Side Steps/Nerf Bars, I just can't take it any more

Grimor

Original poster
Member
Mar 28, 2013
954
Ok, I don't know the forum feelings toward Side Steps/Nerf Bars, but I got a couple young kids that have a hard time getting in the truck (even without a lift) So I've been looking for side steps. Looking at pictures on-line, research, etc...

First I got the Go Rhino side steps. Design and appearance wise, I really liked them except for the cheap hard plastic step pads. Unfortunately the build quality was junk. There wasn't a piece that had actually hod powdercoat that wasn't chipped, cracked or just missing in places. Calling the MFG, the reply was, yeah we know it's an issue on some sets. Send it back to where you bought it and they will refund you.

So I thought, ok that was $160ish... maybe you get what you pay for. So I looked around and ordered a Lund set and the separate bracket kit. I have no complaints about the bracket kit. It's easy to mount and looks sturdy. The problem I have is with the actual step. Despite the pictures, it's not a tube. it's a flat piece with a rounded edge. Cheap plastic caps on the front and back. And you have to drill the holes to put your step pads and caps on. Once it's mounted you can see the slots on the brackets.


I'm tempted to give the Go Rhino another try, even if they suck, at least I won't have $350 in them like I do the Lund.

Doesn't anyone make a tube side step with rubber step pads? Dee Zee? Westin? Keep the Lund brackets and have someone weld a couple pieces of tube together?

Just so tired of buying stuff and getting boxes full of junk. Maybe I'm just getting old and bitter. The next step is returning half packages of hamburger to the grocery store...
 

dmanns67

Member
Apr 3, 2013
32,979
Ohio
Westin does make a 3" round stainless steel, black, or polished tube side step with rubber step pads for the TBs. Price range between $150.00 and $230.00 based on material and website. I had the Westin 3" stainless steel on my wife's F-150 for about 7 years. They held up well and no rust. The pic below is for the trailblazer. The step pads are rubber as well and provide good grip especially in the winters around here. All hardware provided was complete and great quality. She also has the Westin stainless steel brush guard installed for about 10 years and is holding up well.

View attachment 27902
 

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TangoBravo

Member
Dec 5, 2011
208
Powder coated rock sliders with a grip tape finish on top, works great.
 

Grimor

Original poster
Member
Mar 28, 2013
954
TangoBravo said:
Powder coated rock sliders with a grip tape finish on top, works great.

well, at least if I go with rock sliders I seem to be in right part of the country to get some made. Tried to order some Westin E-Series but the site was down.
 

SEMIJim

Member
Apr 13, 2013
116
Hmmm... Even with my long legs (I'm 6'4" tall, with a 34-36" inseam), it's a long step in and out of my new-to-me TrailBlazer... maybe a pair of these

_signature-series_black.jpg


will be my first mod?

Jim
 

daddyx2

Member
Sep 7, 2013
76
SEMIJim said:
Hmmm... Even with my long legs (I'm 6'4" tall, with a 34-36" inseam), it's a long step in and out of my new-to-me TrailBlazer... maybe a pair of these



will be my first mod?

Jim

could you post a link for the black ones that you posted semijim?
 

Blckshdw

Moderator
Nov 20, 2011
10,780
Tampa Bay Area, FL
They look like the Westins dmanns67 posted. Might start your search there at the usual online outlets. :twocents:
 

HARDTRAILZ

Moderator
Nov 18, 2011
49,665

kawaholic

Member
Sep 9, 2013
106
HARDTRAILZ said:
None will have rubber. It deteriorates too quick to use on them.

I put some of these on my dads Silverado and they are quite nice. He and Mom love them.

Silverado Sierra 1500 LD 2500 LD HD 3500 LD Ext Cab 4 inch Oval s s Nerf Bars | eBay



They show the4se for TB's and they look pretty good.

Fits 2002 2009 Trailblazer Ext 2002 2006 GMC Envoy XL s s Nerf Bars | eBay

That listing says for EXT only

Found these with a quick ebay search.

06 trailblazer ls nerf bars | eBay
 

Darkrider_LS

Member
Jan 25, 2013
9,332
Now that i know there are dedicated mounting points on the rockers for step bars i may end up having some made up by my buddy and get them either bedlined or powder coated with grip tape at the step points.
 

HARDTRAILZ

Moderator
Nov 18, 2011
49,665
Darkrider_LS said:
Now that i know there are dedicated mounting points on the rockers for step bars i may end up having some made up by my buddy and get them either bedlined or powder coated with grip tape at the step points.

You realize these mounting points are for steps only, not any slider kind of creation. Not frame mounted and not for offroad use.
 

Darkrider_LS

Member
Jan 25, 2013
9,332
HARDTRAILZ said:
You realize these mounting points are for steps only, not any slider kind of creation. Not frame mounted and not for offroad use.

Yep, I figure that if I get deep enough into off roading I will switch to sliders then. But for now im more concerned about the gf getting into the tb lol.
 

TollKeeper

Supporting Donor
Member
Dec 3, 2011
8,282
Brighton, CO
jonbo2002 said:
I have my factory running boards, removed them months ago. $50 their yours lol:biggrin:

I was wondering why he didn't go this route to begin with. Stocks are cheap, mount easily, and are readily available on the site here..

I love my stock boards..
 

daddyx2

Member
Sep 7, 2013
76
Have only seen envoys with the stock running boards, never the tbs with them. If anybody has them and wouldn't mind posting a few pictures I would greatly appreciate it!
 

Playsinsnow

Member
Nov 17, 2012
9,727
daddyx2 said:
Have only seen envoys with the stock running boards, never the tbs with them. If anybody has them and wouldn't mind posting a few pictures I would greatly appreciate it!

PM me a cell phone # in next 20mins and I will send you pics of my '05 running boards in an hour when I leave...
 

daddyx2

Member
Sep 7, 2013
76
Pm sent
 

Playsinsnow

Member
Nov 17, 2012
9,727
Saw this EXT in Saint Paul when taking pics for daddyx2. Parked next to it after seeing the Westin bars...
 

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05TB90TROOPER

Member
Jul 7, 2012
37
I work in the truck accessory business and most nefr/step bars are imported from china now and with only aboit 3 favtories making all the different brands out there. we have got westin step pads on other off brand bars before. here is a link to a brand that makes stainless steel covers for the pads. not cheap though
RealWheels Truck, Car and SUV Parts and Accessories
 

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