Sliders that are "Wife Approved"

Hey Team,
I'm in the market for some sliders for an upcoming trip to Moab. Although I don't plan on doing anything too crazy (gotta drive the rig home), I do want to protect the rockers. Call it relatively cheap insurance.

I currently have predator steps. These are not a great option for off road. We all know why so I won't expand on that here

My issue is that my wife wants to use the sliders as a proper step and almost all options have huge holes on the top plate. Not a good combination when she wears tall / thin heels. The only one I found so far that would meet our requirements are the Budbuilt ones with Diamond plate.

I could go the cheap route and buy the Toyota ones a swap them when needed but I would prefer do make the change once

Are there any other options I should be looking at?

 

AP.

 

Victory 4x4's Blitz slider might be an option for you. I believe it is designed to be a step and as such has a closed top plate

https://www.victory4x4.com/product/V4RSL-BL2.html

 

I can't find it now, but on a thread on here someone posted pics of doing an install of those Victory Blitz for a customer and he commented that he doesn't see how they would actually offer close to the same protection as actual sliders. I went with RCI, though to the op they do have holes in the top, but my wife gets in and out just fine using them as a step.

 

I too hate those holes as the dirt goes through those holes.

I don't know for a good slider with no holes on top plate that do not require cutting or drilling. Atleast for me if they require cutting or drilling its a no go for me.

 

Thanks everyone.

Although the Victory Blitz look cool, I had the same concerns as @94hokie . Also didn't love the idea of drilling the frame (although not a big deal). The lights are a good idea but don't seem easily replaceable if I break one.

I did reach out to Victory and RSG to see if they can do a plate with no holes. I did hear back from RSG and although they aren't able to do that, their response was very informative and quick. +1 for RSG so far. I'm actually thinking of 3Dprinting some inserts for her side to fill in the holes

 

RSG was one of the top two on my list for that reason, but the shop who was already doing some work for me happened to have the RCI's in stock, so kind of made the decision for me.

 

https://rcimetalworks.com/product/10-24-4runner-rock-sliders/
I really like these, and because the top plates are bolted on, you could easily remove them and have a piece of solid diamond plate cut to the exact same size.

 

I like this idea! It would make touching up the paint much easier. Plus, mine collected dirt underneath and rusted. I ended up grinding the welds and removing the top plates altogether.

 

When I was researching slider/steps, these checked all the boxes, but what put them over the top was the fact that the top plates can be removed for cleaning, repainting, or whatever reason I wanted. Seems like a smart idea. And, RCI customer service is top notch.

 

My buddy has a plasma table. This would only cost me the price of the material. Great idea!!!

 

This brings up another interesting question. Since it is much easier to touch up paint, would you get them raw (and paint yourself) or powder coated?

RCI has a deal for $25 to powdercoat.
CaliRaised is about $185 cheaper in raw

 

I bought my RSG powdercoated and use rust-oleum when they get scratched.

 

I told my wife these were heavy duty running boards. She approved.

 

Thankfully, financial approval is easy to get over here. I recently packaged a new GR86 for me into the deal when I bought her a 25 Camry a few months ago.

It is simply a matter of which ones will work best for her to use as a step when she is wearing heels.

She independently sent me links to both the Cali Raised LED and RCI sliders this afternoon.

 

How is traction for sneakers when there is rain and such? I have been looking around for something other than the factory running boards but my kids are on a whole other level of propensity to slip and fall at the slightest inconvenience, even though they can climb trees like little orangutans, especially my 5 year old.

 

If you step on the grippy bits, they grip.

If you do not, they do not.

You just need to instruct them to be mindful, and keep repeating it until it sticks. And remind them every time you get out, as that’s the time when slips are more likely.

 

I have RCI’s with the top plates, and even wet and winter precip I’ve had no issues with regular sneakers. Mine were factory powder coated, as others have mentioned I plan on rust oleum touch up for scratches.

 

Do you have enough room to use the step to get in the front easily?

Same question for anyone using the Cali Raised ones.

I think I'm down to either the RCIs or Cali Raised sliders as the steps can be removed, they are both made from DOM, and the price after shipping and taxes aren't completely outrageous.

That being said, it looks like the Victory Strikes offer a little more foot room but they are made from HREW at a premium price. Nothing wrong with HREW, just seems they should be a bit cheaper.

 

I bought my RCI in raw, then proceeded to spend about 65 bucks on paint supplies and a whole weekend prepping and painting them.

I regretted not getting the powder coat.

 

RCI I got on both the taco and the 4R. Seem like solid all way around. Good luck.

 

Yeah. I'm convinced that i should get them already powdercoated.

 

Man It would be so much easier to see them in person than continue to guess. You wouldn't happen to be up near my neck of the woods? (No pun intended. Haha)

 

Nah, in Fulshear, too far. But if you take me with ya to Moab, I might come meet you somewhere in the middle ha! Been wanting to do that trip for so long. I hope I am not 85 by the time I get there. I'll be offroading to the toilet.

I got the ones with the angle on both and there is still plenty of step to get in and out.

 

I have the RCI's and feel like they have plenty of room but I don't use them to get in/out. I do use them as a step to get to the roof and find them plenty wide enough.

My wife, on the other hand, complains every time she gets in. Not about the sliders, just the overall height of the vehicle. They are quite high to use as a step for an adult, making it awkward to get in (I assume this is why the running boards hang so low).

With the bumpout in the back, it makes a perfect step for kids though

 

this

 

Yeah. Definitely too far. Your rig looks great BTW!!!

Moab is a bucket list trip for me. Celebrating multiple milestones including my 50th BDay and completion of putting 3 through college to name a couple.

 

I do use the predators to get in and out, as does my wife. For me, it is mainly because I don't want to slide on the seat bolster. For her, it about height. She's 5'2" and the 4Runner has a 2" lift.

I do hear you though. It's like Goldilocks and the 3 Bears. The 4Runners too tall, the GR is too low and her Camry is just right.

 

I went with CBI’s overlanding sliders with DOM welding and kick outs. I have a 2in lift and my wife is about 5’4” and she has no problem getting in. She actually prefers the new sliders to the predator steps I had installed prior and they do make accessing the roof much more convenient. So far they have been solid, brushed up against a few trees and hit a rock or two.

 

Yeah for ferrying the kids around I do prefer either our Camry or my Ford sedan, smaller people in the family can just step in and out of them.