{"product_id":"apex-rock-sliders-side-steps-170-drop-down-steel","title":"APEX - Rock Sliders \/ Side Steps - 170 - Drop Down - Steel","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"price-label l-cell l-cell-3-4 type-break-word\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"ember34\" class=\"line-item-row-container ember-view\"\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\u003cdiv class=\"price-label l-cell l-cell-3-4 type-break-word\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"ember34\" class=\"line-item-row-container ember-view\"\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\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 for Sprinter Vans – The Ultimate Side Steps for Overlanding Adventures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElevate your Sprinter Van's protection and style with the \u003cb\u003eApex Series Rock Sliders Drop Down\u003c\/b\u003e—more than just side steps, they're designed to safeguard your vehicle and enhance your over-landing experience. Crafted for Mercedes Sprinter 170 Vans, these rock sliders offer superior protection, easy access, and a rugged, stylish look for your adventure van.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't Settle for Less—Choose Apex Rock Sliders\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it comes to over-landing and protecting your Sprinter Van, don't settle for anything less than the best. Trust the Apex Series Rock Sliders to provide unmatched protection, functionality, and style for your van.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\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\u003eWhy add Rock Sliders?\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose Apex Series Rock Sliders for Your Sprinter Van?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned with the avid Overlander in mind, the Apex Series Rock Sliders are essential for preventing damage and enhancing convenience. Their 9-inch drop-down step provides effortless entry and exit, not only for you but also for your companions and even your \u003cstrong\u003efurry friends\u003c\/strong\u003e. Finished with INDY Protective Coating, these sliders ensure a \u003cstrong\u003enon-slip grip \u003c\/strong\u003efor safe access, even in wet or snowy conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eDo You Really Need Rock Sliders If You’re Not Going Off-Road?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIn short: yes\u003c\/b\u003e—especially if you’re driving a long-wheelbase van like a Sprinter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Backland, we didn’t create the \u003cb\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders\u003c\/b\u003e just for technical trail use. We built them to solve a common, costly problem: protecting the vulnerable rocker panels of high-clearance, long-wheelbase vans with tight turning radii.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou don’t need to be deep in the backcountry to catch a \u003cb\u003elow stump\u003c\/b\u003e, a \u003cb\u003ehidden fire ring\u003c\/b\u003e, or a poorly placed \u003cb\u003eparking post\u003c\/b\u003e. Even something as ordinary as a \u003cb\u003egas station bollard\u003c\/b\u003e can cause serious body damage—turning a weekend getaway into an expensive detour to the body shop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat’s why APEX Rock Sliders exist: to give you peace of mind in real-world conditions, not just extreme off-road scenarios. They’re designed to take the hit, so your van doesn’t have to—keeping you on the road, and your adventure uninterrupted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Genesis of the Apex Rock Sliders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSince 2020, we've worked to solve the common issues faced by \u003cstrong\u003eSprinter Van owners\u003c\/strong\u003e, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStone Damage\u003c\/strong\u003e: Tires kicking up stones can chip the paint along your van’s side. The Apex Series Rock Sliders help guard against these damaging impacts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRocker Panel Protection\u003c\/strong\u003e: Sprinter Vans are prone to rocker panel damage from tight turns and side swipes. Our rock sliders offer full coverage for long-lasting protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImproper Lifting\u003c\/strong\u003e: Many van owners face rocker panel damage when their vehicle is improperly lifted. Our sliders serve as a robust solution, avoiding common lifting mishaps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle \u0026amp; Function\u003c\/strong\u003e: We focused on delivering a product that’s as functional as it is aesthetic—ideal for the frequent in-and-out movement on camping trips.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile many have tried to replicate our design, none offer the same level of durability and protection as the Apex Series Rock Sliders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\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\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe Definition of a Rock Slider\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock sliders are reinforced metal bars or panels attached to the sides of off-road vehicles, such as Toyota Tacomas or Mercedes Sprinters, to protect the rocker panels from damage caused by rocks and other obstacles. However, because Sprinter Vans feature unibody construction, true rock sliders are impractical. The Apex Series provides the same level of protection without requiring welding, ensuring your vehicle stays safe during tough adventures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal for Off-Roading and Overlanding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Apex Drop Down Rock Sliders offer a 3-inch drop, providing a full 9-inch lower step than the sliding doorstep. Plus, the 6-inch depth ensures a comfortable, stable step up into your van.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor off-road enthusiasts, we recommend pairing the Apex Rock Sliders with a Hi-Lift LM-100 Lift-Mate or using a 12,000 lb winch for recovery situations. These sliders can support your vehicle’s weight during light recovery, but it’s best to use the proper tools for lifting and recovery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMaterials \u0026amp; INDY\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eINDY Protective Coating\u003c\/strong\u003e: We chose this polyurea-based coating for its exceptional durability, rust resistance, and non-slip texture. Developed in Texas and available exclusively in Western Canada, it ensures the sliders maintain their sleek appearance for years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCraftsmanship\u003c\/strong\u003e: Each set of sliders is laser-cut, formed, and welded in Canada \u003cimg data-emoji=\"🇨🇦\" class=\"an1\" alt=\"🇨🇦\" aria-label=\"🇨🇦\" src=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\/s\/e\/notoemoji\/15.0\/1f1e8_1f1e6\/72.png\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"31\" height=\"31\"\u003e, then sandblasted for perfect coating adhesion. Every piece is carefully inspected for quality and durability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStainless Steel Brackets\u003c\/strong\u003e: The brackets are made of high-quality stainless steel, which offers outstanding corrosion resistance, even when exposed to water, mud, and road salt. This ensures that the sliders stay strong and intact through all types of terrain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy Access\u003c\/strong\u003e: With a 9-inch lower step than the Sprinter’s standard sliding doorstep, the Apex Drop Down Rock Slider makes it easier to get in and out of your van—perfect for everyday use or off-road adventures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVehicle-Specific Fit\u003c\/strong\u003e: Designed to fit \u003cstrong\u003e2007-2025 Sprinter Vans\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Apex Series provides a perfect blend of fit, function, and style, enhancing your van’s appearance while offering practical protection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Protection\u003c\/strong\u003e: Even if you're not an off-roader, these full-length rock sliders protect your van’s underbody and rocker panels from rocks, stumps, and debris that could cause damage or rust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eComplementary Gear\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pair your Apex Rock Sliders with an\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/ibex-series-side-ladder-high-roof-sprinter-van-aluminum\" title=\"IBEX Series Aluminum Side Ladder for Sprinter Vans\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eIBEX side ladder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e for a complete entry solution—tailored to your van’s design.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptional upgrades:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlready have a side-mounted ladder? No problem! We offer a \u003cstrong\u003eshortened version\u003c\/strong\u003e of the Apex Rock Sliders\/Side Steps for a perfect fit. Click here for more details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for more ground clearance for rugged off-road terrain? Check out our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/rock-sliders-side-steps-sprinter-170?_pos=2\u0026amp;_psq=170+regula\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" title=\"APEX Rock Sliders for Mercedes Sprinter Vans 170 wheelbase\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAPEX Regular Rock Sliders\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, designed specifically for off-roading without compromising durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\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":48958851547293,"sku":"APEX-RKSD-170-DD-STL-SET","price":2695.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/8094\/0445\/files\/IMG_5327.jpg?v=1790621399","url":"https:\/\/vanhub.ca\/products\/apex-rock-sliders-side-steps-170-drop-down-steel","provider":"VanHub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}