here who makes a bolt on step in two heights for the stock Rubicon Rock Rails. They seem well designed, and easy to install/remove (as long as the bolts/nuts are properly "winterized"). Only concern would be twisting the lower leg while getting out.
A separate step minimizes that risk, but requires a pretty flat and firm surface.

Decisions, decisions...

I bought this Jeep with these aftermarket steps/rails. They're faded and it really bugs me. So I got some brand new OEM takeoffs from the local dealer for a dime.

I prefer the clean look of the OEM rails, but it might end up being annoying. I'm tall but your mom isn't so she needs a hand getting in and out.


Thoughts on getting the steps blasted/coated with something? Or just get a new set that's a little more aesthetic?

I have stock Rubicon Rock sliders and purchased IAG removable drop steps. That way I can take them off when going off road and want the clearance. Well made and easy to put on and off.

 

[rbroncotx]

Never ran steps on mine, tub height's fine for me. If I added them, grip in ice/snow would matter more than looks -- that's where a lot of the aftermarket options fall short.

 

[sheath]

I have stock Rubicon Rock sliders and purchased IAG removable drop steps. That way I can take them off when going off road and want the clearance. Well made and easy to put on and off.

Thanks for the name of the vendor. Saw the thread where they announced the lower step setup.
They look really good. Plenty of holes for mush to drain through.
https://www.iagoffroad.com/collecti.../Make/Jeep/Model/Gladiator/Submodel/Rubicon-X

 

[HeyThereNow]

This is exactly what I have in my Mojave for the wife. Tied a cord around it so she can pull it up behind her.

A safer cheaper option may be
an RV Step Stool Folding Platform
and be oh so gallant.

It would also be helpful
for working under the hood,
checking oil and so forth.
Just stow it in the bed
or behind the front seat.

 

[IRAH]

Honestly for your rig, I like the side steps. Hit that up with some bedliner and call it a day!

 

[33Jayman]

We went with the Nexgen steps. They are not cheap by any means but they are solid.

 

[Underpants]

Honestly for your rig, I like the side steps. Hit that up with some bedliner and call it a day!

I like them too, just an eye sore because they're faded. I have a local sand blast shop near me. I'll see if they can blast'em and I'll shoot them with raptor liner or something.

 

[WambliSka]

After a lot of research I’m a HUGE fan of this model of Hooke Road Steps/Rock guards. Just installed a set on my new Mojave. Same set I had on my ‘22 Overland. The last ones survived 2 years of pretty serious off-road use without even a paint chip missing. And THIS design gives you steps, rock guards and they do NOT rob you of clearance under your belly or snag/crunch steps on trail stuff. Bonus, it’s impossible for anyone to slam their doors into yours in a parking lot with these on but I’ve seen some get nasty dents on their doors when they hit these, their fault not mine. Love them as much as my short wife does!!!

 

[WambliSka]

I like them too, just an eye sore because they're faded. I have a local sand blast shop near me. I'll see if they can blast'em and I'll shoot them with raptor liner or something.

Probably cheaper better to buy new ones.

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