How to Install Side Steps – Universal Guide

Side steps are an excellent accessory for making your vehicle look stylish while increasing its accessibility. Side steps make it much easier for you to enter or exit your vehicle. However, getting side steps installed by an automotive shop can rack up unnecessary costs, which can easily be avoided by simply installing them yourself. To ease your predicament, we bring a step-by-step installation guide to help you get your side steps on your vehicle in no time.  

Why Install Side Steps?

Not all large vehicles require side steps. However, if you are having difficulty getting inside your vehicle, then it clearly signifies that there is a need for them. Accessibility is not the only reason to have side steps installed. These accessories can also offer other benefits such as protecting your pick-up truck from gravel and rock scratches. Since larger vehicles often go off-road, this can cause rock chips and dirt to hurl towards the sides and bottom of your vehicle. Having side steps installed can help you save a lot when it comes to maintenance and repairs costs.   Another benefit side steps offer is that they can keep the inside of your vehicle clean. You can clean your shoes on the side step before entering, or you can simply take your shoes off while standing on them and change into a clean pair.  

Side Steps Installation Guide

The installation process largely depends on the type and model of your car. However, most pick-up trucks and jeeps have similar installation requirements, which is why we are presenting a universal guide for installing side steps.  

Step 1: Gather Your Equipment

The first and most important step is to make sure all the necessary equipment is available. This also includes opening your new side steps and ensuring that all parts are present within the box. In terms of equipment required for installation, the following are required.

• Box end wrenches
• Ratchet and Socket
• Padded mat
• Creeper

Step 2: Install Bolt Plate

The bolt plate is what keeps the brackets still. This can be done with ease if your vehicle has factory-drilled holes. If it doesn’t, you can drill them in yourself. However, the key is to drill the holes aligned with the bolts on the running board.  

Step 3: Attach Brackets

Based on your vehicle’s model, year, and type, the number of brackets will differ. Start with the front one and make your way to the back. The brackets should be attached finger-tight as there might be a need for adjustments later on.  

Step 4: Attach the Side Steps

Place the side steps on the brackets, and make sure to align them correctly. After proper alignment, attach the side step with the help of the provided equipment. Tighten all the nuts on the brackets and ensure that everything is centered.  

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once the side steps have been properly attached, the last step is finishing everything up with a few final touches. Some side steps have LED lights which need to be attached to the electrical system of your car. Take some help from the instruction manual to ensure the electrical connections are correct. Some side steps also come with a motor that allows them to be retractable. These need to be connected to your vehicle’s ignition system. Once again, you should go through the instruction manual thoroughly to ensure you make the right attachments.

If you don’t want to do this yourself, we at Truborevs, offer side steps for a wide variety of vehicles, and we’d always be glad to help you out.