{"product_id":"apex-rock-sliders-side-steps-170-regular-steel","title":"APEX - Rock Sliders \/ Side Steps - 170 - Regular - Steel","description":"\u003ch3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders: Elevate Your Sprinter's Stance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eDive into the world of Sprinter enhancements with the \u003cb\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders\u003c\/b\u003e Side Steps. They don't just redefine side steps; they set the gold standard in design and protection.\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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eHistory of APEX Series:\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBack in 2020, when we developed the APEX Rock Slider, our goal was to tackle four key problems faced by all Mercedes Sprinter owners:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStone Damage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Aggressive all-terrain tires often throw stones that chip paint along the sides of the van, eventually causing rust spots. Speaking from experience, our first Sprinter had its side panels repainted just four years after we bought it new.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRocker Panel Protection\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Sprinter’s tight turning radius and long wheelbase make it particularly susceptible to side swipes and rocker panel damage. That’s why we chose steel for the construction—slightly heavier than aluminum, but the most reliable material for a true rock slider. However, if weight is your priority, we also offer an all-aluminum option. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImproper Lifting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: We’ve seen—and repaired—numerous rocker panels damaged by mechanics attempting to lift a 9,000 lbs + van from the pinch seam. (This even happened to Backland’s Sprinter just five days after leaving the dealership!)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-tab-span\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunctionality and Style\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: We wanted a rugged, aesthetically pleasing, and symmetrical side step to enhance convenience and enjoyment during camping trips, especially with frequent climbing in and out of the van.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe believe we’ve exceeded expectations with the APEX Series Rock Sliders. Many have attempted to replicate our design, but none have matched the level of protection and quality we deliver!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe chose \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eINDY Protective Coating\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e to finish our steps, offering the ultimate in durability and rust protection, as well as exceptional non-slip safety—even when covered with snow. INDY Coating is a polyurea-based product made in Texas and exclusively available in Western Canada. It features a beautiful, even texture that maintains its fresh appearance for years, unlike other textured polyurethane coatings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptimal Access: \u003c\/strong\u003ePositioned 6 inches below your Sprinter's default step, these rock sliders side steps allow you to step in and out with ease. Moreover, for those eyeing an even lower access point, consider our \u003ca title=\"APEX - Rock Sliders \/ Side Steps - 170 - Drop Down - Steel\" href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/apex-series-rock-sliders-side-steps-drop-down-170?_pos=4\u0026amp;_fid=015ccaf0b\u0026amp;_ss=c\"\u003eDrop Down variant\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eInstallation\u003c\/strong\u003e: Back in 2023 we redesigned the mounting brackets (now made of stainless steel) to create what could be the simplest and quickest installation of all available Sprinter specific side steps while improving the overall stiffness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFormidable Defense:\u003c\/strong\u003e Beyond their stylish appearance, these sliders boast a non-slip INDY Protective Coating. Consequently, they actively guard against outdoor elements like rocks, stumps, and stone chips that can cause rust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrategic Placement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fitted snugly beneath the rocker panels, they shield the crucial pinch seam, enhancing your ground clearance. In doing so, they ward off potential threats to your van's exterior.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdaptable Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e We've meticulously shaped them to complement the rocker panels’ natural curves. Additionally, if you already have a pinch seam-mounted ladder, we can provide a custom version. Reach out to us!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReliable Support: \u003c\/strong\u003eMechanics often lift using the pinch seam, risking your Sprinter’s structural health. These rock sliders side steps counter that risk. Reinforced to bear your van’s weight, they prioritize safety and longevity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBackland Expedition Gear\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, we prioritize durability and reliability in every product. For our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebrackets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are made from high-quality \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003estainless steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, specifically chosen for its exceptional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003erust resistance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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 minimal maintenance, ensuring the brackets remain strong and secure over time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eWhat is a Rock Slider? \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003eDo I Really Need Rock Sliders on My Van?