Sliders or Power Steps?

[LSJKU]

I have had the AMP power steps on several 3500 diesels. When we got the JLURD the wife (5’2” on a good day) wanted to get another set of AMP steps right away. I tried to persuade her to consider the RSE steps since they have far more rocker protection. She wasn’t interested due to the size of the drop down step, and the cold weather reviews. So when I eventually destroy these steps, I will gently remind her when we pick up the RSE steps. Maybe by then they will be amazing in winter?

that being said, we have no issues with the AMP steps in ~3 years of mixed use. Now on 3.5” lift and 37s.

I previously had AMP steps on two F-150's and really liked them. But they are not the best choice for wheeling in mud. Both mine loaded up the first time in a mudhole and they became problematic after that.

I elected not to go with AMP on my 2018 JL and am not going with them on my 2025, because of the mud issue. It seems we always get into mud when wheeling and I just don't want the hassle.

I do like your camping buddies! Hanging around the open ice chest! Ha ha, just like mine.

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[LSJKU]

Here’s a trouble shooting video with @Tech Tim from @Northridge4x4 if you need it down the road. After a very muddy wheeling trip I stupidly got water into a connector trying to clean things up. I used this video to diagnose. I used some CRC Lectra Clean followed by their dielectric grease and they’re still going strong. Check out the Northridge4x4 install videos as well on YouTube.

Thanks for the video link! It will come in handy, I'm sure.

I did watch the Northridge install video of the RSE sliders. Pretty straightforward. Those Tech Tim videos are very helpful. I'll be buying the RSE steps/sliders from Northridge. I try to support the sponsors on this forum when I can.

Thank you for the link. I'm sure I will need it one day.

 

[rforbes]

I have the RSE Step Sliders and love them, but they do come with compromises. First, they are expensive. Second, they are heavy. I have the additional armor so they are extra heavy. I am guessing something like 100-150 lbs each? Third, while they are tough as nails, they do flex. I dragged mine all the way through the rubicon and they still work fine but it is clear that because of how far they stick outside the body they create a lot of flex. People commented when they were behind me how much they moved. Finally, they do not have a great failure mode. I broke a motor at some point and the step just kinda hung down. There was no way to tuck it up and how of the way.

oh, another thing to add that goes with the failure mode. You have to pay a little attention when you are stepping on and off them. The way mine broke is I stepped on it while it was in the process of raising which ruined the motor. So you have to make sure it is completely open before stepping on it.

Overall, I do love them and would do them again but I am seriously considering getting another set of rock sliders that tuck up nice and clean for when I do real rock crawling.

 

[LSJKU]

I have the RSE Step Sliders and love them, but they do come with compromises. First, they are expensive. Second, they are heavy. I have the additional armor so they are extra heavy. I am guessing something like 100-150 lbs each? Third, while they are tough as nails, they do flex. I dragged mine all the way through the rubicon and they still work fine but it is clear that because of how far they stick outside the body they create a lot of flex. People commented when they were behind me how much they moved. Finally, they do not have a great failure mode. I broke a motor at some point and the step just kinda hung down. There was no way to tuck it up and how of the way.

oh, another thing to add that goes with the failure mode. You have to pay a little attention when you are stepping on and off them. The way mine broke is I stepped on it while it was in the process of raising which ruined the motor. So you have to make sure it is completely open before stepping on it.

Overall, I do love them and would do them again but I am seriously considering getting another set of rock sliders that tuck up nice and clean for when I do real rock crawling.

You are the third person on this thread that mentions stepping on the moving step and crapping out the motor. That seems to be a common failure. Surely something to note when stepping into/out of the vehicle.

It would seem like RSE could engineer a failsafe for this, but I guess its more complicated than I envision.

 

[Cartage1]

Question for the AMP Research owners.., local installer is telling me they have to drill holes in the frame during installation. Does that sound right? I have not yet watched any install videos for AMP Research videos, but watching the RSE looks like they are pure bolt on, and no need to drill.

 

[Fish]

I see you're in Westlake Ohio, I am in South west Michigan and have a set of Rockslide engineering side steps gen 2 Im getting rid of. I love them but for what i'd like to do with my jeep they will get absolutely destroyed. Please let me know if you'd be interested.

 

[LukeDagny]

Question for the AMP Research owners.., local installer is telling me they have to drill holes in the frame during installation. Does that sound right? I have not yet watched any install videos for AMP Research videos, but watching the RSE looks like they are pure bolt on, and no need to drill.

I just installed a set on my 2021 JLUR and did NOT have to drill. Each brackets requires two fasteners through the pinch weld, and one into a threaded hole in the bottom of the body. There are two brackets per side.

Are there holes in your pinch weld? About 6 total. Three sets of two per set approximately 6" apart.

 

[WillysMeow]

2025 Willys with the stock Rubicon type sliders, my wife is short so I bought a nice heavy duty plastic folding step stool from Ace Hardware. I still don't mind giving her a little tush push once in awhile when nobody's looking!

STEP STOOL FLDNG GRY/BLU
SKU #8568727 Model #11-903-BGR4
UPC #044681311468

https://allendaleace.com/p/step-stool-fldng-gry-blu-044681311260

 

[LSJKU]

2025 Willys with the stock Rubicon type sliders, my wife is short so I bought a nice heavy duty plastic folding step stool from Ace Hardware. I still don't mind giving her a little tush push once in awhile when nobody's looking!

STEP STOOL FLDNG GRY/BLU
SKU #8568727 Model #11-903-BGR4
UPC #044681311468

https://allendaleace.com/p/step-stool-fldng-gry-blu-044681311260

Tush push = good! The "tush push" has deep roots in Jeep lore, at least deeper than the duck.

Don't worry about anybody looking. If spied upon, just tell them you are "exercising" your ancestral rights!

 

[4Lo2Yolo]

Hello gang, searched the forum, but just way too much to filter through and wanted a narrower field to sort through. Have a '26 MOAB and looking to ditch the factory sliders, and get something that also functions as a step. The Mrs. isn't thrilled about me "helping" her into the rig in public (Jeep version of the Tush Push). Had AMP Research on my prior Tundra and they were fine. Expensive.., but fine. Like the look of the Westin Triple, but not sure it is low enough to be a great step, but does offer some body protection whilst under way. Thoughts, what you have, what you like, don't like, and the always important..., would you buy them again.

Thanks in advance!!

If you wheel hard you can go with sliders and a stirrup.

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