Rock Sliders

Rock Sliders Review

What are rock sliders?

Rock sliders are metal bars that attach to the sides of your ute, 4wd, or vehicle to protect it from any potential hazards the road has to offer. If you go regularly off road or to the bush or have to drive over dirt paths, you know that rocks, branches, stumps and other things can hit the side of your car. Basically, the rock slider provides protection to the sills and fenders from the sides, as well as being even a pivot to the entire vehicle depending on how extreme the path you drive through is.

Amongst the benefits of rock sliders you get great protection for your car on the sides as well as underneath it. They work as a kickout, basically pushing your vehicle away from either a rock, wall or obstacle. If there is a very close turn, or you are going through an uneven terrain, it works as a pivot. Last but not least, it serves a step for you to easily climb onto your vehicle!

Normally, rock sliders are made of steel, quality will depend on the manufacturer. You can normally attach them to either the winch bar or the rear tow bar through side rails. You can get an entire protection for your vehicle by connecting all of them.  This is a rock slider and side steps review, in which we will go over the best possible rock sliders in Australia, from different brands, as well as mentioning excellent options for some of the most popular vehicles to mount the sliders on.

Finally, we will also define the difference between rock sliders and side steps. At the end of this review, you will find all the rock sliders and side steps we offer on our store, and hopefully you’ll be able to know which one to choose!

Rock Sliders vs Side Steps: what’s the difference?

That’s a very common and great question. The main difference is that rock sliders are designed to fully protect your vehicle from any hazards: rocks, and even sand or rocky trail edges. Rock sliders are also specifically designed to support the weight of your vehicle, and as a result a hi-lift jack can be used on them. 

Side steps traditionally can only offer some protection to the sills of your car, help you step onto your vehicle, and tend to only mount or attach to your car through two steel brackets. Clearly, they cannot support the weight of your car, nor use a high lift jack. If you did one or the other, you risk bending the steps, or damaging the vehicle itself. 

Rock sliders are much tougher, they mount to the car with 3 to 4 mounting points to the chassis, they can support the full weight of the vehicle and are built from a much tougher and thicker tube, and normally the twin tubes have at least 4 connections between each other. They are designed to handle excessive force such as landing on rocks or other hard surfaces and can handle loads that are equal to the vehicle’s weight. They have a reinforcement in the sill area to spread the forces of heavy weights and collisions.

Now, if you read this you might think side steps are not tough at all, but please keep reading. There are different types of side steps, and in recent years, some brands such as ARB and Piak, have developed sturdy and rock-resistant side steps, a sort of hybrid or combination between side steps and rock sliders. Made from high-quality steel, they can also connect to the winch bar and rear tow bar through side rails.

These side steps offer excellent protection, they are made of high-quality steel, and attach to the vehicle directly to the chassis, protecting the sills and fenders. Plus, they are side airbag compatible. They can handle the weight of a high lift jack, offer excellent protection from vertical loads, and can handle forces from lateral loads such as colliding with rocks or logs, and even when the vehicle slides sideways and hits a wall or track. It’s important to note, they cannot resist the full force of the vehicle or car dropping a few meters onto a hard surface landing on the frame member. Yes, they’ll offer much-needed protection, but they can get damaged.

With all of this being clear, we will present to you below options for both rock sliders and reliable steel constructed side steps. Yes, the side steps we offer are not exactly rock sliders, but they are of the hybrid and high quality type which will offer protection to a light off-road use.

Best Rock Sliders & Side Steps In Australia

As promised, here we go with the best rock sliders in Australia. Amongst the most reliable brands, and in now particular order, we have ARB, TJM, Piak, Legendex and SCF. That gives you 5 very solid brands to choose from. Of course, there are more, and probably great too, but these are perhaps the 5 most popular rock slider brands.

Piak Side Steps

Piak produces mostly side steps, which aren’t exactly rock sliders, but kind of the cousin. We have a dedicated section above which defines the difference amongst rock sliders and side steps. There are subtle differences and why one is defined as a side step, but essentially both perform a very, very similar job: protection.

Now, Piak has outstanding designs of side steps, which come with a high ground clearance for any ute, a very high strength steel construction and a 2 year warranty. They are not complicated to install or mount, as they will attach to the original manufacturer specified vehicle mounting points.

On top of that Piak designs side steps for The Nisann Navara NP300, Ford Ranger Raptor, Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Pajero, Ford Ranger PXII and PXIII, and different years of the vehicles mentioned. Their side steps are elegant yet with a tough checkered plate look, as well as being some of the best in the market.

