How do you step into your tow rig?

[GIJOE]

When I bought my truck back in 2000, I wanted a set of bars that went from wheel well to wheel well to ease the retrieval of items from the tool box. The only ones that were long enough were made for a Suburban, and the attachments were not in the correct location for a Silverado, so I made my own. The bars are built out of 3"x3" square tubing, 3" flat bar for the step cut outs, and 3" channel for the attachment brackets.

Joe

 

[Diamondpilot]

When I bought my truck back in 2000, I wanted a set of bars that went from wheel well to wheel well to ease the retrieval of items from the tool box. The only ones that were long enough were made for a Suburban, and the attachments were not in the correct location for a Silverado, so I made my own. The bars are built out of 3"x3" square tubing, 3" flat bar for the step cut outs, and 3" channel for the attachment brackets.

Joe

Hey Joe, you should sue Ford for stealing your idea. The new trucks have steps for that.

No, really its a good idea.

Chris

 

[Willl]

Don't get running boards that have a rubber strip that touches the body like this one.

It'll rub a hole right through.

 

[bjess8]

I have an 05 chevy 2500 EC and thought about putting 4" step tubes on it has anyone have any good or bad about 4" instead of 3" tubes?

 

[Diamondpilot]

I like the 4" much better. My neighbor has 3" on his Chevy Dmax 3500 and they look like tooth picks. I think there is only a slight steeping area advantage but the looks of the 4" are much better.

Chris

 

[bitternut]

Well I took a walk around my local Walmart and Home Depot parking lots to check out all the trucks with step bars and running boards. There was quite a variety to look at and after checking out quite a few dozen rigs I decided to order a set of Nasta 3" stainless bars. Price was a factor as well as the all 304 stainless including mounting hardware.

All of the flat bars, oval bars and running boards seemed to collect a lot more ice and road slop than the 3" round ones. Since I am located in a serious rust belt area the stainless and tendency to shed road crap was a key factor in my decision.

The swing out steps seemed like a problem waiting to happen in my area, especially since I also travel a few dirt roads. I have had frozen mud loaded up on the underside of my truck many times. The car washes love me when that happens.

Thank you to all that shared your experience and opinions.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Well I took a walk around my local Walmart and Home Depot parking lots to check out all the trucks with step bars and running boards. There was quite a variety to look at and after checking out quite a few dozen rigs I decided to order a set of Nasta 3" stainless bars. Price was a factor as well as the all 304 stainless including mounting hardware.

The Nasta are good bars. It is what the guy in the post above, my neighbor with a 3500 Dmax, has.

No signs of rust so far in the second year. I personally like the 4" bar primarily for my wife and her shoes, needs a flat area to step on and the 3" are much more rounded, but its all personal preference.



Chris

 

[Builder]

My neighbor has an F-350. Sits twice as high as my GMC.
He uses a gymnast's springboard to get into his truck.

 

[downslope]

I had a 2000 GMC 3500 4WD pickup. Replaced with a 2008 3500 4WD. I can't believe how much higher the 08 is. The tire size is one larger, I think 255vs245 (SRW), but the height difference has to be due to more than that. What model year did the 3500 get the big lift, was it 2007? I think I liked the lower profile better, easier to load and remove items in the bed from the side, but the 08 is definitely more truck.

 

[Builder]

I had a 2000 GMC 3500 4WD pickup. Replaced with a 2008 3500 4WD. I can't believe how much higher the 08 is. The tire size is one larger, I think 255vs245 (SRW), but the height difference has to be due to more than that. What model year did the 3500 get the big lift, was it 2007? I think I liked the lower profile better, easier to load and remove items in the bed from the side, but the 08 is definitely more truck.

They went from a 245 to a 265.
A nice thing about 265's is they're cheap to replace compared to the 17,18 or 20 inch rim tires.