Side step

[Munky]

I currently have the stock side steps on my 2011, and am in the market for an alternative. The stock boards stick out too far and just don't look right IMHO. I would like a step/slider combo if possible that doesn't break the bank. I do go off road, but am far from *********. I would even consider used options. Any insight is welcome! Thanks

 

[danrhiggins]

I am very happy with the Yakima sliders (w/ step) I put on about a month ago. The don't extend as far underneath as the Tactical 4x4 sliders or provide air compressor protection but then they are also a bit simpler to install (and remove if you need to do work in that area) and they easily handle a Hi-Lift and/or supporting the truck is you settle on a boulder. (Pics of both scenarios on their website.) They do bolt to the frame and though not as heavy as the T4x4s they are still over 60lbs a piece. Here is a pic. I find the step to be very useful - if you are OK with a step. I use the step often to get at my rack. To install you essentially remove the plastic trim along the door still and then bolt these to the frame with almost a dozen bolts.

 

[Munky]

That is exactly what I am looking for! Those are Yakima? Can you please post the website? I cannot seem to find those.

 

[danrhiggins]

My bad. Sorry. These are Voyager. (My crossbars and rack are Yakima.)

Here is the link to the Voyager site. They made these sliders for the LR3. With the LR4 model they are actually a bit simpler because you don't need to fuss with some trim on/near the front fenders. They take 2 people to install due to the weight. Actually, I had my dealer do it for free as they "owed me" for something. And they used 2 people to hold them up while the truck was on the rack and someone else to insert the bolts. But it went very quickly.

http://www.voyagerracks.com/lr3_lr4_rock_sliders.htm

At the web site you'll see a couple pics from a customer who is changing his tire (in a garage) and using a Hi Lift on the sliders to lift and support the truck. Then another customer picture with the slider supporting an LR4 on a boulder.

Voyager is better known for their roof racks for which I have seen mixed reviews. But for me the sliders were just what I needed.

BTW, shipping isn't cheap as you can imagine. But it is much less if you have them shipped to a business (such as your service people if you use them) or to a "will-call destination location". They can explain all that to you but I think it saved me almost $100 to not have them delivered to my house. They came wrapped in cardboard and with all the necessary bolts, etc.

 

[Surfrider77]

I have the exact same slider / steps as Dan. One thing I will warn about the Voyager sliders is that the paint or powder coat isn't the best. Mine are less than 2 years old and have significant rust in certain areas, particularly flat part exposed to the back of the front wheels has no paint left on it (road debris). I have been in talks with a local shop to blast them down to the metal and re-do the powder coating. Functionally though, they are great!

Note about installation: they do weigh about 65lb a piece. I managed to install them alone, but wouldn't suggest it. Two sets of hands would have helped immensely!

 

[danrhiggins]

Though I have not had my Voyager sliders long enough (only a month) to experience what Surfrider has, I had heard that this can be an issue. I bought them expecting to need to re-do the power coating (or not) after a couple of years because eventually rocks and stuff are going to take their toll. In reality, I need to have a fair bit of work done at the end of each off road season to fix cosmetic issues. Pin strips, gouges, windshield chips. But as my wife says, "That's why we bought it."

I didn't do the install myself. But I could clearly see where an extra set of hands, a good jack stand, a good bottle jack, some chunks of 4x4 and 2x4 or whatever would have been very useful if not necessary. Even with an extra set of hands you'll probably want some things to support it as you move each one into position.

 

[mbw]

I have the voyagers. had to get the re-done after a year of owning them..which sucks, but I do like the design.

Easy to install by yourself... balance it on a floor jack, slide it under, jack it up slowly and position it.. bolt on and done. Didn't have to lift it other than onto the floor jack and slide it a bit to find the balance point.

 

[Surfrider77]

Here's a pic of my side steps.

 

[Surfrider77]

Here's another pic where you can see my Voyager side step / sliders.

 

[JotaDe]

My bad. Sorry. These are Voyager. (My crossbars and rack are Yakima.)

You won't believe the wild goose chase you sent me on.
Cheaper, lighter, easy to install sliders! I was giddy for a day. Boooooooo