I’m in a bit of a conundrum with my Toyota Tundra. It’s the vehicle I use for daily operations while running my construction company. It’s also my Overland rig. As much as I want to push it’s limits while exploring, I’m not ready to beat it up. I have to find the balance between dragging this truck over potentially damaging rocks and not hurting anything critical. While the TRD Pro models do come with some additional skid plates to help the soft underbelly, the factory supplied tube step bars offer little to no protection should they contact anything solid. And with a 146″ wheelbase, contacting something solid along the rocker panel is a real world concern. Especially if planning to do any rugged trail driving. This is where Victory 4×4 comes in.
Victory 4×4 Strike Rock Slider Video:
American made steel
Victory 4×4, located in my home state of Michigan, produces some of the finest steel and aluminum parts for the various Toyota models. Once I made the decision to attempt more aggressive routes on our Overland adventures, I looked to them for a pair of heavy duty rock sliders to protect the cab of the truck. Bolted directly to the frame rather than the cab, these components are rigid enough to support the full weight of the Tundra (seen in the picture below). It can most certainly withstand a few bumps and bruises from rocks and ledges.
Victory 4×4 Rock Sliders Features:
- Designed to be used as a step, while also protecting your Tundra offroad
- Main structure built from 2x3x3/16″ box tubing
- 1 3/4″ round outer tubing. Tube gussets useable for safe step entry
- Bolt-on installation
- Some drilling required for offroad use
- Made in USA.
Prior to installing the rock sliders, a summer trip to Drummond Island had me stopping short on a few rocky areas that may have contacted my original running boards. Keeping us from accessing what would have been an epic cliffside campsite. I couldn’t wait to upgrade to the rock sliders. Especially with an upcoming trip to Colorado and Utah. Between the additional clearance from the ICON Suspension and the Strike Rock Sliders, the Tundra can now attack much more aggressive lines. Additionally, the longer rock slider allow easier access to the bed rack. Providing a sturdy platform from witch to reach the roof top tent or Road Shower.
Spending two weeks on the trails out west was a good test of man and machine. My 15 year old son and I had to negotiate some dicey spots through the Colorado Rockies. With sharp switchbacks and rugged terrain, the rock sliders offered the confidence I was looking for. Despite driving through areas I would have steered away from in the past, I still didn’t bottom out or rub the sliders. Further convincing me, as a driver, that the truck can be pushed quite a bit further. The same can be said for our time in Utah. We got our feet wet mainly on intermediate trails. On our next trip to Moab, I will put “Roja” through its paces and attempt some of the more difficult rated trails. From what I hear, Victory 4×4 is soon to release a rear bumper for the Tundra. Stay tuned for a winter project…
About Victory 4×4
Victory 4×4 is located in Portage, MI and ships products worldwide. Their sister company, JCR Offroad, has been providing Jeep armor for the past 16 years. Proudly handcrafting bumpers and skid plates from US sourced steel and hardware. Victory 4×4 is located in the building adjacent to JCR Offroad. Same people, same parking lot, same level of experience and quality, just built for the Toyota market. If you own a Jeep or a Toyota, you better look into these American companies. In an ever growing “made in China” market, it’s refreshing to find the real deal right here in Michigan.
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