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mptzs90

Member Since: 24 May 2024
Location: Kent
Posts: 84

2015 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Corris Grey

Side steps / rock sliders / impact protection

My original side steps are starting to look a rusty mess and the (i think factory) silver checker plate is also starting to flake. One option is to just get new steps https://sidesteps.co.uk/products/classic-d...side-steps and sill checker plate but I’m now down a rabbit hole on rock sliders. Specifically, do they offer more reasonable side impact protection on road?

If so, I wondered about new rock sliders without the tree part (e.g. https://ddsmetal.co.uk/shop/defender-90-rock-sliders/) and then replacement steps to clean it up. From what I’ve read, the effort to recover steps isn’t worth it because they’ve rusted from the inside.

The other option would be to get somewhere to blast and coat the original checker plate and just get new steps, I’m hesitant to replace the plate because i don’t want to have to drill more holes if any new plate doesn’t match up.

As above, only really interested in the rock slider plan if they would offer some better side protection on road AND would be compatible with tubular steps so keen for views there. If I’ve missed a better option please shout!

Thanks!

23rd Feb 2025 9:13pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17638

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey

Rock sliders will add significant side protection (since there is absolutely no side protection whatsoever without them) but if you get T-boned by anything larger than a car you will still be dead. Drive defensively!

I have found that the most significant benefit of my "rock and tree" sliders is that they eliminate the door dings you otherwise inevitably pick up from car park morons. In 280,000 there is not a single door ding on the bodywork of my Defender, although there have been several chips in the tree sliders where they've taught the car door a lesson. They are also useful to stand on when cleaning the windscreen etc., and have on a couple of occasions been useful for jacking the vehicle. They do work OK as steps but it is advisable to put skateboard tape on the tube if you intent to do this (they are very slippery when wet). They are generally too high off the ground to be much use as an access step.

I would certainly fit them again if I bought another Defender.

I cannot comment on whether they are compatible with tubular steps (although I doubt it) because it would never occur to me to fit both.

24th Feb 2025 9:17am

mptzs90

Member Since: 24 May 2024
Location: Kent
Posts: 84

Thanks

These look like a step compatible option with strength, but also not cheap: https://uproar4x4.com/products/land-rover-...less-steel

Mahker have something similar … but branded loudly: https://shop.mahker.com/product/land-rover...ess-steel/

17th Mar 2025 7:56pm

landy andy

Member Since: 15 Feb 2009
Location: Ware, Herts
Posts: 5832

2006 Defender 110 Td5 USW Zermatt Silver

I feel much safer in mine with sliders on. They are a considerable chunk of metal along the passenger compartment. Especially important when you sit soooo close to the edge.

And I’ve tested them at impact speed. And was pleased to have them fitted, although mine have always been rock and tree sliders.

17th Mar 2025 8:00pm

mptzs90

Member Since: 24 May 2024
Location: Kent
Posts: 84

That’s what I’m thinking - I’m keen to improve safety where I can. But also can’t lose the side steps and the tree sliders would just be too high.

17th Mar 2025 8:11pm

mptzs90

Member Since: 24 May 2024
Location: Kent
Posts: 84

...so I guess in summary I'm looking for rock sliders to add the side impact protection (recommended models greatly appreciated) alongside any experience fitting them with side steps.

17th Mar 2025 8:44pm

mptzs90

Member Since: 24 May 2024
Location: Kent
Posts: 84

Based on reviews I've seen of uproar4x4 here and elsewhere and the description, I'm going to go for these shortly: https://uproar4x4.com/products/land-rover-...ess-steel. They're pricey but should last forever and require zero maintenance, as well as be stronger than the 3mm steel version.

18th Mar 2025 4:04pm

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