Sliders: Angled, Flat, Tread plates?

RCI is local to me, and they're having a labor day sale so I'm thinking of getting some sliders. That said I'm very conflicted.

I originally wanted flats with tread plates to use as a step (I'm short, the truck is only getting taller from here) but then started to think about what would happen if I actually beached myself high center on a flat slider. I would likely have wanted the 20 degree angled ones yo slide off and pivot around said rock.

So I'm not sure what to get. I want a functional step but ground clearance is still important to me. Are 20 degrees still a usable step? Is there a point in getting tread plates put on the 20?

 

The sliders are still not the low point of the middle of the truck (it’s the frame). Don’t think too hard about the angle. Just pick what you like. Both are very effective.

 

20degrees is not a useful step in my opinion, even with fill plates.

 

Very true, either way won't be the low point.

True, but RSG is local too and actually just down the street...and they have completely zero angle sliders and angled but don't look as aggressive as the RCI's 20 degrees lol. Maybe 15? So now i'm here clicking between tabs of 0, 5, 15, and 20 degree angles. Spoiled for choice I suppose

 

It’s your choice but sounds like you’d be happy with 5 degrees. It’s a nice compromise if you want a step.

Edit: as far as looks vs RCI, yeah can’t help much there

 

Oh I more so meant "aggressive" as in the RCI's look like their at a higher angle. Where as RSG doesn't list their angled slider degree exactly other than telling you its angled.

As of now, I'm just sitting here with both 0 (RSG) and 5 (RCI) sliders added to my cart, waiting to see what the RSG sale is

I also never knew there was such a large off road community in SoCal. Moved from Westminster, CA to Denver about 2.5 years ago (colorado people feel free to give me shit for being from California lol)

Edit: RCI's product page instills much more confidence. 1. There's a forklift lifting a taco by the slider no problem 2. They mention you can get a high lift on there no problem. 3. They actually list the strengths of their HREW and DOM steels.

 

I think 20° is very useful as a step. It’s not just the height that makes it hard to get in a lifted truck. It’s the fact that you have to lift you leg high and put it in the truck at the same time. This makes it difficult to step up on your right leg (the one that’s now in the truck). So you have to use your arms a bunch (or jump). Having a slider (even if at an angle and even with the door sill) provide something outside of the door opening to step up onto. You can get your right foot on it while keeping your foot directly below your shoulders. Makes it significantly easier to get in IMO. Is a lower step easier, sure I guess it is. But angled up sliders still provide some usefulness as a step.

Edit: for reference, I’m 5’8” and my wife is 5’2”. I have a 3 yr old and a 5 yr old and all of them get in my truck by themselves without complaints even with 20° Oh and my truck is on 33’s with a 3” lift.

 

Damn it, your edit is convincing me to get a 20 degree. I'm 5'4' and don't really see myself going any higher than 33's with 2.5 maybe 3 at most for my use.

Do you think fill plates are pointless on 20 degree sliders? Or just get some grip tape type material on the topside of the outter bar?

 

Fill plates are to help keep rocks and sticks from coming up through the sliders and hitting your rocker panel. As far as the function as a step, I don't personal think they are necessary. Some people like them for preventing dog paws from fall though the sliders.

 

Don’t have them, but my guess is plates on 20 degree sliders will be hard pressed to add value to the ‘step’ aspect of use. You’d have to have your foot(feet) angled 20 degrees to take advantage.

But, plates do offer a little bit more rocker panel protection from road debris.

 

Beat me to it

 

Sounds like regardless of angle or wanting a step. The fill plates would be useful for tiny feet (be it animals or kids) and to stop debris from shooting up onto your rocker panels.

 

i like the 5° as well. it tucks into the body just a bit and looks tight. as a step, sliders just aren't great, but helpful a bit. i have SDHQ. nice craftsmanship. good luck OP.

 

Definitely this^^^. If you have dogs that load themselves, no top plates provides an opportunity for snapped legs. Really not sure how common that is, but the visual freaks me out.

 

Alright, after all this discussion I'm pretty confident I'm going to go with the RCI Sliders, Powder Coated, Top Plate, 5 degrees.

-DOM outter tubes, and oversized main rails
-5 degrees seems like a good compromise for both functionality and step-ability
-Looks like a larger kick out protecting more fender from rocks or shopping carts
-Top plate holes are punched up for boot grip in snow

Thanks for everyone's help and input!

 

OP lives in Colorado won't the plates cause snow to get packed in there and increase chance of rust?

 

Isn't the more common place for rust on the frame where the slider "brackets" if you will, meet the actual frame? I've been reading some people install fluid film spray on it before installing sliders.

 

This is true as well. My point is that the filler plates create a small gap between tube and plate along with a void space where tires can fling snow up into and pack it in there.

 

I have the angled RSG's on my 4runner and use them as a step to access the roof rack. A flat slider would be a better step, but these work OK.

I'm very happy with the Quality.

 

RCI 5* w/ top plates. I like the look of 20* but I have read stories of dogs losing their footing and breaking a leg. Good luck with whatever u choose