Would you be tempted by that sort of solution? The examples I saw could be pretty easily adapted by simply replacing or redrilling the step itself - as it is the distance between the mounting points which is the main issue. Tucked up they could certainly take a whack, even if using them as sliders might be a bit sketchy.
Hi Globalgregors, I have to say, Rock Slider Engineering's solution of combining a rock slider with an electric deployable step has peaked my interest, especially if they support the Grenadier.
Here's my thoughts on the positives of it, especially for the USA market, (because of shipping costs for products coming out of Europe).
1 - It is a rock slider, (if you option the additional steel rock slider plate).
2- You don't have to remove any added steps, like you may need to do with some other products or side steps, before going off roading.
3 - The step appears to drop lower than any other solution, making ease of entry great, even for my 4' 11" wife.
4 - It's an all in one solution.
5 - Shipping costs may be lower in the US, then if you were bringing them in from Europe.
6 - They offer a very cool wow factor when they drop down and go back up.
Now for the negatives:
7 - Installation with the wiring is more involved than a simple bolt on solution.
8 - It appears the width of the drop down step may be not as wide as other added rock sliders with bolt on steps or simply side steps.
9 - Wiring - which is something that could be affected by water intrusion if not properly installed and waterproofed.
10 - They are more costly than straight bolt on rock sliders or rock sliders with added steps or side steps alone, (although maybe not
as much once shipping costs are factored in as noted at item 5 above.
11 - They might be a bit too fussy for a purpose built vehicle.
12 - Currently Rock Slider Engineering does not support the Grenadier.
On my pre-order for my Trial Master, I optioned the Grenadier Rock Sliders, as the cost seemed reasonable and they are robust.
Once I get my Grenadier, I will then choose one of three paths, (based on what is currently available or soon to come on market).
A - Keep the Grenadier Rock Sliders and have custom robust bolt-on / bolt-off aluminum steps fabricated and anodized & install them on the Grenadier rock sliders. I would have the steps designed to be at a height that would allow a reasonable entry height, however not to be so low
as to not allow light to medium over landing and off roading. It I wanted to go on more adventurous trails, then I would simply remove them
and lift wifey into the Grenadier.
B - Opt for the Black Sheep rock sliders and don't purchase their add on steps and instead have custom ones fabricated for the reasons mentioned in A above.
C - See what Urban Automotive in the UK produces in the way of a side step and or a rock slider and perhaps go that route,
especially if they can easily be taken off and put back on easily. They will be officially be presenting their side steps and other products very soon.
As you can see, there are more than a couple options. I am still on a journey trying to figure it all out on what will work best for me and my wife
who green lighted the Grenadier purchase and will likely have much more input and the last word. DaBull
www.theineosforum.com
upfitter.com.au
