Rock rails with step?

[Sweetwater]

Just picked up a JK Unlimited that will be my DD, motorbike hauler, hunting, fishing, camping, NC mountains fire roads explorer...it has replaced my 2000 XJ (it rode on OME with 30" ATs). It won't see any tough trails.

So, I don't need heavy "armor" but I'd like to visually cover the body seam at sides and have a "step" so I can strap down canoe/kayak. I looked at ACE products and they'd be perfect except they hang below the side seam leaving it exposed (I gotta look good at the mall!).

Here's some I found: Rocky Road Super Sliders and Smitty Built. Both appear to tuck up tight and have a little second tube as a step/ledge.

Any feedback on these or other recommendations would be greatly appreciated (even better with a pic).

 

[ol'Jeeps]

I have installed both of these, and I like em both. Biggest thing is the Rocky Road's mount to the frame, and, if I recall, tie to the pinch seam. So they will hang down a bit more than the Smittybuilts. The Smittybuilts mount right tight to the body. Both will hide the pinch seam

I think either would serve you fine.

 

[Sweetwater]

Thanks! I am checking stock today.

Any other recommendations out there?

 

[GenRight Off Road]

We offer some aluminum sliders that may save you quite a bit of weight: http://www.genright.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=RCG8104

They may be more than what you need though. If you have any questions, let me know.

 

[Sweetwater]

Those GenRight sliders are the cat's meow! I know you get what you pay for and I wish those were in my budget :-(

 

[Sweetwater]

Went ahead and ordered Smittybilt SRC Classic Sides with Step. Internet photos were awful but they appear to be like an OEM rubicon rail with a perpindicular tube that acts as a step. Should be perfect for my "no trails" JKU.

Appreciate the feedback guys, and I will post a quick review of these when they arrive.

 

[Sweetwater]

Alright, got the Smittybilt #76639 rock rails: "Classic Rail with Step". Sourced locally from 4WheelParts (thanks Ryan!). Packaging was solid, finish is crinkle black and looks good. Seems like it'll hold up for my mild fire roads and hunting trails; will probably withstand much heavier use than we will dish out.

Here's a pic to begin:



This is the angle no one shows online (basically fit exactly like the Mopar Enhanced Rock Rail):



And the last shot:



If it weren't for the shadow and my bad photography, you would notice these fit very close to the rocker panel- the inner rail is literally almost touching. Again, fit like Mopar rails on Rubicon package or the "Enhanced" Mopar version.

So, mounting required one trip to my parts bin. I ditched the included #10 washers and replaced them with 1/4" washers that won't pull through mount holes in pinch seam. In contrast with others' experiences, these Smittybilt rails did not require any drilling or dremeling. One tab required a slight tweak, no worries!

Finally, the step is fully functional, there's no BS girder hanging down, and mounting was a breeze on the 2014 JKU with my son helping to line up the rails. At the $349 price I can't imagine handing over $700+ for the Mopar Enhanced...

 

[Bogleparsons]

those look great.

I like how it covers the pinch seam close to the body like the Rubicon rails.

 

[Sweetwater]

Thanks!

I really like these rails. They offer plenty of step and still look unobtrusive, with just enough protection for anything but serious excursions.