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Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders

tps5352

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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:
  • 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

BrandVehicleVehicle
Generation
NotesCostMaterialWeight
(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
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 --->
1 & 2
1 & 2
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?)
Additional Notes and Comments
  • 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.)

Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders TORX vs TORX Plus

Who knew? (Not me.)
Source for photo by @Blueassassin,
as recommended by
@John G. (Post #10)
  • 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.
Bottom Line: Carefully evaluate intended uses of your vehicle. (Perhaps "live" with the vehicle for awhile before purchasing one of these products.) Then use caution to select the item that (a) is correct for your_specific vehicle, (b) has the features you want, and of course (c) meets your budgetary requirements.

Some Informative Rivian Forums Threads
I'll stop with these. There are almost 130 threads with "running boards" in the title, and 54 with "rock sliders" in the title. (These are clearly popular accessories.) I think I listed all the ones with "review" in the title. (Up until now, almost none with "comparison," except the thread started by @Derek.)

Other Information Sources
Rivian Forums Vendors That Offer Running Boards or Rock Sliders
(Please let me know if I've missed anyone.)​

Galley of Product Photos

Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders RealWheels S-S RB

RealWheels
Running Boards​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders Hansshow Retractable RB - 1

Hanshow Retractable
Running Boards​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders EV Sportline RB

EV Sportline
Running Boards​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders EV Base RB

EV Base*
Running Boards​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders Hansshow RB

Hansshow*
Running Boards​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders Evannex RB

Evannex*
Running Boards​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders RPM Running Boards

RPM*
Running Boards​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders MegaWatt RS - 6

Megawatt
Rock Sliders​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders EV Sportline RS

EV Sportline
Rock Sliders​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders Weistec Engineering RS

Weistec Engineering
Rock Sliders​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders GOAT Fabrication RS

GOAT Fabrication
Step Sliders​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders Rocky Road Options

Rocky Road
Rock Sliders​
Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders EV Sportline Aluminum RB

EV Sportline Al
Running Boards​
_____
* 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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mikehmb

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My name is Mike, and I have a (car) problem
I assumed that was a scam, but I emailed them anyway. No response, been 4 days. Figured I'd at least get some half-witted attempt at asking me to send a Venmo or something.
 

ElGuano

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Running boards -- best QOL mod on the R1T, bar none. My small kids can get into the truck more easily, and I can just step up and in without scooting up the seat bolster. And they feel rock solid.

I so wish Rivian made this a factory option.
 
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tps5352

tps5352

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I assumed that was a scam, but I emailed them anyway. No response, been 4 days. Figured I'd at least get some half-witted attempt at asking me to send a Venmo or something.
Yes, I know what you mean. Recently dealt with two scammers during my attempt to buy a Rivian (wrist) key band.​

In contrast, I received a same-day email back from the seller. Seemed legit. (You never know.) Seller seemed appropriately knowledgeable about Rivian stuff. I'm curious about the low price, though. Somebody may get a good deal, you never know?
 
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tps5352

tps5352

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Running boards -- best QOL mod on the R1T, bar none. My small kids can get into the truck more easily, and I can just step up and in without scooting up the seat bolster. And they feel rock solid.

I so wish Rivian made this a factory option.
In contrast, I may have "no dog in this hunt." (For some reason, I like using that phrase. I'm a cat person. But the phrase "no cat in this hunt" just doesn't have the same panache.) Anyway, I am 6'5", and don't plan to do any off-roading. So I may avoid the extra weight, tiny amount of lost of aero, and (not insubstantial) cost. We'll see. (I think that many installations do look good. And the rational behind them is sound.)

Agreed on the factory option. (Might have been a good money-maker for Rivian. Oh, well. Low down on their priorities, at the time, I guess.)
 

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Polar

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I appreciate this post as I had never heard of the Rocky Road sliders offered before
They’re the only company I know of that offer is a legitimate rock slider only without integrated step that looks pretty great!!
 
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tps5352

tps5352

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I appreciate this post as I had never heard of the Rocky Road sliders offered before
They’re the only company I know of that offer is a legitimate rock slider only without integrated step that looks pretty great!!
Thanks. Over the next week I will try to fill in missing information. Debating whether to add potential "Issues" or just let experienced buyers comment.
 
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tps5352

tps5352

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I appreciate this post as I had never heard of the Rocky Road sliders offered before
They’re the only company I know of that offer is a legitimate rock slider only without integrated step that looks pretty great!!
Yes. The basic "RocK Slider" (with no "kick-out" or step) looks interesting. Claimed to be very strong and protective, and simple, with possibly no loss in aero and clearance? However, from the photo it is unclear to me exactly how they attach as I haven't seen installation instructions or video, yet.

