{"product_id":"apex-rock-sliders-side-steps-144-drop-down-steel","title":"APEX - Rock Sliders \/ Side Steps - 144 - Drop Down - Steel","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"price-label l-cell l-cell-3-4 type-break-word\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"line-item-row-container ember-view\" id=\"ember34\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"line-item-row line-item-description-row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"price-label l-cell l-cell-3-4 type-break-word\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders – more than side steps!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to overlanding and off-roading, your vehicle deserves the best protection. The APEX Series Rock Sliders are not just side steps – they are a must-have for safeguarding your 144 WB Sprinter Van on rugged terrain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned with functionality and style in mind, these rock sliders provide ease of access while keeping your vehicle safe from damage. With a \u003cstrong\u003e9\" drop-down \u003c\/strong\u003estep, they ensure smooth entry and exit for you, your companions, and even your furry friends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeed your sliders installed? \u003c\/strong\u003eNot a problem, our experienced team of technicians will be happy to help you! Add installation option below. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Rock Sliders?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Is a Rock Slider?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rock slider is a heavy-duty, reinforced metal bar or panel installed along the sides of off-road vehicles like trucks and vans. While traditional rock sliders protect against impacts from rocks and obstacles, Sprinter vans feature unibody construction, which means they cannot support the weight of a van like rock sliders on ladder-frame trucks. Instead, the APEX Series Rock Sliders are designed to provide exceptional protection against side impacts and obstacles while also acting as side steps for easy access to your van.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose APEX Series Rock Sliders?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders\u003c\/strong\u003e were crafted with overlanders and off-road enthusiasts in mind. Since their inception in 2020, we've worked tirelessly to address common issues faced by Mercedes Sprinter owners, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStone Damage\u003c\/strong\u003e: All-terrain tires can kick up rocks, chipping the paint along your van's sides resulting in rust spots in 2-3 years of usage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRocker Panel Protection\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tight turning radius and a long wheelbase make Sprinter vans vulnerable to side swipes and rocker panel damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImproper Lifting\u003c\/strong\u003e: Many Sprinter owners have experienced rocker panel damage from improper lifting methods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunctionality and Style\u003c\/strong\u003e: We aimed to provide a rugged yet aesthetically pleasing side step for ease of use during frequent climbs in and out of the van on camping trips.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've gone above and beyond with the \u003cstrong\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders\u003c\/strong\u003e, and while others have tried to replicate our design, no one matches the level of protection, quality, and durability we deliver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDesigned for Your Sprinter Van – Perfect Fit and Function\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur \u003cstrong\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders\u003c\/strong\u003e are purpose-built to fit \u003cstrong\u003eall Mercedes Sprinter models\u003c\/strong\u003e, from the 2007 edition to the latest model. Tailored to the exact contours of your vehicle’s rocker panels, these sliders enhance both the appearance and functionality of your van.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you already have a side-mounted ladder or need access to your water tank drains, the\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eAPEX Rock Sliders are the perfect addition to your Sprinter van.\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eNeed more ground clearance? Check out our\u003ca title=\"Running Boards for Mercedes Sprinter Van\" href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/rock-sliders-side-steps-sprinter-144\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAPEX Regular Rock Sliders\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for an off-road specific design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eRock Slider \/ Side Step Features:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEase of Access\u003c\/strong\u003e: With a 9” lower step than the interior step, the Drop Down Rock Sliders make it easier for you and your passengers to get in and out of your camper.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFull-Length Protection\u003c\/strong\u003e: Keep your vehicle safe from rocks, stumps, and obstacles—preventing costly side panel damage and stone chips that could lead to premature rust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStylish \u0026amp; Tailored Design\u003c\/strong\u003e: Bent-by-design, these sliders fit perfectly along your Sprinter's rocker panels, boosting both aesthetics and functionality.\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e: Perfect fit for all Mercedes Sprinter models (2007-Current), ensuring seamless integration with your van.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUpgrade Option\u003c\/strong\u003e: For a complete upgrade, pair the APEX Rock Sliders with your \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/ibex-series-side-ladder-high-roof-sprinter-van-aluminum?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=46e1d1bc8\u0026amp;_ss=r\u0026amp;variant=48341687927092\" for=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIBEX side ladder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for enhanced access and additional protection.\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eOff-Road Adventures\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStainless Steel Brackets for Long-Term Durability\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Backland Expedition Gear, we prioritize durability and reliability in every product. For our APEX Series Rock Sliders, the brackets are made from high-quality stainless steel, specifically chosen for its exceptional rust resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese brackets endure constant exposure to water, mud, and road salt, making corrosion resistance critical for long-term performance. Unlike mild steel, stainless steel resists rust and requires no maintenance, ensuring the brackets remain strong and secure over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy combining stainless steel brackets with rugged rock slider materials, we deliver a balanced design that’s tough, durable, and built to handle any trails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSafe Recovery and Lifting Recommendations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile our APEX Rock Sliders provide excellent side protection, they are not designed to support the weight of a 9,000-11,000 lb Sprinter Van when lifting. For safe lifting and recovery, we recommend using a Hi-Lift LM-100 Lift-Mate or a 12,000 lb winch for recovery. If you need to replace a tire, the Mercedes bottle jack is the safest option for lifting from the rear axle or front trailing arm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGround Clearance vs. Accessibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for more ground clearance and off-road capability, consider our\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003eAPEX Regular Rock Sliders\u003c\/b\u003e. For those seeking a balance of convenience and protection, the Drop Down Rock Sliders provide a 9\" lower step, with a 6\" depth for added ease when entering or exiting your camper van.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eINDY Protection\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003ePremium Protection with INDY Coating\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders\u003c\/strong\u003e feature \u003cstrong\u003eINDY Protective Coating\u003c\/strong\u003e, a \u003cstrong\u003epolyurea-based finish\u003c\/strong\u003e that ensures superior durability, rust resistance, and non-slip grip—even in snow and wet conditions. This high-performance coating is exclusively made in Texas and available in Western Canada, providing an even texture that stands the test of time and wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach slider is laser-cut, formed, and welded in \u003cstrong\u003eCanada\u003c\/strong\u003e, then sandblasted to remove mill scale, ensuring optimal adhesion. Hard-to-coat areas are meticulously inspected and sealed before being coated, followed by a second inspection to maintain high-quality standards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Backland Expedition Gear","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48958851940509,"sku":"APEX-RKSD-144-DD-STL-SET","price":2395.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/8094\/0445\/files\/7BD34941-D9AE-4985-93BC-3AFCA03F03BC.jpg?v=1790621404","url":"https:\/\/vanhub.ca\/products\/apex-rock-sliders-side-steps-144-drop-down-steel","provider":"VanHub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}