Randy Ellis Design-The Difference Between Side Steps and Rock Sliders-converted

1. The Difference between Side Steps and Rock Sliders? While off-roading, you may encounter terrain that can damage your vehicle's body panels as well as its vital components. Bumpers protect the front and rear of your vehicle, and skid plates protect the hidden components under your 4WD. But what about your vehicle's side? When left exposed, the rocker panel is extremely vulnerable to damage. If not repaired, the damage may be so extensive that your door will no longer function. Adding rocker protection, for instance, the Tacoma Rock Slider is an asset that can provide excellent protection. So to get started, here's a closer look at the difference between side steps and rock sliders. Side Steps The side steps are available today in many forms, such as nerf bars, running boards, and protection steps. Although most offer some protection, only a few will stand up to tough trail conditions. Nerf bars and running boards make getting in and out of your car easier. However, most are constructed from thin-walled aluminum or plastic. Many times, they've been found lying on the trailside because they couldn't withstand the terrain. If you're going to do any off- roading or Overlanding, they'll serve as a strong barrier between your car and the obstacles you'll encounter off-road, meaning your rocker panel will be less likely to be damaged. Rock Sliders Rock sliders are the strongest option for tactical off-roaders, as they protect the rocker panels of the vehicle from rough terrain, as well as spread the weight of the entire vehicle over a larger surface area. This is especially useful when going over an obstacle that doesn't have enough clearance to let your tires touch the ground. Instead, you land your rock slider onto the obstacle and use it to slide along the trail until your tires gain traction.

2. As a rule, rock sliders can be mounted on either the body or the frame. It is advisable to choose a rock slider from a reliable manufacturer. For example, the 3rd Gen Tacoma Rock Sliders are designed to fit both the body and body mounts, giving them maximum strength. The following information explains what a rock slider and side step are, as well as what they offer you and your vehicle.