tps5352
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- California Central Valley
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- 2026 Tesla Model X All-Wheel Drive (5-seater)
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Here is a preliminary attempt at a comparison (inspired by the question, here). Glad to hear from owners and vendors with more info on:
_____
¹ Running Boards (Source: Google; Electruck4X4)
³ Rock Sliders (Sources: Google; Electruck4x4)
Some Features/Advantages (See numbers added to Table.)
1. Stainless-steel construction.
2. Stainless-steel hardware.
3. Doesn't reduce side clearance (when retracted).
4. Optional re-installation of plastic Rivian bottom panels is possible.
5. Allows use of four original Rivian jack points.
6. Increases the number of jack points.
7. Made in America.
8. Uses "DOM" (Drawn Over Mandrel) tubing.
9. Offers a number of optional levels of protection.
10. Offers 3/16" steel tubing.
11. Available with no logo on top plate.
12. Replaces Rivian plastic shields with metal shield.
13. Some horizontal position adjustment possible.
14. Inside of tubing is powder-coated, also.
Some Considerations
(as you review product information/videos)
Some Informative Rivian Forums Threads
Other Information Sources
Galley of Product Photos
_____
* Same or similar overseas-made RBs?
Disclaimer: I am not associated with or receiving compensation from any of the companies discussed here (or Rivian Forums itself).
- additional products,
- information corrections/additions,
- additional features, and
- specific applications (for Rivian car models and generations).
Table. Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders for Rivian R1
| Brand | Vehicle | Vehicle Generation | Notes | Cost | Material | Weight (lb.) | Capacity (lb.) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RUNNING | BOARDS¹ | |||||||
R1T R1S | 1 & 2 | just RBs---> w/aero---> | $1,300 $1,700 | Al | 44 36 | ? | optional aero plates | |
R1T R1S | 1 & 2 | black PC ---> BS finish ---> | $1,200 $1,500 | 304 S/S | 60 66 | 600+ | 1, 4, 5 7 | |
R1T R1S | 1 & 2 | electric, retractable | $1,500 | Al | ? | 661 | 3 | |
R1T R1S | 1 & 2 | two tread- plate designs | $900 | steel | 41 34 | 1,000 | 4, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13 | |
EV Base² | R1T R1S | 1 & 2 | two tread- plate designs | $550 | steel | ? | 881 | 11 |
Hansshow² | R1T R1S | 1 & 2 | two tread- plate designs | $550 | steel | ? | 881 | 11 |
Evannex² | R1T R1S | 1 & 2? | two tread- plate designs | $490 | steel | ? | ? | 11 |
RPM² | R1T R1S | 1 & 2? | 3rd generation design | $450 | steel | ? | 550 | 4, 11 13 |
ROCK | SLIDERS³ | | | | | | | |
R1T ---> R1S ---> | TIG welds; very strong | $2,200 | steel | 65 | ? | 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14 | ||
R1T R1S | 1 & 2 | two tread- plate designs | $1,700 | steel | 106 88 | 1,760 | 6, 7, 11 12 | |
R1T ---> R1S ---> | 1 1 & 2 | Direct Current Engineering | $1,695 | steel | 62 54 | ? | 7, 8 | |
R1T R1S | 1 & 2 | optional top plate | to $1,613 | steel | ? | ? | 6, 7 | |
R1T R1S | 1 & 2 | very strong | to $1,608 | steel | 160 | ? | 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
¹ Running Boards (Source: Google; Electruck4X4)
- provide convenient step (just below side doors)
- aid entry into and exit from the vehicle
- some protection also provided
- enhancement to car's appearance
- improved cabin-floor cleanliness
² Same or similar overseas-made products?³ Rock Sliders (Sources: Google; Electruck4x4)
- greater strength/durability
- better protect rocker-panel and door-sill areas (between front and rear wheels)
- vehicle can "slide" over low obstructions
- also offer RB advantages
Some Features/Advantages (See numbers added to Table.)
1. Stainless-steel construction.
2. Stainless-steel hardware.
3. Doesn't reduce side clearance (when retracted).
4. Optional re-installation of plastic Rivian bottom panels is possible.
5. Allows use of four original Rivian jack points.
6. Increases the number of jack points.
7. Made in America.
8. Uses "DOM" (Drawn Over Mandrel) tubing.
9. Offers a number of optional levels of protection.
10. Offers 3/16" steel tubing.
11. Available with no logo on top plate.
12. Replaces Rivian plastic shields with metal shield.
13. Some horizontal position adjustment possible.
14. Inside of tubing is powder-coated, also.
Some Considerations
(as you review product information/videos)
- Where is the product designed and built?
- Company reliability, customer-response time, product design, quality, and warranty?
- Does added weight and placement significantly affect range?
- Is reduced side-, bottom-, or ground-clearance a concern?
- Can the product collect dirt/mud/moisture, leading to...
- Eventual rust/corrosion?
- Is installation a challenge (including wiring for one product)?
- Are instructions and designs up-to-date (with Rivian bolt-hole placement)?
- Is recommended bolt-torque (for reassembly) excessive ?
- Does the product interfere with or change jack point locations?
- What is the total cost, with
- item price (check for sales and discounts),
- shipping (if any),
- state tax (if any), and
- optional installation?
