Side steps versus Rock sliders

[Pete]

My wife who is not very tall wants what she calls pigmy steps so she can climb in with short legs
My issue is that they look to hang very low and would no doubt be an issue on rough tracks. would the rock sliders give any advantage to my short legged lovely wife. Hard to tell without seeing them in the flesh
i would guess not. But any help with my problem would be appreciated 
cheers Pete

 

[rovie]

Hi Pete,

from my point of view, the RockSliders do not replace the pigmy steps mentioned by your wife.

On one of the test vehicles I got into, the rock sliders were fitted. You can hardly step on the tubes as they are mounted very close to the body and are almost flush with the outside.
I had the same thought. However, not because of my wife's height, but in general when I want to take people with me who are not very tall. If they wear a miniskirt, it still won't be easy. ?

 

[Pete]

That’s exactly what I needed to know. I spend much of my time in the highlands of Tasmania 
fishing, getting fire wood and travelling on some fairly rough tracks. I fear the side steps will not last very long before
they are severely damaged. 
fold down step would be a good option, like the ones you sometimes find on old defenders   

 

[rovie]

I used the fold down steps as a model for my Defender. I cut the original Land Rover side steps at the holder and welded a hinge so that I could fold them up when needed and secure them with a bolt. I will do the same with the Grenadier side steps. This makes it suitable for city and off-road use.

 

[Deepblue]

Hi @rovie
that sounds like a great solution as I cannot decide between the comfort of a step and the better offroad legroom of a slider. Could you please share a picture with details of your solution? Guess the hinge and welding must be strong so that protection in hard offroad situation is still given. Many thanks.

 

[mkennedy009]

These might be the way to go.  https://www.amp-research.com/powersteps

 

[Guru]

I’ve used these bad boys on various Defenders. Pretty simple and strong I’m sure you could attach them easily to the rock sliders which is what I intend to do.
https://www.carr.com/product-category/steps/

 

[rovie]

@Deepblue  As I sold my Defender 3 weeks ago (one of my 4x4s had to go as I need space for the Grenadier), unfortunately I can't send you a picture, sorry.
In principle, I left the original mounting plate on the frame. The outriggers of the side steps were separated and welded together according to the pattern (see photo), drilled and galvanised.

 

[Cavaleiro]

Interesting topic. I have ordered the Rock Slider because I think that I saw in some of the IG Instagram posts that they are higher than the side steps of course but further out (rather Tree Slider) covered with neoprene may yet facilitate entry. I may be wrong and will possibly get trouble with the dwarves who hardly come in, but I came even without side step well in the Grenadier, better than in my Defender where I use the side step always.

Screenshots from the rendering clip:
   

 

[Deepblue]

@rovie thank you anyway. The picture gives a good idea already.

 

[Chocki]

I also read in the spec that you can use the rock sliders for lifting the IG if you need to say change a wheel, there was no mention of this for the side steps.

 

[Mumblepants]

@Chocki yeah I read the same thing. Rock sliders can be used with a high lift jack. hopefully IG have provided a slightly better jack than the long running opposition ? 

 

[globalgregors]

Surely you’d be bottle jacking under the axle for a wheel change? Hi lift under the sliders primarily for recovery situations… or am I channeling some Aust habit not observed elsewhere?

 

[Paachi]

I for one would have loved to see a slider+step combo like what Slee or CBI makes for land cruisers and 4Runners. I have used one and it’s a great design for climbing up and getting stuff off the roof rack. I’m hoping the aftermarket steps up

 

[Pat-Ard]

@Paachi Same here, a combo would be great. I‘m still undicided ordering the original sliders or leave them and wait for the aftermarket…

 

[Spjnr]

[QUOTE username=Patrick  The real heir userid=8998860 postid=1333067880]@Paachi Same here, a combo would be great. I‘m still undicided ordering the original sliders or leave them and wait for the aftermarket…[/QUOTE] 

I originally chose the rock sliders, but removed them when amending my order. 

I'll wait for the aftermarket. Preferably something with a small step area, but not as low as the side steps.

 

[Pat-Ard]

[QUOTE username=Spjnr userid=8443805 postid=1333067894] 
I'll wait for the aftermarket. Preferably something with a small step area, but not as low as the side steps.[/QUOTE]

exact my thoughts... It's not because of me, but my girl - she's just 1,60m tall...

 

[Spjnr]

Yeah when the Mrs is in her heels and a party dress, she's not gonna be happy climbing up into the grenadier ?? 

 

[emax]

[QUOTE username=Patrick  The real heir userid=8998860 postid=1333067880]I‘m still undicided ordering the original sliders or leave them and wait for the aftermarket…[/QUOTE] 

I have ordered the steps due to the WAF: a concession to my wife.

If you don't have this problem, you better wait and compare with the aftermarket solutions. But don't expect them to be less expensive.

 

[cheswick]

[QUOTE username=Spjnr userid=8443805 postid=1333067923]Yeah when the Mrs is in her heels and a party dress, she's not gonna be happy climbing up into the grenadier 

 [/QUOTE]

Look at the positives. You can be a proper gent and help your queen into the car ?