[abrattolie58]

There are plenty of things that really do very little….that folks add to their vehicles.
Some really like the look of the side steps. Very few vehicle actually “need” them….even lifted vehicles, though I’m sure someone will chime in and say their 20 foot lifted truck needed them lol.

Window tint degrades visibility at night…and isn’t “needed” but it’s indeed fashionable to do so…let’s be hone. (Again, I’m sure someone will say they live in whiteout conditions etc etc….just to challenge the assertion). It is but one of many examples of aesthetics over function.

I will say…my side steps aren’t flimsy, they are solid. If one has a need to get up higher, perhaps a shorter human being, they work great. And…much better footing than the door sills, in my opinion, especially between the doors.

They are quality pieces, so if you like them, you don’t need a mob’s permissio.

Ken

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. You made up my mind. I'm going with my plan. Getting the sidesteps and the hood deflector.

 

[mjb4450]

As others have said, they serve no genuine function beyond looking good.

Protection from door dings.

 

[kentechmobi]

I wouldn't, its is low slung to begin with.

It's within an inch or so of having as much ground clearace as most versions of F 150. 2014 - 2023 Ford F-150 Ground Clearance Crazy huh?

 

[Rx4Pain]

Thanks a lot. I appreciate it. You made up my mind. I'm going with my plan. Getting the sidesteps and the hood deflector.

Welcome.
Ive seen plenty of things less practical, put on Santa Cruz’s lol

Ken

 

[krowensby]

I have them, came with my Night Edition.
I didn’t like them at first, but found out how big a pain it was to go back to stock, without them.

They look nice to some degree, and, I have used them to access my roof rack etc, but not often.

They do not impact ground clearance, as the bottom of the steps are still higher than the frame rail. I checked this right away as I did not want to lose the modest ground clearance that the Santa Cruz has to begin with.

I am used to them now…and they do add a certain look….for those that like it.

Ken

I considered getting the side step for my '23 Limited, but only as a protection agains door dings. My last car, a '19 Jeep Wrangler, had a set of 6" wide side steps. No lift kit or oversized tires. I did step on them get in, but I thought the protection from door dings was made them worth it. Just might drop the nickle for the SC, but I'd like to see them on a SC to see if they actually protect the doors.

 

[Fedman]

I'm thinking of adding the OEM Side Steps to my 2024 Sara Cruz Limited.
I agree they're not needed for entry to and exit of the vehicle. But more for ease of loading items on the roof rack and cleaning the top of the vehicle.
My only concern is the potential decrease in clearance of the bottom of the vehicle.
Does anyone have them installed on their Santa Cruz? I greatly appreciate your feedback.

I have a 23 with side steps. I took them off because they interfered with loading and unloading my handicapped Mother In Law who uses a wheelchair. I couldn't get her close enough to the vehicle to transition her into the seat. If something like this is in your future I wouldn't install them. IF you do install them make sure you keep the trim pieces you have to remove from the vehicle. They are just flat plastic trim pieces but are incredibly expensive. I found a local SC owner who wanted Side Steps and we just traded straight up. Saved him a pile of money, and got me the rocker covers I needed for mine. Just something to think about from someone who has "been there, done that."

 

[ATW]

I added them and like them for the looks. I have used them to get up to stuff on the roof, but not often. Kinda like bull bars -- not many bulls wondering around where I live...

My wife hates them and wants me to remove them. It's an ongoing conversation...

 

[GTAcruz]

I'm thinking of adding the OEM Side Steps to my 2024 Sara Cruz Limited.
I agree they're not needed for entry to and exit of the vehicle. But more for ease of loading items on the roof rack and cleaning the top of the vehicle.
My only concern is the potential decrease in clearance of the bottom of the vehicle.
Does anyone have them installed on their Santa Cruz? I greatly appreciate your feedback.

Wouldn’t you use the door sill to help with loading stuff to the roof rack and/or stand in the bed…
I looked over the SC with side steps at the dealer a while back - it matches the ground clearance of my RAV4, with the step it would be even less clearance than my RAV… it’s already low as it is, so was a simple no go for me…

 

[Greyhair]

There is no grab handle on the window pillar. What are you going to grab on to in case you lose your balance and fall off the side step? There should be a handle to help the driver and passengers get in. There is no safety features in mind when adding the side steps.

 

[Nagrom]

Don't worry it's a short fall.

 

[danco]

There is no grab handle on the window pillar. What are you going to grab on to in case you lose your balance and fall off the side step? There should be a handle to help the driver and passengers get in. There is no safety features in mind when adding the side steps.

If only there were handles above the doors…

 

[krowensby]

If only there were handles above the doors…
View attachment 21315

My '23 Limited has grab handles (or "Oh ****!" handles as they are known as in NYC cabs). Are you saying there should be a second set of handles? That seems like over-kill.

 

[krowensby]

My '23 Limited has grab handles (or "Oh sh*t!" handles as they are known as in NYC cabs). Are you saying there should be a second set of handles? That seems like over-kill.

 

[PK 62]

If only there were handles above the doors…
Replaced mine for sun glasses holder - I realize its was a risk as there was such a height I could fall from with out the grab handle

 

[Greyhair]

That handle is hard to grab onto from the outside. Also, it is too far back to squeeze your head and body and twisting your arm to get in.

Just try grabbing it with your left hand and try getting in. You obviously don't know and just commenting without any facts.

 

[Rx4Pain]

My 23 Night came with the roof rack bars.
They work great as a place to grab onto when using the side steps.

Ken

 

[krowensby]

That handle is hard to grab onto from the outside. Also, it is too far back to squeeze your head and body and twisting your arm to get in.

Just try grabbing it with your left hand and try getting in. You obviously don't know and just commenting without any facts.

I grab mine most every time I get in, but I use my right hand. Not sure why you would try to use the left hand as it would be really awkward. I'm only 5'7". Maybe it is easier for shorter people to grab. Or maybe I am "obviously" ignorant. ;-)

 

[mjb4450]

I looked over the SC with side steps at the dealer a while back - it matches the ground clearance of my RAV4, with the step it would be even less clearance than my RAV… it’s already low as it is, so was a simple no go for me…

Factory authorized side steps do not lower the ground clearance. Accessories such as side steps that come as an option are designed to not alter the advertised ground clearance. Otherwise they would have to have two different specs for vehicles with and without factory side steps. Take a measurement of the ground clearance from the lowest point of your control arms to the ground and then find a SC with steps and take a measurement of ground clearance at the steps.

 

[danco]

My '23 Limited has grab handles (or "Oh ****!" handles as they are known as in NYC cabs). Are you saying there should be a second set of handles? That seems like over-kill.

No. I’m saying @Greyhair’s comment was silly…

 

[danco]

That handle is hard to grab onto from the outside. Also, it is too far back to squeeze your head and body and twisting your arm to get in.

Just try grabbing it with your left hand and try getting in. You obviously don't know and just commenting without any facts.

I just took you off my ignore list, because I couldn’t remember why I blocked you. Thanks for reminding me. Goodbye, again…