ARCHIVE Owl Expedition Step Sliders

[Zooguy]

On thing I'm trying to decide on with the pinch weld guard is the way it butts up to the 2x6.

If I butt them up flush with the top of the 2x6, it leaves a seam where the radius meets the flat edge of the guard. I don't plan to weld the entire seam as that would be unnecessary for strengh and very time consuming.

Here is said seam. Would be a good trap for dirt and moisture.

If I lower the guard to below the radius of the tubing, it effectively eliminates the dirt trap, but then it gives a false appearance that the slider is lower from the body.

In this photo, the right side of the outrigger is flush with the top of the tube and the left is low enough to butt flat against the side of the tube. The distance from the body is equal, but you can see how the right looks more snugged up to the body than the left.

 

[Zooguy]

Got what I'm calling the "pinch weld guard" cut and welded. Still some final touches to go, but I think this is the ticket.

Weight came out at #76.4 per side, so I managed to only add #6.4 per side with the added step and protection.

These weren't cleaned up prior to welding and some of the welds were under the truck at awkward angles. When building on the jigs, they should look better.

I think the pinch welds look better all the way flush with the sliders your concern about collecting dirt and moisture could be solved if you simply spaced the pinch weld guard 1/8 to 1/16th of an inch off the main slider ... just a thought

 

[Ramathorn15]

I think the pinch welds look better all the way flush with the sliders your concern about collecting dirt and moisture could be solved if you simply spaced the pinch weld guard 1/8 to 1/16th of an inch off the main slider ... just a thought

I like that thought. I'll toy with it and see what I can come up with. Thanks!

 

[Zooguy]

I like that thought. I'll toy with it and see what I can come up with. Thanks!

It would be a little bit more effort but with your piece of material you're using as the pinch weld guard you could bevel the edge so it kind of matches the main slider a little bit I think it would be visually a little more appealing of course you'd still have your welds every so often but the beveled look I think would increase visual appeal

 

[Ramathorn15]

It would be a little bit more effort but with your piece of material you're using as the pinch weld guard you could bevel the edge so it kind of matches the main slider a little bit I think it would be visually a little more appealing of course you'd still have your welds every so often but the beveled look I think would increase visual appeal

I considered that, but the time it would take to bevel that length of 3/16 plate is a no-go. I'm thinking I can cut slits out of the plate to gap it 1/4 or so from the slider body but have it touch where I plan to weld. That would be similar effort as the recessed and would actually make welding easier. I would have a clear place to make my weld vs measuring out even distances and lengths of weld.

 

[Zooguy]

And depending how and what lights get mounted it could illuminate above and below the steps

 

[SARCOM]

I'll repost one of Rami's pics and point out some things as to why I'm so impressed.

Take a good, hard look at the mounting bracketry. I know folks are concerned about slipperiness/size/shape of the step, but in my eyes, all of this pales in comparison to the robustness of the mounting solution to the rig. No need for U-bolts that can bend and are structurally integral to keeping the slider from moving around (especially during hard contact with a ground-based object that won't give, like big parts of The Earth). Those brackets are The Ticket to keeping things snug and stable.

FWIW, we also discussed trade-offs that can affect cost (size, weight, complexity, material) and I'm relatively sure in saying we both agreed that as long as complexity and material don't get too jacked up, weight is not an issue as long as robustness increases accordingly. On a 5500-6000 lb. rig, adding 10-15 lbs. per side of weight to improve robustness of the slider itself is pretty much a non-issue. For instance, look at those pimpy fresh mounting bracket solutions!

I am curious if the community feels the same way?

These are very nice
I am in for a set...

 

[Ramathorn15]

One Jig down and a slider built directly off of it. Fit like a charm.

One side to go

 

[Trestle]

Nice work, and exactly what I've been looking for. Interested in buying a set when you have them ready.

 

[neckbone]

Yep, if you can keep it at the $600-700 range shipped, count me in as well.

 

[krice118]

Ready to buy and be an early reviewer.

 

[Ca lc]

One Jig down and a slider built directly off of it. Fit like a charm.

One side to go

These look great. Really liked that you kicked them out more.

Let me know when I can send you my money!

 

[TheForger]

Raw with clear enamel so I can show off the "PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA"

 

[hoser]

I'm not sure how I feel about this part. Certainly looks more refined when the edge is angled. But that is exactly the spot on the fender that gets tagged the most on rocks... and so a squared off design would offer more protection.

 

[stonemountain]

Set up the group buy!

 

[sockeyesalmon]

Set up the group buy!

^^^ what he said ^^^

 

[Redbarn]

Just read this whole thread.
I’ll buy a set.
When does projected delivery start ?

 

[7thGenFL]

These look great. I might jump on the bandwagon if I can when the time comes.

 

[FurBurglar]

Very nice design. I'm interested.

 

[Jrod]

Any update on these? Thanks!