Best Jeep Gladiator Side Steps

1. Editor's Choice: n-FAB Full Length Nerf Step

This set of Jeep Gladiator steps are a direct bolt-on accessory, so go ahead and put away the angle grinder and cutting torch. Finished in a textured black powder coat, they’re sold as a pair with all mounting hardware included. The units are equipped with dimpled metal step plates to deliver reliable traction and stability when you’re getting in or out of your Jeep in bad weather conditions. The steps are attached to 3-inch heavy gauge round main bar which fits tight to the body for a clean and modern look. As a bonus, those parts of the bar can easily serve as a stand in for Jeep Gladiator rock rails should the latter be difficult to find.

2. Best Stealth Appearance: AMP Research PowerStep XL Electric Running Boards

If you want the perfect mix of function and fashion from your Jeep Gladiator side steps, the AMP Research PowerStep electric running boards are just for you. These electric-powered running boards automatically extend when you open your door, providing a 3 inch dropped  stepping surface to make entering or exiting the cab of your Jeep Gladiator that much easier. While the marine grade aluminum running board stealthily tucks into a tough rock rail, we wouldn’t make these our first choice for rocker panel protection on the trail. For the average trail rider, these may be the perfect Jeep Gladiator side steps and the fact that they’re made in the USA and backed by a 5 year limited warranty, we still put them high on our list.

3. Most Traditional Looking: YITAMOTOR Jeep Gladiator Running Boards

The seller of these running boards claim they are made from the finest aluminum alloy, which is a curious choice for an accessory that will likely be (inadvertently) abused on rocks during off-road sessions and by people’s feet on a daily basis. Nevertheless, Ford makes an entire pickup truck out of the stuff so perhaps there’s something to this approach after all. High-quality ABS plastic covers the step areas, providing slip-resistant side steps for sure-footed traction while withstanding harsh weather. Mounting hardware and instructions are included. Importantly, no drilling is required for installation. There aren’t many reviews on this product but the ones that do exist are generally positive.

4. n-FAB RKR Step System

From the same company that kicked off this list we find a set of side steps that are essentially Jeep Gladiator rock sliders with a couple of foot pegs added to them. It has a non-modular, dual-bar assembly – marketing speak for the thing being one big piece (which provides a measure of rigidity). The main tube is 1.75 inches, smaller than the other steps from this brand, but that may be a good thing depending on your priorities. If trying to preserve off-road clearance, this is no small consideration. The bars are constructed to fit tightly to the Jeep Gladiator body, provide good protection both on and off the road. Wall thickness is listed as 0.12-inch, which can be interpreted at 3/25″ or about 3mm. Note they do weigh a considerable 52 pounds, so phone a friend when you decide to install the things.

5. Hooke Road Metal Folding Door Hinge Steps

Technically not side steps in the same vein as the other items on this list, they are nevertheless steps which are placed on the side of your Jeep Gladiator. Their purpose is to allow better access to the roof of your Gladiator, a helpful thing if you’re the type to slap on a rooftop tent and go overlanding for a week. These steps are bolted on to the factory door hinges, though it is important to note they utilize the exposed-bolt stanchions and not the easily removed pins that are popped out when removing the doors for some free-wheeling fun. Since these bolts weren’t designed to be taken off by the customer, take care not to strip the paint off them. Reviews of the product itself are mostly positive, with complaining directed at bolt removal but not the steps themselves.

6. Westin Black HDX Drop Nerf Step Bars

Westin is a known quantity in the Jeep accessory field, making their inclusion on this list quite easy. These steps are of a 1-piece notched bar design, said to feature over 2 inches more step area than competitive products. High traction die-stamped steel step plates give plenty of traction. Constructed from mild steel for high strength, they have been e-coated and powder coated for durability, corrosion resistance, and great looks. Fun fact: they are designed in America by Westin’s in-house engineers using OEM CAD data, then extensively tested on the Gladiator to ensure fit and performance. That’s a lot more than can be said about any no-name steps you’ll find in dusty corners of the internet.

How do you install Jeep Gladiator side steps?

Generally, a high-quality set will utilize existing spaces in the frame for mounting, meaning there should be no need to take a power drill to your expensive new Jeep. Steps like these generally are bolted securely to the underside with included hardware, so having a good ratchet set on hand will help matters immensely. It’ll also help if you have a friend to help with the install, since these bars can be heavy; even if they aren’t, their long and thin profile can be awkward to hold into place with one hand while bolting it onto the Jeep with the other.

Do Jeep Gladiator side steps provide any protection?

Most of them do, yes. By adding an extra layer of metal to the rocker panel area of your Jeep Gladiator, side steps can guard against dents and scrapes on this part of the truck if you happen to make contact with rocks while off-roading or run over a solid object in the mall parking lot. Some serious wheelers will forgo the step portion of these accessories altogether, preferring to mount a solid metal bar – called a rock slider – to this part of their Jeep. This provides protection without having any steps sticking out several inches from the side of the truck.

Additional Resources

• Best Jeep Gladiator Accessories
• Best Jeep Gladiator Lift Kit Options
• Best Jeep Gladiator Tires for Off Roading

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