Rock sliders are an
aftermarket accessory popular among
four-wheel drive
A four-wheel drive, also called 4×4 ("four by four") or 4WD, is a two-axled vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all of its wheels simultaneously. It may be full-time or on-demand, and is typically linked via a transfer case pr ...
vehicle
A vehicle () is a machine designed for self-propulsion, usually to transport people, cargo, or both. The term "vehicle" typically refers to land vehicles such as human-powered land vehicle, human-powered vehicles (e.g. bicycles, tricycles, velo ...
owners who engage in more serious
off-road driving.
Rock sliders are typically made of heavy-duty box section steel, although they can also be made from tubular steel as well. They run along each side of the vehicle, from just behind the front wheel to just before the rear wheel, just below the level of the door sills. They are welded or bolted (directly, L brackets and/or U brackets) on to the vehicle's
frame
A frame is often a structural system that supports other components of a physical construction and/or steel frame that limits the construction's extent.
Frame and FRAME may also refer to:
Physical objects
In building construction
*Framing (con ...
, and their function is to protect the door sills and door bottoms from damage when crossing large obstacles (such as rocks - hence the name). There are a variety of materials, qualities and features.
Types
Even though they serve relatively the same purpose, rock sliders come in four different types:
* Classic rock sliders – intended to protect the vehicle's side but can help to get in and out of the vehicle.
* Side steps with rock slider support – the general purpose is to help people get in and out of the vehicle, but additionally, the steps protect the vehicle from off-roading hazards, such as rocks.
* Power running boards – an electrically powered board that gets in out and hides away whenever the doors are opened/closed. Primarily serves as a modern and lightweight side step but additionally protects the vehicle from underneath.
* Rock sliders with rock skins – a combination of classy side steps and rocks skins. Rocks skins are stripes of steel usually drilled into the vehicle's body to protect it from dents, scratches, and other off-roading damage.
References
Off-roading
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