Off-road vehicle owners rarely leave their vehicles in stock condition. The market is full of accessories that improve off-road vehicle protection, functionality, and practicality. The majority of these accessories are designed for the exterior of the vehicle, and for good reason.

SUVs, trucks, and off-road vehicles are made for the great outdoors, and we all know that reaching the most beautiful spot in nature requires a powerful and capable vehicle that can tackle rocks, mud, and other types of obstacles. Aside from this, off-road vehicles and trucks are higher than regular road cars, and it makes it more difficult to get inside without help.

In this article, we'll be covering the difference between rock sliders and side steps, two commonly used upgrades on off-road vehicles. You'll learn what the key differences are, and ultimately, you'll get to make an informed decision on which option is the best for you!

What are Side Steps for Trucks?

As the name suggests, side steps for trucks are accessories that help the driver and passengers get into their trucks. These powerful vehicles are often lifted, which can cause entering the truck difficult. Steps are typically tubular bars with a flat section on the top that have a tread, giving you the ability to step up into your vehicle a little easier.

Some trucks and SUVs are pre-fitted with side steps, but if your particular SUV or truck doesn't have them, you can usually order them as an optional extra from the manufacturer, or you can order them from one of the aftermarket manufacturers.

Side steps are usually made from either steel or aluminum, and even though they're sturdy and robust, they're not made for protection. Most side steps for trucks are made to withstand human weight, even though they're mounted on the truck's frame with brackets.

Side steps come in different shapes and sizes, and can be fixed or retractable. Retractable truck side steps add a luxurious feel because they pop up when needed, and retract when you and your passengers enter the truck.

Installing side steps to your SUV or truck is a relatively simple process, but it requires some tools and equipment. To successfully mount truck side steps, you'll need to drill mounting holes through the pinch weld and fish bolts through pre-existing frame holes. This can be tricky, especially if you have an older truck that is a bit rusty. For most side steps, you'll need to drill six holes.

Once you've mounted the side steps correctly, you'll also need to protect the pinch weld from rust. Being that you drilled holes, you'll need to spray a layer of paint over the holes and bolts to prevent rust from appearing. The paint will also provide a cleaner look to the truck.

What are Rock Sliders for Trucks?

Rock sliders, although they look very similar to truck side steps, have a different function. These are mounted directly firmly to the truck's frame and instead of primarily providing a helping hand when entering the truck, these accessories are meant to protect the truck from hitting rocks.

When driving off-road, going over large rocks can be necessary, and if your truck slides onto a rock, it can cause significant amounts of damage to the body, leading to difficulty opening and closing the doors. With high-quality rock sliders, the bottom of your truck will be protected.

Rock sliders are usually made from heavy-duty tubular steel, which is a strong enough material to withstand a truck's weight and protect the rockers and panels from damage. They're not made for style, but for protection, and these accessories can take a beating.

When it comes to mounting rock sliders, there are two available options: welding them to the truck's frame, or using heavy-duty U-bolts. Using heavy-duty U-bolts is the easier way of mounting rock sliders to your truck, however, not all rock slider models can be mounted using U-bolts.

Welding rock sliders to your truck requires specific tools and skills. The biggest issue with welding rock sliders to your truck is the fact that you need to be extremely precise with fitting the rock sliders before welding them. Mounting rock sliders by welding them requires more preparation, as well as adding a protective layer of paint to the welds afterward.

Determining Which is Right for Your Needs

Rock sliders and side steps for trucks look similar, however, they have different tasks they need to do. Rock sliders are meant to protect the truck, while side steps help the passengers and driver get into the truck easier.

Depending on what your truck is used for and how it's set up, you can easily determine whether side steps would be a better choice than rock sliders.

If you use your truck for day-to-day driving, and the only thing you need is help with getting into your truck, side steps are the logical choice. On the other hand, if you use your truck for extreme off-roading, rock sliders should be your top priority due to the high risk of damaging your truck. Different types of rock sliders can also be used as side steps.

Even when you determine which one is a better choice for you, you'll still need to think about the design of the accessory you'll mount to your truck. Both side steps and rock sliders add to the overall aesthetic look of the truck or SUV they're mounted to.

Always Use the Highest-Quality Accessories

Whether you need side steps or rock sliders, make sure to get a high-quality accessory for your truck. Brands such as ARB 4X4 accessories, Body Armor 4X4, Bushwacker, DV8 Offroad, and many more are available at 4 Wheel Parts. By selecting the year, make, and model of your truck or SUV, you'll be able to find compatible accessories that fit your truck or SUV perfectly.

When you choose high-quality parts and accessories, you'll have peace of mind when it comes to the fitment and functionality of your new accessories. The one thing that side steps and rock sliders have in common is that they improve a truck's appearance, so if that's something you care about, find the accessory that will be functional, and provide the looks you're looking for.