Stepbars or Not?

[rutwad]

I have a 2011 LTZ crew 4x4 with leveling kit. It's always had the stepbars, but I recently took them off trying to fix a squeaky bushing. What looks better? Also, how much do the bars help prevent paint chips from rocks?

[JBYRD8]

I like it without those bulky step bars

[Rawyzf]

I like without also. But I have to keep them on for the 5yr old.

 

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[06pirate]

I don't generally like the look of stepbars, but understand that for some they are a necessity. I have them on my 2006 Sierra, and I don't need them, being 6'1" with long legs. I'd rather get rid of them as they look bad and interfere with getting under the truck sometimes, etc. But I leave them on because everyone who rides with me is short and has to have them to get in.

[briby37]

I think you should stick with the bars. I like the look. I know they're not designed to protect from rocks, but you'll get some residual protection.

[Explorer]

Looks barren without them. I agree they are worth the rocker protection at least. I never use mine, but keep them for that reason alone. Of course, your location, use of vehicle would impact my decision.

[maplesig]

Keep them off!

[sahls01gmc]

Keep them off. If you "need" them, get the AMPS steps. Best of both worlds.

 

Worth noting, there is nothing left of my rockers at this point.....literally nothing there anymore. Not saying step bars would have prevented this, but I do see where it could help.

[00Silverado4x4]

I like the bars personally. I say keep them.

[WilliamBos]

If I dont have step bars, I will have AMP Power folds. One of the big plusses is standing on them and knocking the snow off my boots before getting in to the truck.

[jonsnow]

I have them and would take them off if I didn't live in a very rural area. They protect the paint big-time on my 13 GMC. My cousin has a 2010 Silverado without them and has major paint chips on the rockers.

[Wolfmanjohn]

I never liked the idea of stepbars or running boards for fear (but not knowledge) that they would interfere negatively with the aerodynamics and stability of the truck at speeds over 100 mph. And yes, that sometimes unintentionally happens during a pass on a two lane highway.

[Michael DeClercq]

looks better without but as the truck ages and the black protectant of the frame wears off you will see the rusty frame and maybe rusty rockers start to show, then youll want those bars, keep the rockers well maintained either way!

[SouthCo]

Looks better with the bars. Would also look better with some different wheels.

[SouthCo]

I never liked the idea of stepbars or running boards for fear (but not knowledge) that they would interfere negatively with the aerodynamics and stability of the truck at speeds over 100 mph. And yes, that sometimes unintentionally happens during a pass on a two lane highway.

You really think the step bars affect stability if you go 100? That's the silliest thing I have heard in a long while...