- Length (Does the product truly fit your vehicle per expectations?)
- Acronyms
- "Al" = aluminum
- "BS" = brushed satin
- "DOM" = Drawn Over Mandrel (a superior? metal-pipe manufacturing technique)
- "PC" = powder-coated
- "RB" = running board
- "RS" = rock slider
- "S/S" = stainless steel
- "TIG" = tungsten inert gas welding
- Finish on almost all products appears to be flat, satin, or textured black powder-coated.
- Exception: The RealWheels EV RB S/S finish can optionally be BS stainless steel.
- At least one manufacturer powder-coasts the inside of tubing.
- I do not believe drilling (into the car) or welding are normally necessary for any of these products.
- There are many good alternatives listed here worth considering, making selection more difficult. Buyers need to carefully study online information and installation videos. Also, search for comments by past customers.
- Be aware that some of the better, made-in-North America products might be hand-constructed on demand. Like dining at the finest restaurants this is can be a desirable attribute, as it helps ensure that the product is up-to-date and quality-built to fit your particular vehicle. But it can also mean an understandable delay in receiving your order. (So, obviously, don't order a week before that big 4x4 outing.) Check with the manufacturer and plan accordingly.
- Be aware that some product installation specifications have been updated (or not) to address midstream design changes in Rivian bolt-hole locations. Use care and communicate with sellers accordingly.
- Important Installation Tip: A TP55 Torx Plus socket/bit is required to remove some Rivian bolts. (If a regular T55 bit is used, those bolt heads can be stripped. Source.)
- Manufacturers may offer a range of specific products (or lack_specific products) for:
- vehicle-model (R1T or R1S, obviously)
- vehicle-generation (Gen 1 or Gen 2)
- bolt-hole variations within generations
- color/finish
- tread-plate present or absent
- tread-plate hole deign
- and other characteristics
- Be sure to include any shipping/freight, state tax, and optional professional installation costs in your budgetary considerations. (For example, shipping of heavy RSs to/within California can cost $100-$200, plus a similar amount for state tax.) Some vendors may offer free shipping. Installation costs (and quality) vary. Also, it is unclear whether all vendors collect state tax? Check before you buy.
Some Informative Rivian Forums Threads
- Introducing RMaxx Running Boards & Rock Sliders for Rivian R1T / R1S from Team 1EV - November 10, 2022
- Master Thread: Review of the EV Sportline RMaxx Running Boards/Sliders (from Team 1EV) - January 9, 2023
- DCE Direct Current Engineering rock sliders installed -- Initial review / feedback & photos - January 14, 2023
- DCE Rock Slider Product Overview & Install video for Rivian R1T / R1S - January 17, 2023
- GOAT Fabrication Rock Sliders (R1S and R1T Available!) - February 2, 2023
- EV Sportline RMAXX Running Boards Installed on R1T Today! - Review / Feedback / Photos - February 20, 2023
- EBINC’s Review and Installation of the EV Sportline / 1EV / RMaxx Running Boards – Including Lessons Learned, Tips and Sealing of 4” hole procedure! - March 12, 2023
- My Review: Megawatt Rock Sliders by Electruck4x4 - April 10, 2023
- Love my new 1EV RMaxx Step Running Boards - Installed Pics and Review - April 28, 2023
- Which is the best Rock Slider for Rivian R1T? - July 5, 2023
- EV Sportline R1S Sliders are installed photos & feedback - October 14, 2023
- T55 bolt removal for running board install - December 23, 2023
- Which R1S Running Boards? - December 31, 2023
- RealWheels EV Stainless Steel Running Boards - February 12, 2024
- Off-Road Wheeling with Megawatt Rock Sliders on an R1S - A Review - May 11, 2024
- Rock Slider Comparison? - August 18, 2024
- 2025 R1S Gen 2 "Rock Sliders" are here! In-stock and shipping - EV Sportline - November 1, 2024
- Do Gen 1 rock sliders work for Gen 2 ? - November 15, 2024
- R1S - Megawatt™ Performance Rock Sliders - Availability and End of Year Sale - December 23, 2024
- Refreshed 2025 R1T / R1S Running Boards and Rock Sliders - EV Sportline / Team 1EV / RMaxx - January 9. 2025
- Rivian R1S Running Board Install - Help me understand plastic hole cutting - February 1, 2025
- 2025+ R1S Gen II early vs Gen II current - Explained for Rock Sliders - March 11, 2025
Other Information Sources
- The Guide to Choosing Rock Sliders and Rocker Guards - June 3, 2019
- What's the difference between a rock slider and a running board / step? (plus other info)
- Direct Current Engineering (Weistec Engineering) (@Camshaft) - Rock Sliders
- EVBASE (@EVBASE) - Running Boards and Rock Sliders
- Electruck 4x4 (@electruck4x4) - Megawatt Rock Sliders
- EV Sportline (@EV Sportline) - Rmax Running Board (steel or aluminum, and (steel only) Rock Sliders
- RealWheels EV - s/s Running Boards
(Please let me know if I've missed anyone.)
Galley of Product Photos
|
* Same or similar overseas-made RBs?
Disclaimer: I am not associated with or receiving compensation from any of the companies discussed here (or Rivian Forums itself).
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