When it comes to off-road protection, rock sliders are a must-have for anyone planning to take their truck to the trail. The RCI Offroad rock sliders offer good strength and functionality, providing excellent protection for your vehicle’s rocker panels and doors and helping to prevent costly repairs, while maintaining a sleek and low profile.
Table Of Contents
Who is RCI?
RCI Offroad is a leading manufacturer of off-road components, renowned for producing high-quality rock sliders, skid plates, and other accessories. Made in the USA, their products are designed to withstand the toughest conditions and are backed by a lifetime warranty for defects in material and craftsmanship, and a 6-month powder coating warranty.
Key Features
- Fitment: RCI makes sliders for 2016-2023 Tacomas in multiple configurations depending on year, cab, and bed size.
- Superior Strength: The sliders feature a 2″ square main tube, which is stronger than the 1.75″ round tubing used by many competitors.
- 1.75″ DOM Outer Rails: Standard 1.75″ DOM steel outer rails provide uncompromised strength and are built to handle tough off-road environments.
- Heavy-Duty Gussets: Each slider is reinforced with 1/4″ thick gussets on all four legs, adding extra strength where it’s needed most.
- Mitered End Caps: The 3/16″ steel, laser-cut, and bent end caps are stronger and more functional than traditional square-cut sliders. This feature not only improves the structural integrity but also enhances the overall appearance.
- Full-Length Frame Plate: A 3/16″ full-length frame plate and a four-leg design guarantee that these sliders are as strong, if not stronger, than anything else on the market.
- High-Lift Capability: These sliders are fully capable of supporting the entire side of the truck for lifting with a Hi-Lift jack or sliding over rocks without damage.
- 20 Degree Angle: The standard 20-degree upward angle ensures a low profile with maximum ground clearance.
- Bolt-On Installation: The sliders are a direct bolt-on addition to existing mounting locations on the frame—no drilling is required.
- Tread Plate Option: Available tread plates for the step surface provide extra grip and durability, ensuring safe entry and exit for passengers, kids, and pets.
- Optional 5 Degree Low Angle: For those who want a flatter step surface, an optional 5-degree angle provides enhanced functionality while retaining all the benefits of a rock slider.
- Optional Textured Powder Coat Finish: RCI Offroad’s rock sliders go through a multi-step powder coating process with epoxy primer and a heavy-duty black textured powder for maximum durability.
- Made in the USA: Ensures the highest quality and craftsmanship.
- Grade 5 & 8 Hardware: All necessary hardware is provided.
- Low Profile Rear Kick-Out: Standard with RCI’s signature low-profile rear kick-out for additional functionality and obstacle deflection.
Installation Overview
Installing these rock sliders is straightforward, with only basic hand tools required. They bolt directly into existing mounting points on your Tacoma, so there’s no need for any drilling or modifications. The included hardware makes the installation process quick and easy, and the design ensures a secure and stable fit.
Installation Tips & Tricks
I won’t dig too deep into the install as RCI already includes a detailed install guide, but I will provide a few tips and tricks to help you out.
- It’s super helpful if you have a second set of hands during the install, but it’s possible to do it by yourself, though!
- If you’re having trouble with aligning the sliders and getting the bolts in place, use a floor jack and a 2×4 to balance the sliders, raise them up to the required height, and then bolt them in place
- On the rear driver side, the fitment between the frame and fuel tank is pretty tight, so the smaller your hands are, the easier it’ll be to tighten those.
- Near the front on both sides, you’ll need first to remove the two plastic covers blocking the opening in the frame, then squeeze your hand and a wrench through that opening to tighten two of the bolts.
- If you’re removing running boards to replace them, depending on the mileage and condition of your truck, you may need to spray penetrant fluid to make it easier to remove the bolts.
- My install took around 1.5 hours, so plan for around 1-4 hours depending on your experience and the condition of the truck.
Pros
- Durable Construction: The 2″ square tubing and 1.75″ DOM outer rails offer unbeatable strength, while the heavy-duty gussets and full-length frame plate ensure maximum protection.
- Improved Functionality: The optional tread plate surface offers superior grip, making it safer for passengers, kids, and pets to get in and out of your Tacoma.
- Excellent Ground Clearance: The standard 20-degree upward angle maintains a low profile and maximizes ground clearance, allowing you to still tackle tough obstacles without having to utilize the sliders
- Versatile Design: The low-profile rear kick-out is great for deflecting obstacles, and the optional 5-degree angle provides a flatter step surface.
- Protection From Road Debris: The sliders will also help protect the bottom of your doors from rocks getting thrown from your tires, especially if you opted for the tread plate.
- Easy Installation: The bolt-on design and included hardware make installation a breeze, even for those with minimal mechanical experience.
- Made in the USA: These are made in Loveland, Colorado, with quality craftsmanship. Their steel materials & aluminum tubes are locally sourced from the USA or Canada, while their 5052 aluminum is sourced from China or South Africa because of its superior quality.
Cons
- Weight: Like most trail armor, these sliders will add a bit of weight to your truck. Depending on your setup, you may notice the weight, but I did not.
- Cost: RCI’s rock sliders might seem pricey, but they’re on par with other bolt-on sliders currently available on the market.
- Step Surface: While the optional tread plate provides great grip, some users may prefer the optional 5-degree flat angle for a more functional step.
Final Thoughts
The RCI Offroad rock sliders are an excellent upgrade for anyone serious about off-roading. With superior strength, easy installation, and added functionality, these sliders provide the protection your vehicle needs without sacrificing ground clearance or performance. Whether you’re looking to protect your Tacoma from rocks and debris or need a more functional side step, these sliders have you covered.
