Description
Now one Owl's most popular products for Transit!
Side steps, nerf bars, rock sliders, running boards have many names, but they can be one of the most functional parts of your van regardless of what you call them. There are a lot of critical design criteria that go into a good side step.
Design: The shape of Owl's side steps was carefully considered to offer the optimal blend of function and protection. They went big with the front step as it is the most used. Then the side steps taper back toward the rear of the van. This tapered design allows the van to more easily navigate tight terrain and not get hung up on rocks, logs etc. Additionally, Owl extended the driver's side step almost all the way down the van to offer additional rocker protection and storage.
Size Matters - Vans are big vehicles, and if you're anything like Owl, you're always trying to squeeze your van down tight trails. Clearance is why they wanted a side step that was high and tight, as they say. Owl purposely built these side steps to be narrower than most on the market. You're much less likely to get your side steps hung up on a rock or other obstacle.
Getting In and Out - Getting in and out of the van is the primary use of a side step. Owl put a lot of focus on this function during the design process. They purposely made them narrow to work on the trail, but they also have an optional removable tread plate. This tread plate not only looks cool but is incredibly functional. Owl's tread plate adds an upturned lip instead of the edge of the side step falling away from your foot like most tubular steps. This lip catches the shoe entering and exiting the vehicle, and the traction in dry or wet weather is instantly noticeable. As a bonus, Owl designed it to be a boot cleaner to scrape off dirt, mud, and snow before entering the van. The folks at Owl with test units have fallen in love with this design.
*tread plate is shown raw above, production will be powder coated black
Mountability - Because vans are small and quality gear is expensive, Owl designs multiple functions into almost every part they build. The side steps are laser cut with Owl's signature "Sherpa" hole pattern to mount additional gear. Rotopax, Shovels, jacks, you get to choose your own adventure.
Aesthetics - Side steps can change the look of a van in both a good and a bad way. Owl hopes you love their new Transit Side Steps' clean industrial lines and modular look! They pushed their design teams to include all the above functional improvements while making a beautiful step. Owl understands this is all subjective, but the team accomplished their goal if the response so far is any indication.
Pet Friendly - This is one of those items that many people don't think of before purchasing side steps. Since so many of us travel with our beloved furry friends, we thought it only appropriate to keep them top of mind as we designed this product. Pets don't wear shoes, so the top of the step must be comfortable for the pet's paws. These steps are flat and without any sharp points that pets would step on, making it comfortable for them to use. The most important aspect of pets using side steps is the gap between the step and the van. Pets can be very excited when returning from a big hike or leaving on that next big adventure. Unfortunately, the pet's legs can slide into the gap between the step and the van while entering. The people at Owl have seen countless dogs break their legs in this scenario. It is hard to talk about but important to think about when purchasing steps.
Details:
- 148" wheel base Transits
- Material: TIG Welded Aluminum (with a steel tread plate)
- Tread Plate sold separately ($68)
- Pet Friendly
- Works with most side ladders
- Colour: Powder Coated Black
- Mountable - Sherpa hole design allows cargo mounting (limit 20 lbs per side)
- DIY friendly install
- These side steps are not intended as structural jack points
- Rivnut tool needed for DIY kit and STO. Please see link below
Compatibility:
- Transit and Transit AWD 148" wheelbase
Installation additional (removal of any aftermarket equipment such as water tanks etc will be additional)
Important - If you're adding these to a finished custom-built van, installation may require dropping some water tanks, etc.
*Some relocation of brackets may be necessary to install.
DIY - Professional install suggested. DIY is straightforward but can be time consuming
Rivnut tool:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/
Shipping in Canada
BC & AB - $100 CAD
QB, ON, SK, MB, NB, NS, NL, YT, NT, NU - $169 CAD
For combined items, please email gear@nirvanaoutfitters.com for rate.
Free Pickup @ Nirvana in Salmon Arm, BC.