The Hunt is on for Rock Sliders or also known as Rock Rails, for “Bertha Mae” my 2017 F-150.
I recently decided to do an Overland build using my existing truck instead of buying an old Land Cruiser or Jeep.
We took Bertha Mae on a test to see how she will do at 100% stock, which allowed me to make a list of modifications.
This list was broken down into two categories.
Primary Category: Must Haves
Sub-Category: Want to Have
The Primary Category, ie; The Must Haves is where the issue lay. The Must Haves are fairly simplistic, suspension and armor.
The suspension is uber easy to source, everybody and their brother sells leveling kits for my specific truck and every other truck there is on Amazon.
(Side note, one of the things I love about Amazon, I can shop while on the road and it’s usually waiting for me when I get home.)
Anyway, Armor for my truck consist of a metal skid plate for the gas tank, as the stock skid plate is plastic. I know, kind of dumb in my opinion too, to have a plastic skid plate on a 36 gallon plastic fuel tank. My cutie pie husband sourced this one out in all of five minutes. Cool part is because I have the plastic skid plate as part of my Off Road Package, the existing mounting hardware can be used for the new Aluminum Skid Plate.
The Rock Rails/Rock Sliders is a whole story in itself.
I have been to all the four wheel specialty stores in our area, along with all the stores I deliver to and I have searched online and they all have one thing in common “buyer be aware”.
I thought I found the perfect set but on closer inspection of the goods, they were simply Nerf Bars. Don’t get me wrong if Nerf Bars is what you are looking for, go forth and conquer.
A true Rock Rail/Rock Sliders are mounted to the frame and NOT to the rocker panel. Otherwise they are either steps or running boards.
And to be perfectly honest it pisses me off for a supplier to try and sell a product under pretense.
The Differences between Running Boards, Nerf Bar and Rock Rail/Rock Sliders
Running boards- Simply put Running Boards are flat board shaped steps for easy cab access. Usually mounted to the rocker panel (sheet metal) and can withstand the weight of a person.
Nerf bar- Nerf Bars is also a step for easy cab access but shaped tubular or oval. And is usually mounted to the rocker panel (sheet metal) and they too can withstand the weight of a person.
Rock Rails/Rock Sliders- Are made with thicker walled steel and are mounted with either bolts or welded directly to the frame of the truck. They are designed to withstand the weight of the entire truck. Thus not damaging the body.
If you were to put the entire weight of your truck on either Running Boards or Nerf Bars at best you will bend them at worst you will bend them up into your rocker panel and/or rip out the mountinghardware.
White Knuckle out of Apple Valley, CA makes a pair that can withstand the weight of the entire truck. I watched two separate demonstration and reviews of EXTREME TEST.
I was so excited I not only emailed them but because I am at times impatient I called to get a quote (which was a formality because I wanted a set) BUT they don’t make them for my truck. Bummer, right??
The Hunt Continues…
Enjoy the Ride
Bell
Here are some products that might work for your Overland Build.
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
ORCA ROCKET BEER HOLDER-Â Â https://amzn.to/2O5W7Hl
BEER-Â Â https://amzn.to/2MidSTbÂ
I ORDERED THE 2″ LEVELING KIT WHILE ON THE ROAD AND IT WAS WAITING FOR ME WHEN I GOT HOME.
2″ LEVELING KIT-Â Â https://amzn.to/2LThlvqÂ
NERF BARS-Â https://amzn.to/2OcbPASÂ
SOME OTHER COOL OVERLAND STUFF.
BULL BARS- https://amzn.to/2O48YJS
X-BULL 12V 12000 LB STEEL CABLE WINCH-Â https://amzn.to/2KrN0ypÂ
Disclaimer: The links included here are from my affiliates. Should you choose to purchase the listed products or any other products while you are there, I will receive a small commission. Your purchases are confidential and I am not privy to who purchased or payment method. Thank you in advance if you do purchase through my links.
Bell