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven if you’re not tackling extreme off-road trails, the \u003cb\u003eanswer is often yes\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe designed the \u003cb\u003eAPEX Series Rock Sliders\u003c\/b\u003e not just for hardcore overlanders, but for everyday vanlifers and road trippers who understand how vulnerable a long wheelbase van with a tight turning radius can be. You don’t need to be rock crawling to damage your Sprinter’s side panels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom \u003cb\u003ehidden fire pits\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb\u003elow stumps \u003c\/b\u003eat campsites to \u003cb\u003ebollards\u003c\/b\u003e at gas stations or parking lot curbs, real-world hazards can cause serious and expensive damage to your rocker panels. Rock Sliders serve as a first line of defense—keeping your trip on track even if you do make contact with an obstacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’s not about pushing limits. It’s about protecting your investment so you can focus on the adventure—not the repairs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvery step is meticulously laser-cut, formed, and welded in Canada, then sandblasted to remove mill scale, ensuring a surface that allows for optimal adhesion. Hard-to-coat areas are carefully inspected and sealed before finishing, then inspected again after coating to maintain the highest quality standards. Each step is either carefully packaged or installed directly at our facility, delivering a product that’s truly built to last.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned to maximize ground clearance for off-road adventures, these are the top choice for \u003cb\u003e2WD vans\u003c\/b\u003e. Perfectly tailored for all Mercedes Sprinters, from 2007 to the latest model. Fit, function, and style designed just for your van. Looking for a lower step? Please see our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Sprinter Side Steps\" href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/apex-series-rock-sliders-side-steps-with-drop-down-170?_pos=6\u0026amp;_psq=170\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\"\u003eAPEX Series Drop Down Rock Sliders\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are APEX Series Rock Sliders?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOff-road rock sliders are durable, reinforced metal bars or panels mounted along the sides of a ladder-frame 4x4 truck (Ex: Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes G Wagon, Ineos Grenadier), directly attached to the vehicle’s frame. Their primary purpose is to protect the rocker panels and underbody from damage caused by rocks, stumps, or other obstacles encountered on rugged off-road terrain. Rock sliders also help distribute the weight of the vehicle if it slides against obstacles, and some are strong enough to serve as a step or support for jacking up the truck during recovery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSprinter vans feature a unibody construction, which makes welding a true rock slider impractical. To address this, we developed the APEX Series—designed to deliver superior rocker panel protection against side impacts. However, they have limited capacity to support the weight of a 9,000-11,000 lb van when using a Hi-Lift jack.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor side lifting a camper van, we recommend using a Hi-Lift LM-100 Lift-Mate, which enables the jack to lift the vehicle directly from the wheel. While we have successfully lifted our vans using the APEX rock sliders (specifically from the inner square tube), this tested the limits of the Hi-Lift XT485 48-Inch X-TREME Jack (rated at 4,500 lbs). As such, we do not recommend this method. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor safer recovery of a stuck Sprinter, we suggest using a \u003ca title=\"WARN Industries: VR EVO 12-S Winch - 103255 12V DC Synthetic Cable\" href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/warn-industries-vr-evo-12-s-winch-103255-12v-dc-synthetic-cable?_pos=5\u0026amp;_psq=winch\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\"\u003e12,000 lb winch\u003c\/a\u003e or traction boards such as \u003ca title=\"MAXTRAX - MK2 Recovery Boards\" href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/products\/maxtrax-metal-teeth-od-pair-copy?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=max\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\"\u003eMaxtrax\u003c\/a\u003e. If you need to replace a damaged tire, the Mercedes bottle jack is the safest option, lifting from the rear axle or front trailing arm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003eFinally, when you pair them with our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/backlandgear.com\/collections\/ibex-ladders\" title=\"Sprinter Side Ladder\"\u003eIBEX side ladder\u003c\/a\u003e, the combination is transformative. Together, they redefine your Sprinter's accessibility.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Backland Expedition Gear","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48958849843357,"sku":"APEX-RKSD-170-REG-STL-SET","price":2595.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0595\/8094\/0445\/files\/IMG_6863_35116538-aa71-40a4-8336-dd2c6bc3dcc1.jpg?v=1790621394","url":"https:\/\/vanhub.ca\/products\/apex-rock-sliders-side-steps-170-regular-steel","provider":"VanHub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}