The Best Side Steps For Your Work Van
When it comes to cargo vans and upfitting them with equipment, one of the best initial investments you can make is to get a solid set of side steps. Side steps, nerf bars, and rear access steps are all a major safety and efficiency upgrade for any work van. There are a variety of options on the market, but today we are going to cover some of our personal favorites here at Elite Truck.
As we know, getting in and out of a cargo van cab can become quite treacherous when the weather is bad. Having a wide, textured platform to step on as you enter the cab can make all the difference to the driver and passenger of a van. One of our favorite options for the cab doors on a cargo van is the O-Mega II from Luverne. The model for the cab doors only measures 6”x36” which is the perfect size for the cab doors. They don’t stick out too far and cause any obstruction when getting into the cab, but they have just enough of a platform to aid in safety. The other nice thing about them is that they install relatively easily and require minimal holes to be drilled. The price point on these are right under $400. Check them out here!
The sliding side door on a cargo van is one of the main entry/exit points, and having a premium step for that location makes a lot of sense. Our favorite option for this spot is the LEGEND UpStep RS3. This model is somewhat unique in that it’s an automatically deploying step, but doesn’t require any electricity to operate. It deploys simply from the natural mechanism of the door sliding open and closed, thanks to a clever hinge design from LEGEND. This step is extremely heavy duty, and offers a huge platform to step on, making entry and exit very easy and safe. It’s finished off with a very grippy texture similar to skateboard grip tape. These steps are available for Ford Transits, Ram ProMasters, and Mercedes Sprinters. Price point on this model is right under 1700 including the required mounting brackets. If you’re looking for one of the coolest work van steps on the market check this one out, you won’t be disappointed!
Rear access steps can oftentimes be overlooked when upfitting a van. Most people focus on the sides first for a variety of reasons. However, this next product is quite unique and offers more benefits than just being a larger platform for stepping. The Luverne Impact Shock Absorbing Rear Bumper Step does as the name suggests, doubling as a bumper and a step. It offers the unique benefit of also helping to reduce impacts of less than 5mph. This makes it the perfect fit for a delivery focused work van setup, or for a setup where the van is constantly around loading docks or similar structures. The step platform on this model is generous at over 9” deep and it’s as wide as the entire rear door opening as well. This unit is heavy duty and meant to last the lifetime of the van. This unit comes in at $850, making it a great value when you consider the average cost of repair for a factory rear bumper in a similar impact situation.
While these are some of our favorite step options for work vans, there are plenty of other great options as well. Make sure you check out our website for other popular models, or give our team a call if you need help deciding between a few different options!