Equip your adventure rig with the proper protection to tackle tricky terrain. Step one: Do not confuse side steps or running boards for rock sliders.
Rock sliders have one main purpose: to shield your vehicle’s body while allowing you to “slide” off an obstacle that you may otherwise get caught on. They’re meant to take a beating.
Be sure to equip your adventure rig with the proper protection before tackling tricky terrain. Side steps and running boards are not structurally sound, won’t save your vehicle from off-pavement fun, and can even cause more damage.
Our guide delineates the differences between rock sliders and running boards to help you choose what’s right for your vehicle.
![Moab-rock-crawling-with-rock-sliders Moab rock crawling with rock sliders](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/08/Moab-rock-crawling-with-rock-sliders-700x525.jpg)
Rugged Rock Sliders
Along with solid off-road tires (AT or MT tires), rock sliders — also known as rock rails — are a must if you’re planning to tackle gnarly 4×4 trails.
Off-road rock sliders are key pieces of sturdy armor. They are designed to protect the lower portion of your adventure ride’s body. There are many styles of rock sliders to fit a variety of 4WD vehicles.
![Mitsubishi-Pajero-with-custom-rock-sliders Mitsubishi Pajero with custom rock sliders](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/08/Mitsubishi-Pajero-with-custom-rock-sliders-700x525.jpg)
Made of heavy-duty steel tube or square tubing, rock sliders are usually a bolt-on affair that you can install using hand tools. However, custom-made options are often welded to the frame, like on our Mitsubishi Pajero. They’re usually powder coated with a durable high-grade textured or flat black finish, offering long-lasting corrosion resistance for years of use on the trail.
![Suzuki-Samurai-Amber-Turner-custom-rock-sliders Suzuki-Samurai Amber Turner custom rock sliders](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/08/Suzuki-Samurai-Amber-Turner-custom-rock-sliders-700x525.jpg)
Does Size Matter?
Should I Side Step the Running Boards?
![Suv,Car,Stuck,In,Sands,Off,Road,During,Expedition side step installed on vehicle.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_791638441-700x467.jpg)
Are Rock Sliders Worth It?
![Suzuki-Sidekick-with-Trail-Tough-rock-sliders Suzuki Sidekick with Trail Tough rock sliders](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2022/08/Suzuki-Sidekick-with-Trail-Tough-rock-sliders-700x394.jpg)