Owl side steps
- Thread starter s.adler
- Start date
Rocksnsalt
There Can Be Only ONE
I do not own them but checked them out in person and think they’re certainly beefy looking, well constructed, and innovative as they have storage capability which is a great feature. They’re also a quick r&r for steps on a Storyteller and at least a few others.
Downsides imnsho are:
1) They hang down lower than I would prefer for an “off roady” Sprinter. Yes that makes it easier to step in, I get that, just sayin’.
2) Install is the same as most other Sprinter side steps, drill and bolt into pinch weld in various places, and a few supports up higher through the factory plugged holes in the inside wall of the side underbody. Same as most other Sprinter steps.
Fine I suppose but not really that strong.
3) No nerf/rock slider capability, and not able to utilize a high lift jack as far as I know.
I think OWL blew it there. But that’s just me.
I’m sure I’m probably just unaware, but to my knowledge the only Sprinter side steps that are actual sliders and can accomodate a hi lift are from VC, and I think Roambuilt. I’d like to know if any others.
Downsides imnsho are:
1) They hang down lower than I would prefer for an “off roady” Sprinter. Yes that makes it easier to step in, I get that, just sayin’.
2) Install is the same as most other Sprinter side steps, drill and bolt into pinch weld in various places, and a few supports up higher through the factory plugged holes in the inside wall of the side underbody. Same as most other Sprinter steps.
Fine I suppose but not really that strong.
3) No nerf/rock slider capability, and not able to utilize a high lift jack as far as I know.
I think OWL blew it there. But that’s just me.
I’m sure I’m probably just unaware, but to my knowledge the only Sprinter side steps that are actual sliders and can accomodate a hi lift are from VC, and I think Roambuilt. I’d like to know if any others.
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MaxinePetersen
New member
Hey! We really appreciate the feedback. We try to meet in the middle with usability and high clearance. In order to achieve both, we had to make something that is both capable and useful. The main function is to be a side step and not a rock slider. While they will offer some protection, they are not designed to protect your vehicle from hard hits to the side panel. Please reach out to our techs if you have any questions or to discuss what works best for your situation 866 779-0551
Rocksnsalt
There Can Be Only ONE
Welcome to the forum.
Good to see another vendor paying attention to the forum whose members no doubt contribute considerably to it’s income.
I mean that sincerely.
Appreciate the info. Yes meeting in the middle seems to be the thing a number of sidesteps have in common, especially since the primary purpose is to assist in getting in and out of the vehicle.
My point is since OWL has a nice selection of “off roady” stuff for sprinters, I was somewhat surprised the steps did not have slider capability. But 99% of Sprinter owners will likely never need that feature. That said, a few will wish they had it after sustaining rocker damage. I’ve come close, fortunately clearing by a smidge is as good as clearing by a mile.
The Owl steps are certainly nice “off roady” and rugged looking steps and one has to love the storage possibilities they offer.
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Fourbye
Well-known member
I just finished my install on a 2020 144" low roof 4x4. It was a bit of work mounting the brackets but they are strong. Typical excellent OWL design and quality. I lost a bit of under clearance and expect to slam into some rocks sooner or later. Oh, well, that's four bye-ing.
fireball05
Newly arrived 2021 144HR 4x4 passenger
I waited for the Owl units to come out but ultimately decided the Backland offering would be better for our use-case.
backlandgear.com
APEX Series - Steel Rock Sliders / Side Steps - 144 | Backland Expedition Gear
Discover APEX Series rock sliders / side steps for Mercedes Sprinter Vans. Elevate stance, ensure protection, and redefine accessibility. %
backlandgear.com
Rocksnsalt
There Can Be Only ONE
Oh yeah, saw a while back and forgot about those. Nice.I waited for the Owl units to come out but ultimately decided the Backland offering would be better for our use-case.
APEX Series - Steel Rock Sliders / Side Steps - 144 | Backland Expedition Gear
Discover APEX Series rock sliders / side steps for Mercedes Sprinter Vans. Elevate stance, ensure protection, and redefine accessibility. %
Very similar look to the ones from RUGGED Designs Chad has on Living The Van Life youtube, which are not sliders.