Legendex Rock Sliders 

Legendex offers some of the most robust rock sliders in Australia. The protection for your 4wd is no joke with these sliders, which have a 4mm x 50mm box steel tubing, perhaps the strongest in the whole country. They cup directly to the chassis with really strong brackets, so no matter the vibration, the hit or bum or whatever you encounter, there will be no movement from the rock slider and no damage to your vehicle. 

Legendex rock sliders are also ADR compliant and airbag compatible, as well as offering a unique and rear stepped design that offers more safety to the car. Basically, this rear stepped design pushes the vehicle 3 to 4 inches away from the rut as you slide. Plus, given the strength and reliability, a high lift jack can be used on them as a recovery point with no potential problem to the vehicle whatsoever.

SCF Rock Sliders

Southern Cross Fabworks rock sliders are named standard, “fatboy”, or “megaboy” for a reason” they are tough. SCF uses different circumferences and thickness in their tubes depending on the style:

• Standard: 3.2 x 48mm tube
  
• Fatboy: 4 x 63 mm tube 

You can also choose from an angled or flat step, all of them come stock as angled, but you can change it to flat if you prefer to use them more as a side step than a rock slider. They also offer a checker plate, to provide more grip when used to step or climb onto the car, offer better protection as well as an aggressive style.

Ford Ranger Rock Sliders

In this section we will take a look at the best rock sliders available for the Ford Ranger PXII and PXIII ute. As said before, there are heaps of other reliable brands we do not carry, but we will still mention the options we think are best suited for you.

PIAK Rock Sliders Ford Ranger

There are several different models of side steps from Piak for the Ford Ranger PX, PXII and PXIII. From regular side steps to the curve down checker AL Plate steps which we are reviewing here. Why? Simple, we prefer a design that curves down. Does it add anything safety-wise? Not really, there isn’t that much additional protection from them being curved down, straight, or bent upwards. 

These steps by Piak mount directly to the original mounting points of your Ford Ranger Ute. They are made from high-quality steel, powder coated in black for a slick off-road look and added endurance in muddy environments, and have an AL Checker Plate that looks better than ever and will prevent you from slipping.

These rock sliders have amazing build quality and they even come with a 2 year warranty. One of our preferred things about the curve-down design, is that the Ranger has a more “flowing” side look, so the curve of these side steps actually harmonizes with the side of the ute. Remember, these  Ford Ranger rock sliders also protect from any hazard, as well as giving you the chance to connect them both at the front or rear with a bumper or rear tow bar from Piak.

With its sleek looking construction that can also be used as side steps, these rock sliders will be the perfect addition to your off rod build and a perfect companion on your next outdoor adventure. With their aggressive look, they will turn your vehicle into a mean rock crawling machine that will be unstopable wherever you are headed.

Why do we like it?

• High-quality steel construction
• Easy to install
• Features a curved down design for improved looks
• Can be used as side steps

Rock Sliders Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is perhaps the best-selling ute in Australia, or at least top 3. It’s an outstanding vehicle, great for off-road duties as well as cargo transportation. Sometimes that means going to the bush, crossing rivers, or driving them on complicated roads, plantations, you name it. A good pair of rock sliders are a must.

PIAK Rock Sliders Hilux 2015+

Piak makes a lot of different side steps and rock sliders for the different Hilux models, from a single cab to the previous generations of this ute, going from 2005 to the 2015 model. However, here we are reviewing the model for the newest Hilux version: 2015 to 2023. If you have an older Hilux and want Piak side steps, literally use the search bar on our site, or scroll down to find all the models we have available.

These outstanding rock sliders are made from high-quality steel with an AL checker plate between them, ensuring they not only offer complete protection from rocks, pebbles, branches, and other materials, but also an aid for those who step onto the ute and even prevent you and your passengers from slipping in rainy or muddy conditions.

They are mounted to the Hilux’s original mounting points, so installation despite being a bit complex, can be done quite intuitively. These are a straight side step version, flat to be precise. They will give your Hilux a higher ground clearance, meaning you can tackle or drive through uneven roads, rocky or bumpy and the ute itself won’t be scratching or colliding as much with whatever the road has to offer.

Besides that, they also come with a black powder coat finish which is always a plus considering that you will go through muddy and snowy conditions and you don't want them to erode. Another great thing about these rock sliders is that they come with a 2 Year Warranty! Be sure to check out these amazing rock sliders as they will definitely be of great use on your net off-road adventure!

Why do we like it?

