Do flat sliders compromise ground clearance?

Still agonizing on what type of sliders to add to my new TRD ORP. I love the utility of a double use as a step with the flat style but am a little concerned about losing ground clearance with them. I am not lifted (except for the cornfed 1" front spacers) and am running stock size KO2s. Most of the angled types seem to be almost useless as a step. Not planning any major mods in the near future except for the sliders if I can settle on a brand. So far, I am seriously considering the RCIs with the five degree angle. I think they may provide the best compromise without giving up as much clearance. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

I've only heard they could get hung up vs the angled ones can easily slide and not get hung up. Me personally don't have experience to prove that as I have only use them slightly / just scratching on rocks, not putting lot of weight.

My flat ones doesn't give a good look either. The angle ones looks very nice in my opinion.

On the other side I like how good my flat sliders function as a good step/ running board.

 

RSG flat sliders here. Technically, the ground clearance stays the same whether slanted or flat. The low point on the slider is higher than the low point on the truck. On mine, with no lift, the outer tube of the flat RSG slider is 14.5” above the ground, well above the diff, frame etc. However…. I can see if you are skirting a rock that is short enough the front tire rolls off before the rear tire climbs it, and it is only under those tires and not the truck frame, the flat slider will catch that rock easier than a slanted slider. In that specific type of situation, I guess you could say there is less clearance. But large obsticles, ledges etc. Your frame, diff, & skids would hit well before the flat slider could. I guess evaluate your choice based on how you have that specific use case. I actually prefer the look of slanted sliders, but I needed steps for wife / elderly parents. No regrets.


For comparison, my brothers 4runner has RSG angled sliders.

 

Anyone have pics of the 5 degree RCIs on a vehicle? I’m thinking it may be my best option.

 

Do your research when it comes to quality companies. Often times these larger companies mass produce and their product is poor quality (welds).

 

I find they also work pretty well as a step. Top plates now bolt on if I'm not mistaken so it's easy to remove and clean (mine will probably rust to the point I have to cut them off in the future)

 

Hmmm...
I surmised that RCI made pretty good stuff.

 

Thank you for that. RCI is definitely my first choice at this point.

 

RCI is what i want to go with. But i don't want the angled ones since they look bent in a bad way. lol I also want more of a step. Way better than OEM side steps ether way.

 

They do make good products otherwise I wouldn't put them on my truck. I recently had a bad weld on my skid plate and had to send it back because it's missed the QC in multiple stages. They rushed one through production and received quality part....shit happens.

All I am saying some companies mass produce and their products show. I'm not here to bash a company just giving my opinion since I have done business with RCI. I will say their customer service is good along with response times.

 

No problem. I like RCIs stuff. I have full aluminum skids from them as well - I haven't had an issue with any of their stuff

 

Just got home from a little Sunday afternoon trip up in the Ouachitas. I was alone and got in to some pretty crazy roads up there. Ended up chickening out and reversing down. If I would have had sliders, I may have considered continuing. Just ordered some RCI 20 degree. With the plate AND pre-painted. YOLO.