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Rock sliders vs steps & nerfs vs power running boards

BCPE

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Trying to decide between the three. TX, CO, WY, UP of MI outdoor use once in a while, not rock slider and stock Taco 4WD ground clearance, but been in some rocky and boggy places far from pavement. It would be useful to be able to get in and out of the vehicle & protect it from rock dings, brush/branch scrapes, and door bash at the grocery store. Am about to do a rear seat delete (and probably front air dam delete), so the rear door passenger access is not a particularly critical issue. I originally wanted to get AMP power running boards, then started looking at Rough Country power boards which have two models that are not easy to figure out the differences and have the mag switches (which I suspect could be replaced using an ODB II connector and skillful use of a Fluke VOM). However, looking at this forum made me wonder if I really need to be looking at Greenlane Offroad sliders. I have basically eliminated the rigid steps and rigid running boards that totally negate your ground clearance, so I'm concentrating on sliders and RC power boards. The power boards have the disadvantage of one more thing that can go wrong in the woods, but the advantage of making it a really easy step up into the cab while retaining ground clearance when retracted. I also have a 2018 Taco with factory nerfs on them and hate them every time I get in and out, but 5' wife thinks they are fine. If I step on them to get in, I have to turn into a prezel to sit down & I'm only 5-10 (also, why they don't put a grab handle on the driver's side like Ford does on some of its trucks is totally beyond me ... that's a better option than using the steering wheel for it). If I don't step on them, my pants leg gets coated with whatever is on them. Even though I suspect I would have the same problems with Greenlane (maybe even worse since they may actually be higher than the nerfs), I'm leaning toward them for several reasons including frame mounting, lighter weight, and quality. But, I have concerns. I would assume the flat option sticks out a little farther than the 12.5 degree option, but are both options out enough to actually get your boot on? And why would you want the 12.5 degree option - doesn't seem like that's much of an advantage over the flat option to me and may actually be a disadvantage? They still look pretty high and close in to the body either way, so I just wonder if they should be viewed as strictly rock sliders and not dual function as a step? Has anyone seen a removable step that can be attached to the Greenlane for in-town grocery runs and easily removed for use away from the crowds? I have a bunch of 6061 and a CNC mill, so I'm not helpless if I need to build my own solution, but wondering if there is something already out there that's sort of along the lines of the N-Fab system even though that seems to be not very highly regarded compared to Greenlane?
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Cappaworks

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Sounds like you are struggling with the compromises each option has. You kinda have to pick what’s most important to you and go with that. You clearly are not making an uneducated decision. I believe you’ve put more thought into it than most people do.

Personally, overall protection and ground clearance were most important to me. Price followed those. Use as a step was probably 4th. So I went with White Knuckle Off-Road angled sliders with no top plate. If a step were more important to me, maybe I’d opt for the flat sliders with a top plate.
 

mrSM1TTY

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I have RCI sliders with the 5 degree angle. I've been happy with them. They work great as a step, provide protection for the truck and look nice.



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