Abstract: A vehicle rock slider having a removable cover and methods of using the same. The rock slider may be attachable to a rocker panel of the vehicle along a length of the rocker panel such that an edge of the rock slider extends below a rocker flange extending downward from a bottom of the rocker panel. The rock slider may have a cover removably attachable onto the rock slider. The cover may be shaped and sized to conceal the rock slider when the rock slider is not in use.

Abstract: A grating for a support structure includes a piece of metal including a perimeter edge and a surface bound by the perimeter edge. The piece of metal defines an array of uniform surface modifications on the surface of the piece of metal. The uniform surface modifications are arranged in a repeated pattern across the surface. The repeated pattern of uniform surface modifications is consistent across the surface but for at least a pair of spaced apart areas of inconsistency where the uniform surface modifications are not formed in the surface. Each area of inconsistency is surrounded on all sides by the array of uniform surface modifications. The pair of areas of inconsistency provides an indication of where to attach a structure to the grating.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a step rail system supportable from a structure of a motor vehicle. The system may have an inner step rail element and an outermost step rail element. The inner step rail element may be arranged nestably within the outmost step rail element. The inner and outermost step rail elements may further be arranged at least partially within the same plane. The outermost step rail element may have at least one of a curved leading portion or a curved trailing portion.

Abstract: A running board configured for absorbing energy includes an attachment portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a step-assist portion extending from the attachment portion along a latitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The attachment portion defines a plurality of voids therein each disposed along a respective one of a plurality of horizontal axes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The running board further includes a plurality of tubes disposed within a respective one of the plurality of voids. A device including the running board and a method of forming a running board are also set forth.

Abstract: A foot traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing longitudinal sides, and opposing lateral ends. The panel body defines a plurality of narrow slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A plurality of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts has an elongated base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming step edges includes a nose piece for locating at an edge of a horizontal existing surface, a covering board for covering the horizontal existing surface, and a riser board for locating a top of the riser board at or adjacent the edge with the board in an upright orientation. The nose piece includes at its rear a recess for receiving a projecting tongue of the covering board, which cooperate to retain the covering board positioned against the existing surface. The apparatus additionally features a fastener projecting forwardly at a bottom of the tongue for mechanically coupling with a distinct locking recess in the nose piece. The apparatus also features a receptacle for placing at a rear of the covering board to receive another riser board, which conceals a gap between the rear edge of the covering board and an upright surface upstanding from the existing surface.

Abstract: The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes.

Abstract: An accessory component for a vehicle is disclosed which may incorporate an elongated frame element having an elongated channel formed there along. The elongated frame element is adapted to be fixedly secured to a portion of the vehicle. A resilient metallic applique having a contour generally in accordance with at least a portion of the elongated frame element may be incorporated. The applique may have a feature adjacent a first end for engaging with the elongated channel, and a second end of the applique may be shaped to engage with a different portion of the elongated frame element such that the applique is secured to the elongated frame element without adhesives or mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A step assembly for a truck includes a plurality of bases, lamps, upper rods, lower rods, at least one front rod(s), at least one rear rod(s) and two side covers as main components combined together. The step assembly uses a special base which can be hidden to make the light inside the step assembly be revealed from the gaps or hole(s) of the upper rods, lower rods, front rod(s) and rear rod(s). So that the step assembly can show its three-dimensional structure at night or in the dark room, to facilitate the user to identify the position of the step assembly.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle with which convenience during boarding/alighting can be improved. Accordingly, provided is a tractor, i.e. a work vehicle, having a step used for boarding/alighting provided in front of a rear wheel thereof. The step is configured from: a receiving part which engages with a foot of an operator; a front support part for supporting a front of the receiving part; and a rear support part for supporting a rear of the receiving part. One end of the front support part is coupled to a cabin frame. Another end of the front support part is coupled to a tractor side end surface of the receiving part. One end of the rear support part is coupled to a front-side end part of a fender of the rear wheel. Another end of the rear support part is coupled to a rear-side end surface of the receiving part.