Good that there is a (small) variety of functional, quality choices for what are obviously useful and popular categories (2) of products. I've looked at some other 4x4 accessory websites not targeted at Rivian cars, but (unsurprisingly) haven't seen other RBs or RSs made to fit the R1 models; but there may be (probably are) some out there. And of course there are probably custom builders and instructions for making DIY (welded) versions. But imo you would want to stick with products made specifically for Rivian by builders who know the brand and its (awesome) vehicles.
 

John G.

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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:
  • 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

BrandVehicleVehicle
Generation
NotesCostMaterialWeight
(lb.)
Capacity
(lb.)
Features
RUNNING
BOARDS¹
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
aluminum
?
661
3
R1T
R1S
1 & 2
two tread-
plate designs
$900
steel
41
34
1,000
4, 7, 11
EV Base²
R1T
R1S
1 & 2
two tread-
plate designs
$550
steel
?
881
11
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 --->
1 & 2
1 & 2
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 shipping, state taxes, and optional professional installation?
  • Length--does the product fit your vehicle per your expectations?
Additional Notes and Comments
  • Acronyms
    • "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 online 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.

    Bottom Line: Carefully evaluate intended uses of your vehicle. (Perhaps "live" with the vehicle for awhile before purchasing one of these products.) Then use caution to select the product that (a) is correct for your_specific vehicle, (b) has the features you want, and of course (c) meets your budget requirements.

Some Informative Rivian Forums Threads
I'll stop with these. There are almost 130 threads with "running boards" in the title, and 54 with "rock sliders" in the title. (These are clearly popular accessories.) I think I listed all the ones with "review" in the title. (Up until now, almost none with "comparison," except the thread started by @Derek.)

Other Information Sources

Galley of Product Photos

RealWheels S-S RB.jpg

RealWheels
Running Boards​
Hansshow Retractable RB - 1.jpg

Hanshow Retractable
Running Boards​
EV Sportline RB.jpg

EV Sportline
Running Boards​
EV Base RB.jpg

EV Base*
Running Boards​
Hansshow RB.jpg

Hansshow*
Running Boards​
Evannex RB.jpg

Evannex*
Running Boards​
RPM Running Boards.jpg

RPM*
Running Boards​
MegaWatt RS - 6.jpg

Megawatt
Rock Sliders​
EV Sportline RS.jpg

EV Sportline
Rock Sliders​
Weistec Engineering RS.jpg

Weistec Engineering
Rock Sliders​
GOAT Fabrication RS.jpg

GOAT Fabrication
Step Sliders​
Rocky Road Options.jpg

Rocky Road
Rock Sliders​
_____
* Same or similar overseas-made RBs?

Disclaimer: I am not associated with or receiving compensation from any of the companies discussed here.
Great job you've done putting this informational source together!

If I may, I would like to add this photo (it helped me) as a visual tip for helping others to quickly indentify the TP55 Torx Plus socket/bit required to remove some Rivian bolts.

Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders 20230420_083408
 

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redriviman

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Posting for awareness so others are prepared if they encounter this. Also would welcome critiques if people think I'm mistaken.

Preparing to install the RealWheels EV stealth black running boards on my 2025 R1S, I found that the 3 OEM bolts in the trim panels on each side, which were to be removed in the first step with a 10 mm socket, were actually different hardware.

The Torx Plus bit set I got for this job did not have a bit that fit. TP25 was a bit loose in all 6 heads, and I was pretty sure I would strip the heads if I tried to use it. But the TP27 was too big to fit. I tried the T27 from my regular Torx bit set and that did not fit either. My initial question was, "were these some other fastener rather than Torx or Torx Plus?" But after thinking about it more I suspect they are TP25s and that ALL OF THEM (!?) got mildly stripped on the assembly line.

I'm thinking I'll approach this like other situations of removing stripped screws. But I'd be open to other thoughts if more experienced mechanics than me disagree.

Also I wanted to help other running board customers (regardless of the running board chosen) not be surprised to find that apparently the OEM fasteners for the trim pieces we need to remove are no longer (or, at least, aren't always) bolts with 10 mm hex heads.
 

mrpoo

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There doesn't seem to be any reviews of the Rocky Road rock sliders. These also look like they have the kickout option and may be a good alternative to the Megawatt? Anyone tried them and can comment?
 
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tps5352

tps5352

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MidnightRivian

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End of the year sale going on right now on DCE Rock Sliders from Weistec Engineering.

$1,440.75 after discount + shipping / pick-up

Rivian R1T R1S Initial Comparison of Running Boards and Rock Sliders 1766791972732-vl
 

loqueid

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Regarding rock sliders: are there details on clearance heights after installation that you could include? I'll go and check this out myself, but wondering if you saw anything in your research.
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