• Uses Hilux original mounting points
• Has a black powder coat finish for increased resilience
• Comes with a checkered plate
• Sturdy steel construction

SCF Rock Sliders Hilux N80

The Fatboy Hilux Rock Sliders for the Toyota Hilux N80 are the best out there by SCF. Made from a 63mm x 4mm outer tube and a 50mm x 75mm x 3mm main rail, these are perhaps the toughest and strongest rock sliders in the entire Aussie market. 

These are the ideal rock sliders for a lifted Toyota Hilux that is constantly used on true off-road trails and on dangerous paths. They offer the kind of protection that you need for true off-road treatment of your Ute. You can even choose to have them angled at 10 degrees or flat depending on your needs.

These rock sliders also include a 2mm thick steel checker plate, to better protect the vehicle, as well as becoming more comfortable and safer as a sidestep. Finally, a 5 mm thick skid plate made of steel is welded to the bottom of the rock sliders to provide an additional layer of protection against any hazards you may encounter on the road.

These rock sliders will give your vehicle that nice bulky off-road appearance. Thanks to the two cutouts on the skid plate, it will be simple to mount hi-lift jacks. Installing them is easy and you can do it by yourself or even with a help of a friend. However, we always recommend that if you are not completely sure how to do so or have no prior experience in doing such things to visit your local mechanic and let them do it for you!

Why do we like it?

• Comes in 2 different variants
• Features a checkered plate and a skid plate
• Perfect for heavy off-roading
• Easy to install

Nissan GU Patrol Rock Sliders

The Nissan Patrol GU is an incredibly popular vehicle thanks to its amazing off-road capability, powerful engine that can traverse over any type of terrain, and durability to last you a lifetime. But you can't have a complete off-road build without installing a reliable set of rock sliders, and that is exactly what we are going to go over in this section.

SCF Rock Sliders GU Patrol

Constructed out of a 50x75x3mm main rail and a 63x4mm outer tube, these GU Patrol rock sliders are some of the best ones you can get for this price. Providing that nice bulky look, these rock sliders are sure to turn heads wherever you go while providing necessary protection during your next off-road adventure.

These rock sliders feature a checker plate that is used to increase grip and provide a stepping platform for easy entrance into the vehicle and also come with a smooth 5mm thick welded steel plate that ensures the utmost protection against severe impacts with rocks and banks. On top of that it also offers a greater flat surface area that will lessen snags when going over uneven terrain and other obstacles.

Thanks to the integrated angled step, your vehicle achieves additional side protection that also prevents rocks or any other objects from entering the sliders. However, if you prefer to have more of a step on your Gu Patrol rock slider you can opt for the 90-degree angled ones. These rock sliders are easy to install and it won't take a lot of time to do so.

These SCF rock sliders come in two different options. The Fatboy version is the bulkier and thicker version of these rock sliders and also the standard version which is the slimmer variant. Both offer the same great features except that the Fatboy rock sliders are a bit more rugged and durable and a better option for heavy-duty off-roading and rock crawling.

Why do we like it?

• Can be used as side steps
• Heavy-duty steel construction
• Integrated skid plate
• Gives your vehicle that wide and aggressive look

NP300 Rock Sliders

The Nissan NP300 is one of the most popular utes in Australia, and is certainly used on off-road conditions. A good set of rock sliders is a must if you want to make sure that it’s protected. As usual, at Off Road Tents AU we offer some of the best brands, such as SCF or Piak. Below we will review one of the many options you can get, one we recommend.

Nissan NP300 Side Steps PIAK

Made from high-quality and strong steel, ideal for a high ground clearance, these Piak side steps are the perfect fit for your Nissan NP300. With a really aggressive tough off-road look, the tube comes powder coated in black, whilst the rock slider includes an inner AL checker plate that offers more coverage and protection, as well as a safer point of support to stepping onto the ute itself.

These side step rock sliders will mount to the original NP300’s mounting points, and offer much-needed side protection from rocks, pebbles, and other hazards the bush has to offer. As usual, Piak offers a 2 year warranty, ensuring that the quality of these sliders is excellent.

Both of the straight and the curved down versions of these rock sliders come with a black powder coat finish which gives them that extra layer of protection and prevents them from getting eroded in muddy or snowy environments.

If you want to upgrade your Nissan Np300 with a pair of high quality side steps, built for the off road tough conditions, capable of withstanding all elements from sun to rain, to heat, to even rocks hitting them at high speed, then these Piak rock sliders are for you. 

Besides the main vehicles we have presented on this collection, we also offer rock sliders for Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger Raptor, Mazda BT50, Isuzu DMax, and other vehicles. Feel free to browse around below to find all of the different cars we offer rock sliders for.

