APG® - 2" Square Tube Black Side Armors

My truck is a Ford F150 2004 This is a really nice product and seams to be really well made. Once you figure out the mounting method to use and yes 2 people makes installation a lot easier. Each trucks brackets might be different in style, becuse mine deinitely don't look like the video. 1. These are NOT 2" square tubes at all. There is not a single 2" tube anywhere. They are 1 3/8x1 1/4 or up to 1 3/4 x 1 3/8. They are not like video makes it look - thick. They are more rectangular in shape. Each of the three tubes different sizes. 2. My mounting bracket only has 1 bolt hole with a single flange and has about 1/4" of bite for top and bottom to hold on too, 1/2" overlap tab top and bottom would be a better bite. Again look closely at the video, the video shows a big beefy "T" flange with 2 bolts thru to connect to another beefy bracket, with a big metal tab bite to top and bottom of pipes. Mine has to have these metal shim tabs to take up the space in the brackets, because they are using smaller and different size tubes on top from bottom. ( cutting some corners I think) 3. Also they supplied 1 mounting bolt that passes thru the bottom truck body at the bottom. Directions say M10x1.5 bolt, well they ship all 1" bolts. So when mounting the bracket. it is made with a slight angle so when you put the washers on your left with 1 thread to try to grab into. Had to go to Home Depot and buy Real 1.5" stainless steal bolts. That little bit extra allows for a better connection. 4. This is all maufacturing and quality control issues. Other than that, they seam to be really sturdy. Time will Tell.

The installation guide and instructions did not give a complete explanation of the how's, why's, and when to uses each item contained within the installation kits. For example a long bolt welded to an aluminum piece... Ok I though to myself what's this for? It's a good thing I able to figure it out, it just so happens I found out by mistaking many mistakes. Not good look guys for those of you who are writing the installation instructions. If you can't get it in two or three pages then provide a link that has video's and a clear explanations of each item and it's "potential use." It's not rocket scientist stuff guys, dumb it down. I guess the most important thing is to remember if you are asking someone who is not "mechanically inclined" to figure it out, then you've lost a customer... End of story. After much frustration two stars is all I can give for installation - however; the product is nice looking once it is on and time will tell about its longevity.

So I purchased these Side Steps because they looked different than the rest. Upon installing and leveling them I noticed something. Once they were properly secured and all screws tightened, they still managed to move downward at an angle that the brackets allowed. I think there is a flaw in design here. Don't waste your money on these and buy the ones you probably were going to get anyways...cheap price doesn't mean better. I honestly was going to modify the brackets myself, then I asked why? It's new, I shouldn't have to do anything but enjoy a product that makes my truck SHINE!!!

Looks sharp with easy installation, sturdy construction.