DNA Motoring SSTEP-SS Aluminum Side Steps
Our DNA Motoring SSTEP-SS aluminum side steps deliver the perfect combination of strength, style, and accessibility for your truck or SUV. Engineered from high-grade aluminum alloy, these running boards provide a secure, slip-resistant step surface while resisting rust and corrosion season after season.
We designed the SSTEP-SS with universal mounting brackets and vehicle-specific fitment options to streamline installation on most pickups and sport utility vehicles. The powder-coated finish withstands road salt, mud, and UV exposure, maintaining its appearance through years of daily use. Whether you’re adding functionality for shorter passengers or enhancing your vehicle’s exterior profile, these side steps bring practical value and clean lines to your ride.
Core specs & construction details
Aluminum Construction & Corrosion Protection
We manufacture the DNA Motoring SSTEP-SS aluminum side steps from marine-grade aluminum alloy that delivers exceptional strength-to-weight performance. This material choice reduces the overall load on your vehicle’s mounting points while providing structural integrity that matches or exceeds heavier steel options.
The powder-coating process applies multiple layers of protective finish that bond at the molecular level to the aluminum substrate. This creates a barrier against road salt, moisture, and stone chips that typically cause premature rust on unprotected metal surfaces. The textured black finish also hides minor scratches and scuffs that occur during normal use, maintaining a clean appearance with minimal maintenance.
Fitment & Installation Details
Vehicle Compatibility
The SSTEP-SS platform fits most full-size trucks and SUVs manufactured from 2000 onward, including popular models from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota, Nissan, and Ram. We provide vehicle-specific mounting brackets and hardware kits that align with factory mounting points on your truck’s frame or pinch weld.
Before ordering, verify your vehicle’s year, make, model, and cab configuration (standard, extended, or crew cab) to ensure proper length selection. Our side steps are available in 60-inch, 70-inch, and 80-inch lengths to accommodate different wheelbase dimensions. The same mounting system used across our side steps and running boards collection ensures consistent installation procedures whether you’re upgrading a compact SUV or a heavy-duty pickup.
Step Surface Design & Load Capacity
The step tread features a raised diamond-plate texture that channels water and mud away from the contact surface while providing grip for boots, shoes, and bare feet. This pattern performs consistently in rain, snow, and muddy conditions where smooth surfaces become hazardous.
We engineer each DNA Motoring SSTEP-SS aluminum side step to support a static load of 500 pounds per step location. This capacity accommodates multiple passengers or heavy work boots and gear without flexing or permanent deformation. The extruded aluminum profile distributes weight across the mounting points rather than concentrating stress in a single area, which extends the functional lifespan and maintains alignment over time.
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Side Step Installation & Compatibility Questions
The SSTEP-SS platform is compatible with most full-size trucks and SUVs from 2000 onward, including Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500-3500, Toyota Tundra and Tacoma, and Nissan Titan models. You’ll need to verify your vehicle’s year, make, model, and cab configuration when ordering to receive the correct length and mounting hardware kit.
We offer three length options—60-inch, 70-inch, and 80-inch—to accommodate standard cab, extended cab, and crew cab configurations. If you’re unsure which length fits your vehicle, measure the distance from the front wheel well to the rear wheel well along the rocker panel before ordering.
Each DNA Motoring SSTEP-SS aluminum side step is rated to support 500 pounds of static load per step location. This capacity accommodates multiple passengers, heavy work boots and gear, or use as a platform for reaching roof cargo without risk of bending or permanent deformation.
The extruded aluminum construction distributes weight across multiple mounting points rather than concentrating stress in one area. This design maintains structural integrity even under repeated loading cycles over years of daily use.
No drilling is required for most factory-equipped trucks and SUVs. The SSTEP-SS mounting system uses existing factory holes along your vehicle’s frame rail or pinch weld locations. We provide vehicle-specific brackets and stainless steel hardware that bolt directly to these pre-threaded mounting points.
Installation typically takes 60 to 90 minutes with basic hand tools—socket set, torque wrench, and a helper to support the side step during alignment. Detailed instructions with torque specifications are included with every kit.
Aluminum offers superior corrosion resistance compared to steel, making it ideal for drivers in coastal regions or winter climates with heavy road salt exposure. The DNA Motoring SSTEP-SS aluminum side steps won’t develop the rust-through failures common with unprotected steel running boards, extending service life by years.
Aluminum also weighs approximately one-third less than equivalent steel construction, reducing stress on mounting points and improving fuel efficiency slightly. Despite the lighter weight, our aluminum alloy provides comparable strength and a 500-pound load rating per step—matching or exceeding most steel alternatives.
Yes, but avoid directing high-pressure spray directly into mounting brackets or pivot points. The powder-coated finish is designed to withstand normal pressure washing, but excessive water intrusion into bracket assemblies can displace grease and accelerate wear on moving components if your model includes fold-away mechanisms.
For routine cleaning, mild soap and water with a soft brush removes accumulated dirt, salt, and road grime effectively. The textured step surface is self-cleaning to some degree, with the raised pattern helping shed mud and debris during normal use.
We back the DNA Motoring SSTEP-SS aluminum side steps with a lifetime structural warranty covering the aluminum extrusion and welded joints against defects in materials and workmanship. Mounting brackets and hardware carry a three-year warranty against failure under normal use conditions.
Finish wear from abrasion, stone chips, or chemical exposure is considered normal maintenance and falls outside warranty coverage. However, the underlying aluminum structure remains protected throughout your ownership, and minor finish damage can be touched up with matching paint to prevent moisture intrusion.
The SSTEP-SS design maintains a compact profile that adds approximately 5 inches to your vehicle’s side profile at the step location. The side steps mount close to the rocker panel to minimize ground clearance impact while still providing a functional step height.
For aggressive off-road use involving deep ruts or rock crawling, you may prefer our fold-away or removable side step options that can be repositioned when maximum clearance is needed. For moderate trail driving, camping access, and daily use, the fixed SSTEP-SS configuration offers the best balance of convenience and protection for your rocker panels.