nerf bars vs large hoops

[lowracer]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

Steps and 'nerfs".

I want those steps, on the left. What brand are they and where do I order?

Thanks.
-Mark
aka lowracer

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by lowracer

I want those steps, on the left. What brand are they and where do I order?

Thanks.
-Mark
aka lowracer

They look like the large Carr SuperHoops in black:

http://www.carr.com/store/carrsuperhoop.asp

Mike

[lowracer]

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

They look like the large Carr SuperHoops in black:

http://www.carr.com/store/carrsuperhoop.asp

Perfect. Thanks.

[vtarider]

You guys are great Thanks

[Railvan]

"I see them as an early warning system of sorts... not that I wouldn't trade for real protection but how beefy would rock rails have to be to support the van weight?"

On our first trip in the van we drove Coyote Creek Canyon in Anza Borrego as far as we could. On one of the creek crossings the only line available put a large rock in the way. The driver's side nerf board made solid contact with it after the front tire cleared it. It bent the lower edge slightly, but I was surprised how well it took the hit. It won't support the weight of the van at all, but it does provide a good, and loud, warning device to prevent much more expensive damage to the van body. I put grip tape on all the areas we step on too. Helps in the wet weather.

I'd love rock rails made from 2"x4" steel tube, but supporting the rails in a way that would really support the weight of the van would be a challenge.

Brian

[lowracer]

Looks like they only sell them in pairs. I need 3. Anyone want to split a pair with me?

[Jeffrey]

Take a look at page 6 of scatter's album here. He made rectangular steel tubing rock sliders, and did a damn good job. When my 'nerfs' are destroyed, I'm doing the same.

[kzemach]

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

I modified my hoop steps so they can swing up if they contact anything, or they can be swung up ahead of time.

As delivered, they have two bolts to hold then in place. I moved the upper bolt to a hole (multiple holes for adjustment) above the top of the hoop mount. The lower bolt was then a pivot for the step and the upper bolt is a stop, so the step won't go any lower. Tighten the lower bolt tight enough that the step will stay where it is put, but can still be moved by hand and away you go.

Mike

I'll second Mike on this one: I bought his extra step from him, and replicated his system. The steps are solid, but can be swung up manually and stay up due to the friction. If anyone wants a pic, am sure one of us can post.

The Hoop II steps are thinner and quite a bit less expensive; I got my first two on ebay for like $40 total. The superhoops noted here are a bit wider and would probably be better for the side door entry, but cost a lot more. I personally like the functionality of their GX2 steps which are both wide and have a back to avoid the leg-through issue John K noted. Plus, all of these can implement the swing up feature that Mike had mentioned.

[BC]

agree with Jage, hadnt thought of it that way but I suppose the Carr Hoop Step does sort of serve as an early warning of sorts over certain obstacles (bar would too), and would much rather bend one of those than dent the van body for sure. I like the idea of quick release/swing up mod, that seems to be the perfect solution and still leans in favor of the Steps imo. Really just a matter of preference.

[alta825]

Good tip on the modified mount for the Super Steps - I'll have to go change my setup. I mounted a pr for the front doors this winter and a big thumbs up. I yanked off the stock nerf bars SMB installed - they were getting rusty and looked like arse.

Anyone have a black Super Step they want to part w/??? Need one for the pass side entrance... the wifey needs a little help even w/ the step stool

-d