Vehicle Side Steps, Side Rails & Rear Wheel Carriers

Side Steps and Side Rails

Side steps and side rails (or bush/brush bars) are often added to provide protection to the side of a 4WD/SUV.  If you have raised your 4WD then side steps are a must to help you get up into the vehicle but make sure the step surface is non-slip.
 

Side steps can be mounted directly to the vehicle body or to the vehicle’s chassis.  Side steps mounted to the chassis are generally favoured as they are stronger and they won’t damage the 4WD’s body if they are bent.  If you are a serious off-roader check to see the steps are not mounted too low as they may scrape when going over logs and uneven terrain.

Further protection for the vehicle is available by the addition of side rails or bush bars to protect the flared wheel guards.  The side rails or bush bars are mounted to the chassis and attach onto the bull bar on the front of the vehicle.

4WD/SUV Rear Wheel Carriers

One of the reasons owners adopt a rear wheel or spare wheel carrier is to make room for a long range fuel tank or water tank underneath the vehicle.  Another reason is to accommodate rear tyre carriers or jerry can holders and mounting points for a high-lift jack, HF radio antenna, shovel and large rear light.  4WD vehicles with the spare tyre mounted underneath often cannot accommodate a tyre larger than the standard tyre plus it can be awkward to get to, hinders departure angles and can get damaged from dragging on the ground on uneven terrain.

A rear wheel carrier can bolt onto the vehicle’s standard bumper but often the whole rear bumper is replaced with one compatible with the single or twin spare wheel carrier.

If replacing the whole rear bumper and you plan to add a long range fuel tank later make sure the tow bar set up will accommodate the fuel tank.

Also make sure the rear wheel carrier will accommodate the tyre size you want to have on your vehicle, your rear registration number plate and light relocation mounting as well as tail light assemblies.

Check your state or territory Department of Transport or Road Transport Authority website as there are often standards to be met to comply with any vehicle modifications and accessories such as those relating to bull bars, roof racks, bike carriers, fishing rod holders, accessory guages, long range radio antennas and DVD screens.

Bull bars, nudge bars, side steps and brush bars and rear wheel carriers are available from Team Poly, 4WD Systems, ARB, TJM, Kaymar, Opposite Lock, Strongarm Wheel Carriers and other vehicle accessories stores.  Original bull bars and nudge bars are also available for the 4WD, the family sedan or station wagon through Toyota, Holden, Mitsubishi or Nissan.