{"product_id":"apex-rear-step-bumper-aluminum","title":"APEX - Rear Step Bumper - Aluminum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSprinter Rear Step Bumper: Experience APEX Series Functionality\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThinking of enhancing your Sprinter? Consider our APEX Series Aluminum Rear Step Bumper — a proud member of the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/collections\/apex-series?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=apex\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" title=\"APEX Series Accessoires\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAPEX family\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e. Built from \u003cstrong\u003elightweight aluminum\u003c\/strong\u003e, this step offers exceptional strength with significant weight savings, helping keep your van agile and efficient without compromising performance or durability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeighing 20 lbs less than the steel version, this aluminum step is ideal for anyone focused on reducing vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency, or maximizing payload capacity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBy lowering the step by over 8 inches, getting in and out of your van has never been easier. It’s the perfect companion for accessing the gear mounted on your \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/collections\/ox-series?_pos=3\u0026amp;_psq=o\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" title=\"OX Rear Door Carriers\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOX Door Carriers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, and we highly recommend pairing the two for maximum convenience and usability.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note\u003c\/strong\u003e that the APEX Rear Step can \u003cstrong\u003eNOT \u003c\/strong\u003ebe used as recovery points. The aluminum construction isn’t designed to handle recovery loads, so only the steel version should be used when adding recovery points for off-road protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe offer \u003ca title=\"APEX Recovery points\" href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/apex-rear-step-recovery-points?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=re\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\u0026amp;variant=48767165399348\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAPEX Recovery Points\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — a practical addition designed to protect the finish of your aluminum rear step. These tough, strategically placed points are the first to hit the ground when driving through ditches, ruts, or rough terrain, preventing damage to your bumper and keeping it looking great while maintaining full functionality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeed installation? No problem — our experienced technician will be happy to help!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/installation-apex-rear-step?_pos=3\u0026amp;_psq=ape\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" title=\"APEX Rear Step Installation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e[Click here to add installation to your order.]\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Advantages\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight Efficiency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built from high-grade aluminum, delivering the same functionality as our steel model while reducing overall weight by 20 lbs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCorrosion Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perfect for year-round adventurers — aluminum construction naturally resists rust and weathering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Usability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Many users report that this step makes accessing the rear doors — and even making the bed — far more convenient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOX Door Carrier Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to make reaching the equipment mounted on your OX Door Carriers simple and safe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThoughtful Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rounded outer edges minimize shin injuries for everyday practicality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreserved Ground Clearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Especially for overlanders, this step maintains your departure angle and ground clearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEasy Installation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Connects seamlessly to Mercedes 2019+ factory hitches. For 2007–2018 models, only four ½” holes need to be drilled (measurements included).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensor Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works perfectly with rear parking sensors, keeping your van safe on every trail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobust Mounting:\u003c\/strong\u003e ⅜” thick steel brackets include anchor points for ¾” D-ring shackles, ideal for recovery (shackles not included). The open design allows for quick visual checks during installation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClear Visibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e The laser-cut Backland E.G. logo improves visibility for hitching or mounting heavy accessories such as bike racks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHitch Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fits Mercedes factory hitches (2019+) and CURT Class 3 Hitch 13388 (requires drilling for 2007–2018 vans).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mounting bracket spacing is 33½”. Some 3500 models may have narrower hitches. See photos for reference.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSo, whether you’re focused on reducing weight, improving fuel efficiency, or simply want a smarter, easier way to access your gear, the APEX Aluminum Rear Step Bumper is the perfect addition — especially when paired with our OX Door Carriers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Backland Expedition Gear","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48958855807133,"sku":"APEX-RSTP-ALU","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/8094\/0445\/files\/IMG_3775_0b5552ca-09ac-4f1c-a6c8-aa27cd6462e8.jpg?v=1790621454","url":"https:\/\/vanhub.ca\/products\/apex-rear-step-bumper-aluminum","provider":"VanHub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}