Electric Step Group-Buy: Poll

[Toot]

Hi all, I’ve been messaging all the usual suspects that produce electric steps and/or rock sliders with steps integrated for other vehicles. So far they all say that they do not have plans to produce electric steps for the Grenadier. Usually it’s a flat “no” and if I’m lucky I’ll occasionally get a vague, “not at this time.” So I figured I’d attempt to do some rudimentary data collection so I can go back to them and say, “Hey power step gods, there are X number of Grenadier owners looking for this product that would pay roughly Y dollars, let’s do this!”

If you’re interested, please fill out the poll. I enabled multi-choice so please indicate both your interest (or lack thereof) and the rough maximum price you would pay for this product. In the comments it might be useful to list any potential manufacturers you like as well.

I know there have been a few threads about this and a number of you have also made inquiries, but I don’t believe anyone has tried to formalize a group buy yet. And yes, I know that there is currently an electric step out of China (Summer Auto Parts) that a couple of retailers have begun to carry under various names. The Summer step is not suitable for off-road use, and personally speaking, I would like to see a product from a more reputable/well known producer.

Cheers.
-Toot

 

[TelRidan]

This is an interesting concept and they have a number of versions (for different vehicle brands/models) including the MB G-Wagen. It couldn't take too much effort to make adjustments to suit the IG, right?

G-Class 4 Door Step Slider

For Ford Bronco (4-door). This fully functional, trail-rated, rock slider is integrated with a power step for easy access for all demographics and everyday use. Our Step Slider is made of 10-gauge steel construction.

rockslideengineering.com

 

[chtucker]

This is an interesting concept and they have a number of versions (for different vehicle brands/models) including the MB G-Wagen. It couldn't take too much effort to make adjustments to suit the IG, right?

G-Class 4 Door Step Slider

For Ford Bronco (4-door). This fully functional, trail-rated, rock slider is integrated with a power step for easy access for all demographics and everyday use. Our Step Slider is made of 10-gauge steel construction.

rockslideengineering.com

At 4k I would say nope, there is not a great reason that they cost $1500 more than Jeep/Bronco sliders

 

[TelRidan]

At 4k I would say nope, there is not a great reason that they cost $1500 more than Jeep/Bronco sliders

I agree but I think they are really taking advantage of the wealthy folks that want to put a "cool-looking" accessory on their G-Wagen. I would hope that the pricing for the off-road enthusiast community would be more in line with the Bronco/Jeep versions. But probably not given the starting price of the IG...

Have you seen any other similar products at a more reasonable price?

 

[Toot]

This is an interesting concept and they have a number of versions (for different vehicle brands/models) including the MB G-Wagen. It couldn't take too much effort to make adjustments to suit the IG, right?

G-Class 4 Door Step Slider

For Ford Bronco (4-door). This fully functional, trail-rated, rock slider is integrated with a power step for easy access for all demographics and everyday use. Our Step Slider is made of 10-gauge steel construction.

rockslideengineering.com

Yes these guys are my personal preference but I emailed and they said “no.” I pressed the issue and said that I was happy to pay for custom work that they could then sell onto others afterwards. They gave me the email for their “head engineer,” Mark. Mark never replied I then floated a minimum order of $30k and they still said no

 

[Toot]

At 4k I would say nope, there is not a great reason that they cost $1500 more than Jeep/Bronco sliders

Yes I agree but I assume the first company to produce a high-quality off-road suitable solution will have some degree of pricing power until additional alternatives enter the market and hopefully compete on price, driving it down.

Shower thought: The Summer steps (currently the only option out of China) appear to be good for mall crawling, maybe it’s possible to do custom rock sliders that incorporate them/protect them?

 

[Michael_in_Baja]

i am a hard no. I bought this vehicle as much for what it isn't as much as what it is. No offense to those who love gizmos but for me, the fewer motors, servos, and electronics, the better.

 

[Toot]

i am a hard no. I bought this vehicle as much for what it isn't as much as what it is. No offense to those who love gizmos but for me, the fewer motors, servos, and electronics, the better.

Fair, I’ve had a pair of Amp Research ones on my f250 since 2012 though, and they’re still going strong. Personally, I would just put some sliders on and be done, but the truck is just too high for civilians to not have a step, especially now that it’s lifted on 34s. The factory steps hang down too far, aren’t great IMO, and have already taken a beating off road from rocks and tree stump, re: being too low.

The REAL issue, however, is that as it is the better half can’t get in and out easily, or as she says, “gracefully.” Our Yukon came with power steps from the factory and they are her “favorite feature” so for me it’s in the “wife keeping” category.

 

[Tazzieman]

The REAL issue, however, is that as it is the better half can’t get in and out easily, or as she says, “gracefully.” Our Yukon came with power steps from the factory and they are her “favorite feature” so for me it’s in the “wife keeping” category.

So you're not spending money on bits for your car , if it's for the wife?
Man maths?

 

[Toot]

So you're not spending money on bits for your car , if it's for the wife?
Man maths?

Finally, someone who understands!! But if it means she won’t complain every time she gets in, it’s worth it

 

[Michael_in_Baja]

Fair, I’ve had a pair of Amp Research ones on my f250 since 2012 though, and they’re still going strong. Personally, I would just put some sliders on and be done, but the truck is too high to not have a step, especially now that it’s lifted on 34s. The factory steps hang down too far, aren’t great IMO, and have already taken a beating off road from rocks and tree stump, re: being too low.

The REAL issue, however, is that as it is the better half can’t get in and out easily, or as she says, “gracefully.” Our Yukon came with power steps from the factory and they are her “favorite feature” so for me it’s in the “wife keeping” category.

As a guy with a vertically challenged inseam, (probably that of your wife) and two replaced hips and two back procedures, I can relate.

 

[Toot]

As a guy with a vertically challenged inseam, (probably that of your wife) and two replaced hips and two back procedures, I can relate.

Ouch! Might be TMI but I’m 6’ 4 with a 30 inch inseam… my bad joke (of which there are many) is that I’m like my dog: all torso no legs. We have dachshunds.