What Is the Difference Between Tube and Aluminium Side Steps?

The difference between tube side steps and aluminium side steps comes down to the width of the step surface and the body material. With the tube type, your foot rests on a round surface, while with the aluminium profile it rests on a flat, wide platform.

Both products attach to the vehicle in the same way. Each is fixed with brackets to the mounting points on the underbody, and both protect the side of the vehicle.

The difference shows mainly in everyday use. On vehicles you get in and out of often, the width of the step surface matters most, while in changing weather the surface texture becomes the deciding factor.

How Are Side Step Types Classified?

Side step types are classified by three criteria: body material, step surface shape and length based on wheelbase.

Material is the most basic difference. One group of products is built on a steel or stainless steel tube body. The other group consists of an extruded aluminium profile with plastic surface pieces fitted on top.

Length is related to vehicle length. When the same model is produced with a short and a long wheelbase, the step length changes too. If a long product is fitted to a short-wheelbase vehicle, the step extends past the rear wheel line.

When all three criteria are assessed together, the number of options that fit the vehicle narrows quickly. The side step types produced for the same model also differ by year range and body type.

What Is a Tube Side Step?

A tube side step is a type of side step built on a metal tube body with a round or oval cross-section, with small step pads fitted on top.

The body is usually made of stainless steel or chrome-plated steel. The tube diameter is mostly between 6 and 8 centimetres. The step pads are placed at two or three points, lined up with the doors.

The most distinctive feature of this design is its look. The shiny metal tube creates a classic line on off-road vehicles and pick-ups.

There are two limitations in use. Because the step area is limited to the tube diameter, your foot does not sit fully on it. The round surface also increases the risk of slipping on icy days.

A steel body is heavier than aluminium. If the coating at the weld points gets damaged over time, corrosion can start in those areas.

What Is an Aluminium Profile Side Step?

An aluminium profile side step is a type of side step made of a flat, extruded aluminium body with plastic surface pieces fitted on top.

The body is made of high-grade aluminium, and the textured pieces on the top surface are made of ABS plastic. The step surface is usually 13 to 15 centimetres wide.

The elliptical studs on the surface serve two purposes at once. They make it harder for your foot to slip and they hide scratches. On wet and snowy ground, this texture makes a clear difference.

Aluminium does not rust by nature. It does not corrode when exposed to snow, ice, rain and road salt. This is an advantage for long service life.

A continuous surface along the full length of the step also makes it more comfortable for rear-seat passengers to get in. With the tube type, you cannot step on the areas outside the pads.

How Much Weight Can Tube and Aluminium Side Steps Carry?

For both types, the main factor that determines load capacity is not the body, but the vehicle's chassis platform and bracket design. Aluminium profile products are rated for up to 250 kg, depending on the chassis platform.

A common misconception is that capacity comes entirely from the material. However, even if the step body can carry 250 kg, the load ends up on a single point if there are not enough brackets.

The number of brackets is the real factor behind capacity. For example, a product made for an SUV uses 3 mounting feet per side, 6 in total.

Capacity values apply to static loads. Jumping onto the step or placing a heavy load on a single point creates momentary forces far above the stated value.

Which Side Step Should You Choose for Your Vehicle Type?

The choice by vehicle type depends on the vehicle's ground clearance and how often it is used each day. A wide step surface works better on vehicles with a high body, while a slim profile suits lower vehicles.

On light commercial vehicles, people get in and out many times a day. These vehicles call for slim-profile products that do not overpower the body line. The Era V2 side step models produced for panel vans and combi vans meet this need. The same series offers separate lengths for short and long wheelbases.

Expectations are different for SUVs and off-road vehicles. Buyers look for a fuller step feel and a more striking side profile. The Another side step models stand out in this group, offering a length of 183 cm and a width of 14.34 cm in one example application.

For pick-up and off-road use, another criterion comes into play. Since ground clearance is critical, the amount the step hangs below the vehicle is checked.

In all three groups, the wheelbase information is confirmed from the vehicle registration document. If the difference between short and long wheelbase is overlooked, the product will not fit the vehicle at all.

What Is a Side Step Mounting Bracket and Why Does It Matter?

A side step mounting bracket is the metal foot that fixes the step to the ready-made points on the vehicle's underbody. It is the only part that transfers the load carried by the step to the vehicle.

The importance of the bracket is directly related to safety. No matter how sturdy the body is, the load reaches the chassis through the brackets. A weak or incorrectly positioned bracket makes the capacity of the body meaningless.

• Number of Brackets: Long vehicles use three feet per side, while two feet may be enough on short vehicles.

• Galvanised Coating: Protects the feet, which are constantly exposed to water and road salt under the vehicle, from corrosion.

• Laser-Cut Shape:  Fits the vehicle's own mounting holes exactly and removes the need for drilling.

• Foot Spacing: The greater the distance between the feet, the more the middle section of the step flexes.

The installation sequence is just as important as the bracket. The feet are first fitted loosely, the body is aligned, and the final tightening is done gradually at the end.

The most common mistake is fully tightening the first connection. This throws the other feet out of alignment, and the step starts to make noise over time.

The one question that decides your side step choice is where your foot will land. A wide, textured surface gives a safer step in everyday use, while the tube form is more a matter of appearance. When the brackets are set up correctly, both types continue to protect the side of the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Side Steps (FAQ)

Can side steps be fitted without drilling holes in the vehicle?

Vehicle-specific side steps do not require drilling or modification. The mounting brackets are designed to fit the factory mounting points on the vehicle's underbody. All the necessary bolts and mounting parts are included in the box. Universal products may require drilling, so vehicle-specific models are preferred.

Are side steps slippery in winter?

Surface texture is the deciding factor here. Models with elliptical studs or a textured surface provide a safer step in wet and icy conditions. The risk of slipping is higher on flat metal or round tube surfaces. On snowy days, clearing the step before stepping on it is a safe habit.

Can side steps be removed and refitted?

Side steps installed with a bolted connection can be removed and refitted. Keep the brackets and bolts together when removing them, as these parts are vehicle-specific. When refitting, the mounting points should be cleaned and the bolts tightened gradually. When the vehicle is sold, the product cannot be transferred to another vehicle.

Do side steps increase fuel consumption?

The effect of side steps on fuel consumption is very limited. Since the product stays within the vehicle's body line and does not disrupt airflow from above, it cannot be compared with roof equipment. The effect comes mainly from the added weight, and a pair of side steps usually weighs 15 to 25 kg. This increase is not noticeable in everyday use.

Do side steps loosen over time?

A correctly tightened side step does not loosen for a long time. Loosening is usually caused by uneven tightening during installation. A check after the first 500 kilometres is recommended. A rattling noise from the step indicates that the bracket bolts should be checked.