Since May 2022, the APEX Rock Sliders have been a cornerstone of our van build. After completing our conversion, we spent over a year without side steps because we couldn’t find a solution that met our specific needs.
We initially considered retractable steps but eventually moved away from them to avoid mechanical complexity and the risk of damage during off-road excursions. We needed a fixed-step option that provided genuine protection without compromising on clearance. The APEX series from Backland Expedition Gear was the only product that checked every box.
Functional Design and Versatility
Although these are built as rugged rock sliders, their daily utility as side steps is where they truly excel. The APEX sliders provide a consistently flat, six-inch-deep surface across their entire length. This ensures you never have to hunt for footing or worry about where you place your gear while loading the van.
The symmetrical design is tapered at both ends to reduce the risk of “hanging up” on obstacles, whether you are navigating a technical trail or a tight parking lot. To accommodate different builds, they are offered in two distinct configurations.
The Regular style sits flush with the pinch-seam for maximum ground clearance and a high-clearance aesthetic. Alternatively, the Drop style sits three inches lower, which is ideal for lifted vans or users who require a more accessible entry point. Regardless of the style, the functional footprint remains the same.
Regular Style
Drop Style
Safety and Ergonomics
Safety is often an afterthought in off-road armor, but these sliders are designed with the user in mind. The entire surface is finished with an Indy Protective Coating, providing a high-grip texture that remains reliable in all weather conditions.
Because the stepping surface is uniform and free of the gaps found on many traditional steps, the risk of tripping or catching a foot while exiting the vehicle is virtually eliminated. Furthermore, the outer edges are thoughtfully rounded. This provides significant relief if you accidentally knock your leg against the rail while moving around the exterior of the van.
Structural Integrity and Protection
Beyond their utility as a step, these sliders offer a robust first line of defense for the vehicle’s body. Their six-inch depth means they extend slightly beyond the tire line, offering a buffer against parking lot pillars, posts, or trail debris that might otherwise impact the door panels.
Structurally, the APEX sliders are exceptionally strong. They mount directly to the van’s pinch-seam with rigid brackets, creating a connection so stable that the sliders themselves can be used as a jack point. This level of durability provides a firm, confident feel every time you step into the van, with none of the flexing associated with lighter-duty equipment.
Aesthetics and Style
While performance is the primary objective, the visual integration of the APEX sliders cannot be overlooked. The clean lines and rugged construction complement the Sprinter’s silhouette, providing a professional look that matches its off-road capability.
It is rare to find a product that balances aesthetics and heavy-duty functionality so effectively, but these sliders manage to look as good as they perform. After years of use, we believe they remain the ultimate side-step and protection solution currently available on the market.
Would we recommend?
Backland Expedition Gear’s APEX Rock Sliders/Side Steps are THE BEST SIDE STEPS we have seen for Sprinter vans. The combination of functionality, safety, protection, strength and beauty make APEX Rock Sliders/Side Steps an easy recommendation for anyone upfitting a van or replacing an inferior product.
While we have thankfully not needed to fully utilize the rock slider feature, we have hit objects, and the steps still look and perform like they did the day we first had them installed. Knowing the build quality and how the owners of Backland Expedition Gear use and test their products on their own van, I am sure that when the day comes, these will protect our van.
