Side Steps - How tough are they?

[cate03]

I've been fortunate on my 4WD adventures not to hook up on my side steps so far.
Having a previous 4WD with mega sliders, I used to give them a pounding without any concern, however, I'm cautious with the body mounted steps on the Challenger.
Question is, has anyone inadvertently had the opportunity to test the strength/durability of the Challenger steps, and how did they hold up?

Cheers,
Carl

[jimsiron]

More decoration than functional.

[Stevie-Ray]

They only do two things...

...reduces stone-chipping + helps your kids climb in.
Don't expect them to do anything more!

Cheers

[Pickle]

Usually first to kiss goodbye on a good track.
Dave

[LukeS]

agree. my experiance with them is they are stronger then the alloy platform type side step but they still only bolt to the body and not the chassis rail. I've already bent one side up once so will be replacing them with sliders this year.

[wasarangie]

I have seen these type of steps destroyed on other vehicles so would not like to hit anything with them at all.

I would like to fit sliders but would like to know the effect on the side impact for the airbags. Would sliders actually be legal on a vehicle fitted with side airbags? Given that front bars have to be airbag compatible I would like any opinion, facts about the legal side of things.

[Ballfyboy]

I have given mine a few good hits. I feel they are quite a lot stronger than the Triton aluminum ones. I still would not wish to weigh the whole car on them tho. Maybe somebody will develop the sliders soon. I would purchase them (what haven't I purchased ) and could not really see that they would alter the air bags to greatly. IMO the more steel between me and the next guy the better!

[LukeS]

Maybe somebody will develop the sliders soon. I would purchase them (what haven't I purchased ) and could not really see that they would alter the air bags to greatly. IMO the more steel between me and the next guy the better!

I've have beached mine on the side step.. nothing a 2 man bounce couldnt fix... But they are better then the old alloy steps.

APT fabrications in Tingalpa will do up a custom set fitted for $700. They do a good job too, a mate just got some done for his cruiser - very nice and I think on the challenger their is an inch or so clearance to be gained!