Why do we like it?

• Strong and durable powder-coated steel construction
• Able to withstand the rigors of everyday use
• Sleek looking curved down version
• Features a checker plate for better grip when climbing

Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series Rock Sliders

The Landcruiser is one of the most reliable vehicles you can take on an off-road adventure. Thanks to the powerful engine, adaptability, and off-road reliability, the 80 Series Landcruiser is a force to be reckoned with. That is why in this section we'll go over some of the Landcruiser 80 Series rock sliders that will elevate your next outdoor adventure.

SCF Rock Sliders 80 Series

Being one of the toughest rock sliders that you can find on the market, these Landcruiser 80 Series rock sliders are built to withstand the rigors of everyday use and will last you a lifetime. The SCF rock sliders come in 2 different variants. The Fatboy version and the standard version.

The Fatboy rock sliders are a thick and reliable piece of rock crawling gear that will provide protection to your vehicle when crossing over any rock or other obstacles and prevent any damage. It will also give your vehicle that wide and bulky look that will surely turn heads.

The standard version is also great for off-roading however it is a slimmer variant. Both are a great choice, depending on your needs and lifestyle. Created out of sturdy pieces of steel, these rock sliders can also act as side steps, providing a nice and wide checkered surface that will increase grip.

They also feature a smooth 5mm thick welded steel plate that ensures immense protection against rock and banks. Not only that, but these rock sliders also have a greater flat surface that will lessen snags when going over uneven terrain and any other obstacle you may find on the road.

These SCF rock sliders feature an angled step that provides additional protection and events rock or any other debris from entering said sliders. But if you want to use your rock sliders more as steps, you can get the flatter version or the 90-degree angled one. Installation is a piece of cake as it does not require any drilling whatsoever and you can even do it by yourself!

Why do we like it?

• Thick and sturdy steel construction
• Welded steel skid plate
• Angled step for additional protection
• Does not require drilling for installation

Volkswagen Amarok Rock Sliders

XROX Rock Sliders Amarok

XROX produces some of the sturdiest and most reliable pieces of vehicle armor and these rock sliders are no different. They were made to fit the Volkswagen Amarok models from 2011 up to the current one. With a heavy-duty steel construction that has been satin black powder coated, you can be sure that these rock sliders can withstand even the harshest environments and weather conditions.

Thanks to the solid chassis mount brackets, these XROX rock sliders stay flush fit with your vehicle ensuring a stable connection that won't give up on your next rock crawling adventure. It has welded tube-to-tube reinforcement and extra support brackets that will increase the protection and overall rigidity of the Amarok rock sliders.

It is designed and manufactured in Australia to fit Australian standards and is even airbag compliant. They do pack on a bit of weight but they also provide incredible side and underside protection for your vehicle, allowing you to effortlessly traverse any terrain and go over rocks, branches, debris, and any other obstacle you might find on the road with a piece of mind.

What's cool about them is that they have a very low profile appearance that does not stick out to the side of your vehicle. These rock sliders have a sleek-looking design that will seamlessly integrate with the look of your vehicle and will certainly be a great companion for any outdoor adventure.

Why do we like it?

• Very sturdy welded steel construction
• Low profile appearance
• Does not require drilling for installation
• Features welded tube reinforcement and extra support brackets

Rock Sliders FAQs

Are rock sliders necessary?

If you plan to go on off road trails, where you can encounter rocks, logs, and your vehicle can slide sideways and collide against trees, walls, rocks, and such, then yes.

How does the rock sliders weight affect my vehicle?

Rock sliders tend to be between 20 to 30 kg each. Side steps can be between 15 to 20 kg each. They can affect the vehicle as they are heavy, so it will consume more petrol, but these are designed for tougher 4wd or utes, so they will handle the additional weight easily.

Plus, both rock sliders and side steps attach directly to the chassis, meaning they are not harming anything else.

Should I get rock sliders weld or bolt?

Bolt on rock sliders are much easier to install and uninstall. A welded rock slider is a permanent solution, but it can take a much rougher treatment.

Rock Sliders vs Skid Plates, which ones are better? 

They are different and can be complimentary. Rock sliders protect fenders and sills, as well as the whole side of your vehicle. The skid plates will only protect it underneath.

What is the best material for rock sliders?

The best material that rock sliders can be made out of is aluminum. simply because they do not rust. Steel rock sliders are also a great option as they are far more durable, however, be sure to have some kind of anti-corroding protection on them!

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