I'd like to add something like Westin or Rhino step bars to my '00 E250 and simply cannot find anyone who lists this as being available. The newer E's have some great looking factory running boards but cost alone takes them out of my anticipated range---probably $600 or more complete as accessories.

What I DON'T want is anything that goes wheel-to-wheel of the DZ type of aluminum extrusions that require screw mounting into the fender wells pentrating the original metal and rust protection added during manufacture. I'd prefer something just for the front doors---need the space normally taken up by the extended length versions.

Having looked at a few newer factory bars and random pickups its not that difficult to fabricate something but natually I'd prefer something off the shelf and easy installation.

Any help, advice or direction would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

I have been looking for the same thing. I even called some of the manufacturers and they all said there not much call for them so they aren't produced like those for pickups. I'mm looking for a full length step tube with a full flat top step. I see them on resold Penske and U-Haul vans but stopping there got me nowhere. As far as an extruded board you can get the from 36" to 90" boards but nobody will commit to a mounting kit expressly for a van. I think I'm going to have a shop build them then fabricate a mount myself.

 

I have been told the same thing for my van(s). I want the full length as well with the flat top step (black rubber pad). I have been told that no one makes any and that if you found some that would work the brackets would have to be fabricated. I have 6 friends who install truck accessories and window tint who own there own shops and each have told me the same.

 

Take a look at U-haul, their rental vans have them, ask where they get them, they look like the ones on 4x4 trucks.

 

This is a good idea---as well as any other aftermarket converter specializing in vans. Occasionally I work on pick ups converted for railroad service use that have some incredibly stable and solid open grate type cab length steps which would be perfect---of course they don't make them for vans!

Having looked at the mounting system Ford OEM boards use I could easily enough fabricate something similar that would allow me to adapt a set of stock Westin/Rhino bars. Every chance I get I'll crawl under different pickups to see if a particular brands mounts could be adapted to our vans---so far nothing jumps out at me.

I may just look for a cheap used set for use as a starting point. I'm sure after a few trials and errors something suitable would develop. Naturally I'm looking for no drill installation or at minimum not drilling into the body itself.

I can't believe with the number of vans on the road someone isn't grabbing that market. Its like the Field of Dreams---if they build them we WILL buy!

 

JWA, while looking for parts on craigs list I came across a used factory set for $200.00 there here in the LA area but I would bet you could get them shipped to you for $100.00 or less

 

Hey Red---that's very cool of you----we're thinking along the same lines it seems! I also found a set for a late 90's F150 for $100 and the guy would install them too----seemed like a good man to do business with. Had I known then (one month ago) what I've learned since I'd have just bought them outright and worked from there.

FleaBay has pages and pages of new bars for $200 or so and fair shipping from "no name" manufacturers, some even in stainless steel. If luck sticks with me I'll find a set for protyping in the $50 you-pull-it variety so will keep my eyes out closer to home for now.

Looking at nearly every vehicle I can with the owner's permission in parking lots etc I've seen a common element in the mounting systems. Also looking at a newer E250 with factory boards I'm going to go ahead with making my own mounts. My next move will be to contacting Rhino, Westin etc etc engineering departments and find tubes of a suitable length. This will be somewhat of a challenge since make, model and year is the typical selction choices----they don't guess anyone wants to fabricate their own---liability and so on.

When I get this started I'll try to keep a photo journal in case anyone else wants to give this a shot. I want to aim first for the mounting system which is really the only sticking point for our vans. Also, instead of tubes I need something like an open grate step plate but hopefully can devise something easily adapable for any type of tube or step.

So it's off to the drawing board (Autodesk QuikCAD) and thinking shed!!


J W

 

Like I said, U-Haul vans have them, so someone is making them already!