Abstract: An axle connector adapter assembly, including: a frame element with a first frame member; an axle extending along an axial axis and including an engagement end with a first threadable portion; and an adapter with a second threaded portion for threadable engagement with the first threadable portion. The first frame member includes an open slot with an open entrance portion, a closed terminus region, slot sidewalls extending between the open entrance portion and the closed terminus region, a slot axis, an axially outward facing first outboard face, and an axially inward facing first inboard face. The adapter is assembled to the first frame member to include a rotationally keyed engagement between the adapter and the first frame member to limit rotation of the threaded portion relative to the first frame member about the axial axis. The adapter is preferably axially retained to the first frame member.

Abstract: A running board apparatus including a first component with a hollow cross-section having an open end, the first component extending in a longitudinal direction; a second component with a closed cross-section that slides relative to the first component in a lateral direction, the second component extending in the longitudinal direction; and a positioning device with a first end attached to the first component and a second end attached to the second component. The positioning device is configured to move the second component with respect to the first component in the lateral direction and lock the second component and the first component in a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A nerf bar assembly for mounting to the side of a vehicle having a unibody construction includes a tubular member comprising a tubular section and a plurality of mounting brackets fixed to and projecting generally perpendicularly from the tubular section. A support structure is configured for mounting to the body of a vehicle having a unibody construction. The support structure forms a channel and includes a plurality of channel veins and a plurality of support structure brackets disposed within the channel. The support structure brackets are configured so that the plurality of tubular member mounting brackets can be removably mounted to the plurality of support structure brackets. The nerf bar assembly is configured so that when the tubular member impacts an object, the tubular member can collapse and absorb the impact before damage occurs to the support structure or the vehicle body.

Abstract: An automotive running board includes a base, a cover sheet, and a non-slip bar. The base is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle's lateral side and includes a top provided with at least one groove. The cover sheet is mounted on the top of the base and provided with a plurality of through-holes and a plurality of mounting holes. A plurality of support pillars is designed on a lower surface of the non-slip bar and correspondingly penetrates the through-holes of the cover sheet and resists the top of the base. A plurality of joint pillars is designed on the lower surface of the non-slip bar and correspondingly penetrates the mounting holes of the cover sheet, so that the non-slip bar securely joins the cover sheet. The running board featuring simple structure and reduced costs is easily assembled for better supportability and lowered yield loss rate.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a frame including an operator compartment having at least one entrance and a floorboard. The vehicle further comprises at least one step capable of being positioned across the entrance a spaced distance from the floorboard such that an operator may stand on the step when the step is positioned across the entrance to gain access to an elevated storage location.

Abstract: A side-step device that includes a driving unit, a pinion gear, a driving gear unit, and a step. The driving unit is mounted on a vehicle body, and the pinion gear is connected to the driving unit and is configured to rotate. The driving gear unit is composed of an outer gear surrounding a portion of the pinion gear and engaging with the pinion gear and a rack gear extending from one end of the outer gear to the vehicle body. The step connects to the opposite side of the vehicle body to the driving gear unit, folds in a normal state, unfolds out from the vehicle body when the pinion gear and the outer gear are interlocked, and extends out from the vehicle body from the unfolded state when the pinion gear and the rack gear interlock.

Abstract: A novelty vehicle side step accessory kit is provided that offers users an interactive and aesthetically pleasing means of customizing their vehicle. The device has one or more pressure plates disposed on a vehicle side rail. Two end portions are disposed on opposing ends of the side rail. These end portions are thematically decorated to resemble an animal, vehicle, plane, or other object. A sound emitter is disposed within the front end portion and a motion generator is disposed within the rear end portion. Both elements are electrically connected to the pressure sensitive plate. When a user steps on the pressure plate the sound emitter and motion generator are activated, creating audible and tactile feedback.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal includes a main plastic pedal, a decoration, at least an adhesive sheet and an anti-slipping rubber plate, and a rack. The main plastic pedal has at least a pedal portion having plural small recesses respectively bored with a through hole. The decoration also has plural small recesses respectively bored with a through hole, and plural projections formed in the bottom to correspond to the small concaves. Plural positioning blocks are fitted in the through holes of the decoration. The adhesive sheet is glued between the pedaling portion of the decoration and the anti-slipping rubber plate, having plural through holes, with two sides coated with a glue layer. The anti-slipping rubber plate has plural positioning bars inserted through the through holes of the adhesive sheet to be restricted by the positioning blocks.

Abstract: A running board attachment. The running board attachment forms a barrier to restrict the passage of objects through the area between a vehicle body and a running board mounted distantly from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle step includes a tread, a riser at a rear of the step that extends from the tread, and a side wall that extends from the tread and the riser. A top part may extend from the side wall and slope outward to a front of the tread, and an outer part may extend from the top part and at an outward angle. The step may be stamped from a single sheet of material.

Abstract: A construction machine includes a tank with an upper surface and a side surface that is configured to allow a user to get onto and off the upper surface; and a dressing cover that covers part of the side surface, an upper portion of the dressing cover being formed by an inclined surface having an inclination angle set so as not to allow the user who gets onto and off the upper surface to step on the upper portion.

Abstract: A step assembly for a vehicle comprising an elongated main body having a substantially straight portion and two end portions; a generally U-shaped step bar having a substantially straight portion parallel to the main body and two bent portions, the bent portions welded to the main body and a step surface having a plurality of apertures that is affixed to the step bar to provide traction to the user. The main body is preferably welded to at least one support bracket. The installation of the step assembly is a two step process that comprises engagably attaching at least one mounting bracket to a vehicle and then engagably attaching the support bracket, which is preferably welded to the main body, to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly for mounting on a vehicle adjacent to the body of the vehicle may include an elongated step having opposite ends and a hollow space formed in the step and extending between the ends, and at least one support bracket with a mounting portion configured to mount on the vehicle and a support portion configured to support the elongated step, with the support portion having a support surface on which the elongated step rests. The assembly may also include at least one clamp mounting the step on the at least one support bracket, with the at least one clamp being configured to engage the step at substantially any location along the length of the step between the opposite ends.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes a treadle body having a bottom formed with an open slot. A guide plate is received in the open slot and positioned under positioning stop plates inside the open slot. Two sets of fixing members are respectively assembled at the lower side of the treadle body, and each fixing member is composed of a first clamping plate with two bolts, a second clamping plate bored with two insert holes, and two nuts, with the first and the second clamping plates clamping the guide plate. At least two connecting bases are respectively provided for assembling the treadle body at one side of a vehicle body, and each connecting base and each fixing member correspond with each other in setting position. Two protective covers are respectively mounted at two ends of the treadle body, and an anti-skid pad is stuck to the topside of the treadle body.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal includes a main pedal and a cover. The main pedal has a supporting surface, a groove formed in the supporting surface, plural positioning bases located in the groove, and a through hole bored in each of the positioning bases. The cover has a grooved rail for being assembled in the groove. Plural screws have their heads confined in the grooved rail and their shanks extended out of the grooved rail into the through holes of the main pedal. A washer and a nut are mounted around each of the shanks. So with the heads of the screws restrained in the grooved rail and with the shanks of the screws inserted in the through holes, not only can the cover be quickly fixed on the main pedal, but also the screws can be hidden in the cover to achieve an aesthetic integral appearance.

Abstract: A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body having two opposing edges which define a longitudinal channel. The channel receives a pinch clamp which is wider than the channel and has a fastening hole and an alignment means. The rail body is lowered onto the mounting surface of a mounting bracket adapted for rigid connection to a vehicle. The mounting surface defines another fastening hole and another portion of the alignment means. A fastener draws the pinch clamp and the mounting surface toward opposite sides of the opposing edges of the rail body. Because the pinch clamp spans the width of the channel and is aligned properly relative to the mounting surface, the rail body is secured between the clamp and the mounting surface by the tightened fastener.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal includes a main plastic pedal, a decoration, at least an adhesive sheet and an anti-slipping rubber plate, and a rack. The main plastic pedal has at least a pedal portion having plural small recesses respectively bored with a through hole. The decoration also has plural small recesses respectively bored with a through hole, and plural projections formed in the bottom to correspond to the small concaves. Plural positioning blocks are fitted in the through holes of the decoration. The adhesive sheet is glued between the pedaling portion of the decoration and the anti-slipping rubber plate, having plural through holes, with two sides coated with a glue layer. The anti-slipping rubber plate has plural positioning bars inserted through the through holes of the adhesive sheet to be restricted by the positioning blocks.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal includes a main pedal and a cover. The main pedal has a supporting surface, a groove formed in the supporting surface, plural positioning bases located in the groove, and a through hole bored in each of the positioning bases. The cover has a grooved rail for being assembled in the groove. Plural screws have their heads confined in the grooved rail and their shanks extended out of the grooved rail into the through holes of the main pedal. A washer and a nut are mounted around each of the shanks. So with the heads of the screws restrained in the grooved rail and with the shanks of the screws inserted in the through holes, not only can the cover be quickly fixed on the main pedal, but also the screws can be hidden in the cover to achieve an aesthetic integral appearance.

Abstract: A running board assembly for mounting to a vehicle such as a truck includes an extruded running board body and a cover member. Advantageously the extruded running board body is made from an extrudable plastic and the cover member is advantageously made of a material having the desired exterior finish. The cover member may be metallic and have the appearance of a chrome or polished finish. The cover extends over the upper and outboard surface of the running board body to provide the desired appearance characteristics. The running board assembly is affixed to the vehicle by a plurality of mounting brackets.

Abstract: A vehicle side panel step structure includes a step, a mounting structure and a sub-side body panel. The mounting structure movably couples the step to the structural support for movement of the step between a retracted step position and an extended step position relative to a structural support of the vehicle. In the extended step position the step is approximately horizontally oriented relative to a main side body panel of the vehicle. A sub-side body panel is coupled to the mounting structure to move between a fascia mating position when the step is in the retracted step position and a non-fascia mating position when the step is in the extended step position. The sub-side body panel includes a contoured edge configured such that in the retracted step position the contoured edge of the sub-side body panel and a contoured edge of the main side body panel at least partially define the wheel well.

Abstract: A vehicle with an elevated cab is provided with a power driven access step that is capable of being moved between an operating lower position and a raised stowage position. The step is carried by at least one telescopically collapsible tubular strut and an actuator is housed within the strut for raising and lowering the step by extending and contracting the strut.

Abstract: A side foot board for a vehicle includes a plastic foot board formed thereon with a holding surface provided with at least one stepping member with plural grooves, and the plastic foot board has its underside disposed with a recessed surface. A decorative board mounted on the holding surface of the plastic foot board is provided with a stepping member at a location matching with the stepping member of the plastic foot board, the stepping member has plural grooves, and the decorative board further has its underside formed with projections at locations corresponding with the grooves of the stepping member of its own and fitting with the grooves of the stepping member of the plastic foot board. A rubber anti-skid board is fixed on the stepping member of the decorative board, and a support frame is secured on the recessed surface at the underside of the plastic foot board.

Abstract: A step assembly for a vehicle comprising an elongated main body having a substantially straight portion and two end portions; a generally U-shaped step bar having a substantially straight portion parallel to the main body and two bent portions, the bent portions welded to the main body and a step surface having a plurality of apertures that is affixed to the step bar to provide traction to the user. The main body is preferably welded to at least one support bracket. The installation of the step assembly is a two step process that comprises engageably attaching at least one mounting bracket to a vehicle and then engageably attaching the support bracket, which is preferably welded to the main body, to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body including a continuous rail wall of substantially uniform thickness. The rail wall describes a continuous cross-sectional profile between two elongated free edges, the cross-sectional profile of the rail being substantially uniform along the length of the rail body. The cross-sectional profile of the rail body includes a relatively flat top portion disposed between a substantially semi-circular front curved portion and a substantially quarter-circular rear curved portion. A rear mounting lip extends forward from the rear curved portion to one of the elongated free edges. A front mounting lip extends upward and then rearwards from the front curved portion to another of the elongated free edges. The elongated free edges are generally in line with one another, but spaced apart to define a longitudinal channel therebetween having a predetermined width. The rail body is formed from a sheet of material by a process of roll forming.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle step that attaches to the vehicle's frame or body via a downward facing c-channel that extends longitudinally along the lower edge of the side of the vehicle. One or more step assemblies can be attached to the c-channel so that the step assemblies extend outward and downward from under the vehicle. The step assemblies are attachable along the length of the c-channel, making the step assemblies adjustable longitudinally relative to the vehicle so that they can be positioned below the doors of the vehicle. The supporting c-channel is hidden from view by a decorative side bar that attaches to the exposed side of the c-channel making the step assemblies appear to be supported by the decorative side bar. The step assemblies used with the step can be made of various lengths and heights.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an assembly, including a structural member and an appearance feature formed therealong, is provided utilizing first and second molds. The method includes the steps of: injecting magnesium into the first mold to form the structural member; removing the structural member from the first mold; placing the structural member in the second mold; and injecting thermoplastic material into the second mold to overmold the appearance feature along a portion of the structural member.

Abstract: A step assembly for a vehicle comprising an elongated main body having a substantially straight portion and two end portions; a generally U-shaped step bar having a substantially straight portion parallel to the main body and two bent portions, the bent portions welded to the main body and a step surface having a plurality of apertures that is affixed to the step bar to provide traction to the user. The main body is preferably welded to at least one support bracket. The installation of the step assembly is a two step process that comprises engagably attaching at least one mounting bracket to a vehicle and then engagably attaching the support bracket, which is preferably welded to the main body, to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle running step formed of an elongate tube, the tube having an opening therethrough with a plurality of spaced apart tread plates mounted within the opening. The spaced apart tread plates form a non-slip self-cleaning step area along the tube. Dirt, debris, snow and ice can pass between the spaced apart tread plates to increase overall safety of the device. Furthermore, the spaced apart tread plates are aesthetically pleasing and relatively simple to manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting entry into high road clearance vehicles having a generally cylindrical side bar adapted for attachment to a vehicle chassis, one or more U-shaped cylindrical bars attached to and suspended from said bar comprised of two end portions and a center bar. The U-shaped bars may be of tubular construction and have a flat surface and are preferably angled from the side bar at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and each U-shaped bar has end portions that meet the center bar at an angle of approximately 0 to 45 degrees. The side bar may be attached to any of a variety of chassis designs and may have a plurality of steps at the doors and at or near the back of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bracket assembly including a plurality of components attached along a hem line, a plurality of attachment points along the hem line, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first bracket connects to the plurality of components at at least one of the plurality of attachment points, and supports a longitudinal load applied to at least one of the plurality of components. The second bracket connects to the plurality of components, and supports a lateral load applied to at least one of the plurality of components.

Abstract: A utility ramp having a latching feature to attach the utility ramp to steps mounted on the side of a vehicle. The latching feature provides a means for securing the utility ramp to the steps and allows the utility ramp to be used as a vehicle running board. Further, the utility ramp may include one or more jointed segments to allow the utility ramp to approximate a curved ramp.

Abstract: In an anti-slip device for heavy construction equipment equipped with a plurality of ventilation holes and installed in one side of an equipment body, an anti-slip device for heavy construction equipment comprises a slip prevention plate which includes a support groove curved with a certain interval and disposed closer to the ventilation holes, and a fixing hole which passes through the support groove; and an anti-vibration stopper which includes a head part mounted on an upper side of the fixing hole, and a support part which supports a lower side of the fixing hole, and contacts with the upper surface of the equipment body and the support part, respectively. The anti-slip device for heavy construction equipment can reliably maintain an interval between a slip prevention plate and an equipment body with the help of an anti-vibration stopper for thereby effectively absorbing the weights and vibrations applied to a slip prevention plate.

Abstract: A manually retractable side step assembly for a vehicle includes a rotatable step having a latch mechanism and a spring system that work in concert to rotate the step from a stowed position to a deployed position. In a stowed position, the step is in line with the running board of the vehicle. However, depressing a release button automatically rotates the step 180°, thus exposing an enlarged step area for providing ease of access to a roof rack on a minivan, SUV, or sport wagon, or if used with a pick-up truck, ease of access to a toolbox that is located in the rear of the truck.

Abstract: A side step for a vehicle has a forward projection that extends into the front fender well of a vehicle and a rearward projection that extends into the rear fender well of the vehicle. Quick release bolt type connectors retain the forward projection in the front fender well and retain the rear projection in the rear fender well such that the side step can be removed from the vehicle for off road driving by unthreading the retaining bolts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tractor which can easily perform maintenance of a pedal interlocking mechanism. In a tractor which includes a driver portion, a stepped portion mounted on the driver portion in an extending manner, and a pedal interlocking mechanism arranged below the stepped portion, a maintenance-use opening portion is formed in the stepped portion, and the maintenance-use opening portion is closed by an open/close lid body in an openable manner. Due to such a constitution, In maintaining the pedal link mechanism, the lid is opened to expose the opening so that the pedal link mechanism can be easily maintained through the maintenance-use opening from above the stepped portion.

Abstract: A rocker molding-step (14) for a vehicle body side assembly (12) includes one or more support brackets (30), an elongated molding-step (28), a series of fasteners (74), and an appliqué (76). The fasteners (74) attach molding-step (28) and support brackets (30) to an outboard surface (18) of vehicle body side assembly (12), with the support brackets (30) sandwiched between the molding-step (28) and the body side assembly (12). The molding-step (28) has a stepped surface (72) receiving the fasteners (74). The appliqué (76) is attached to molding-step (28) and covers the fasteners (74). The molding-step (28) is a single-piece blow-molded construction, which covers the vehicle body side assembly (12) and provides a foothold.

Abstract: An adjustable footwear cleaning apparatus includes a rectangular base, a plurality of spikes protruding from a surface of the base, a carpet that is sized to fit on the base and is perforated to allow the free ends of the spikes to protrude when the carpet is installed, and a mechanism for attaching the apparatus to a running board. The mechanism may include a plurality of straps or horizontally or vertically adjustable clamps adapted to adjustably secure the base to a vehicle step or running board.

Abstract: An access assembly to approach a first storage tank and an adjacent second storage tank of a planting implement is provided. The first and second storage tanks are mounted on a wheeled frame assembly for movement in a direction of travel. The access assembly includes a ramp having a first end opposite a second end aligned in a fore-and-aft direction relative to the direction of travel of the implement. The first end of the ramp is pivotally attached about a first horizontal axis relative to the wheeled frame assembly. The access assembly further includes a ladder pivotally coupled about a second horizontal axis at the second end of the ramp. The ladder and the ramp pivot together about the first horizontal axis at the first end of the ramp between a raised and a lowered position.

Abstract: The invention includes a step device for assisting entry into and/or exit from a vehicle such as, for example, high road clearance truck. The step device comprises a generally “W” shaped bar which is separable into said two generally “U” shaped elements for easier packaging, shipping and manipulation of the device. Each of the “U” shaped elements include a cross-bar fixedly attached between, and spanning across, an interior of the generally “U” shaped element. The cross-bars are configured for separately mounting to the vehicle such that the generally “U” shaped elements are independently supported and the generally “U” shaped elements may be adjustable to multiple angles with respect to said vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting entry into high road clearance vehicles having a generally cylindrical side bar adapted for attachment to a vehicle chassis, one or more U-shaped cylindrical bars attached to and suspended from said bar comprised of two end portions and a center bar. The U-shaped bars may be of tubular construction and have a flat surface and are preferably angled from the side bar at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and each U-shaped bar has end portions that meet the center bar at an angle of approximately 0 to 45 degrees. The side bar may be attached to any of a variety of chassis designs and may have a plurality of steps at the doors and at or near the back of the vehicle.