So much for rugged. ?
Backland also makes a Drop Down step version that still claims to be a slider. So there’s that. ?
APEX Series Rock Sliders Side Steps with Drop Down - 144 | Backland Expedition Gear
The Apex Series Rock Sliders are more than side steps. They are 9 full inches lower than your interior step, designed to help you get in and out of your Sprinter easily. If you are looking for more ground clearance, please see our Regular Rock Sliders. With its nonslip INDY Protective Coating...
backlandgear.com
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fireball05
Newly arrived 2021 144HR 4x4 passenger
Agreed they seem to skip the most important part!
Tom has a great build thread with very detailed pictures that show mounting and installation details:
sprinter-source.com
(if the direct link doesn't work, install and product pics start on post #363, page 19 of build thread)
Tom has a great build thread with very detailed pictures that show mounting and installation details:
Hodakaguy's 4x4 Sprinter Conversion - Pic heavy!
Love my wet wiper system. Note that if you use it the same technique as old system (several wiper passes with fluid spraying), it really sucks the fluid down One pass with wash on is sufficient with this system.
(if the direct link doesn't work, install and product pics start on post #363, page 19 of build thread)
mysocalledvanlife
Member
You can always go with the Vanspeed Sidesteps. One thing I appreciate about them is the parts are readily available and you are not spending months to wait for your order.
Attachments
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IMG_0787.jpg
Rocket_Man
Member
Do you have more pics other than what is on your website?
jcmadeintheshade@gmail.com
Well-known member
What do you have for us T1N owners with a 2500 158 wb?
mysocalledvanlife
Member
Its updated:
Sprinter Side Steps, Sprinter Running Boards - Vanspeed
The Vanspeed Sprinter side steps, also known as running boards were designed and manufactured to fit your vehicle seamlessly while keeping a clean aesthetic look. Made in the USA. Easy DIY install w/ instructions.
thevanmart.com
So, it reduces the clearance, but still higher than the low point transfer case, correct?
The_D
passenger awd
That math will work on flat surfaces, when h have tilt left and right- it don’t
also pinch veld is the only thing keeping them, so bolt / pinch are week point
for off-road I’d choose VC side step, otherwise any would work it is decorative piece of tubing that help people overcome oversize tires they installed or so
Rocksnsalt
There Can Be Only ONE
diff pumpkin is low point, rear shock mounts, A arms up front.
KrellyKryl
Well-known member
The issue with steps that sit lower isn't that they go below your other low points, it's that you lose a huge amount of break-over angle. I used to have the VanSpeed steps (great steps, but I like the Owl ones too), so something to keep in mind. If you find yourself going on the dirt with a lot of dips, undulations, and rocks, don't get steps that hang lower.
Do these Westin steps sit higher? It looks like it may. Not as stylish, steel, and $1500.
https://www.carid.com/2023-mercedes.../westin-outlaw-running-boards-5582986666.html
https://www.carid.com/2023-mercedes.../westin-outlaw-running-boards-5582986666.html
marklg
Well-known member
I get it as someone who busted a step bracket on some rocks, but on a camper there is lots of stuff under there to be busted. You pays your money and you takes your chances.
Regards,
Mark
Fourbye
Well-known member
KrellyKryl said:
The issue with steps that sit lower isn't that they go below your other low points, it's that you lose a huge amount of break-over angle. I used to have the VanSpeed steps (great steps, but I like the Owl ones too), so something to keep in mind. If you find yourself going on the dirt with a lot of dips, undulations, and rocks, don't get steps that hang lower.
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My reply:
After a few years of running the hefty OWL side steps, I've replaced one of them twice. After this last encounter with a large rock, I had them removed and installed the AMP power steps. Quite happy with them!
This is after I jumped on the errant step numerous times retrying to lower it so I could open the door. You can see how much it originally bent up by the dent.. It ultimately took two men jumping on it to get it low enough. Add another $1800 for lower panel bodywork and paint....
I've also got the VC rear diff skid plate (which saved my ass once) and the full Agile front skid plates and CA Tuned front bumper/winch.
NOT fun:
