[njjuliano]

Romik's side step install is an option that I am exploring. TribeAussie's side steps from the Rav4 looks great, but I have not found any local shop that is willing to fabricate custom mounts for the Tribe. Couldnt figure out either if the mounts of the Rav4 can work.

Romik published that their stuff is boltable, sans drilling....except one. Yep, the side steps. The Tribe has nothing under apparently (thought I did see one on the rear that is a great candidate) to bolt on, so will need to drill 4 holes per side to install the steps. I wanted to see if this was easy enough to do, so I asked for install instructions. Take a look.

Romik has 2 dealers, trucknsuv dot com, and autotrucktoys dot com. Only trucknsuv's site was functional. As mentioned on another thread, trucknsuv was difficult to get in touch with, though to their credit, they will get to you eventually. This is the biggest reason why I'm a bit reluctant to get the item. It just doesnt make for good marketing to delay in answering inquiry about your product. It just makes trucknsuv seem like a risky place to order. These, of course, are my initial impressions.

I wanted to get these installed before my small vaca this weekend, but that doesnt look like its going to happen.

For those interested, the price is $379 for the stainless steel $229 for the black. It qualified for free shipping (from Allentown, PA) earlier, but dont know now.

 

[DizzyV6P]

Were you able to find out if the steps would block the puddle lights? Thanks for the install pictures.

 

[timothyklam]

Very nice, i will order a pair for my beca.... Thanks, Tim : )

 

[njjuliano]

Installation and Impressions

Had them installed by Mill Street Tire in Mount Laurel, NJ. Mill Street gets a C for the experience. I was a bit surprised when I saw that they charged 2.2 hours for labor installation. I asked them again, this was just for the side steps, right? The man said, "Sure..."

My initial great impressions of the man just went downhill. Too bad, I was (and everyone I know) looking to getting everything done through him.

The steps are solid. They are polished and shine up well. It matches with the SE package that I have on the car.

They come out just right. Not too far, not too close.

The installation instructions could use a bit of correction in terms of location. The steps should be about an inch more towards the rear. Not too noticeable, but I noticed.

And for what I mean on getting it a bit more to the rear:

 

[DizzyV6P]

Sweet!!! Do you have puddle lights? If so, would the steps interfere w/ the shine on the ground? I have the puddle lights installed OEM right now so I'd hate to lose their effectiveness if the side steps block them.

Thanks! It looks great!! How much did install end up being?

Dizzy

 

[DizzyV6P]

Just a thought. Did you measure the bolt holes yet? I'm wondering if the instructions are correct and its just that the installer did not measure correctly. It looks like its supposed to be 330mm from the front bolt hole (see instructions above)

I didn't mean to get u more scared about their quality...but just curious

 

[njjuliano]

Puddle lights and measurements

Just a thought. Did you measure the bolt holes yet? I'm wondering if the instructions are correct and its just that the installer did not measure correctly. It looks like its supposed to be 330mm from the front bolt hole (see instructions above)

I didn't mean to get u more scared about their quality...but just curious

I've been meaning to measure them, and you just gave me the final push. The measurement of install was correct. The bar needs to be a bit more to the rear, to center it more.

I do like the way they look, regardless. From the rear, its not at all noticeable. Sharp, even. My 4 year old and his friends love the assistance.

So be aware to let the installer know that you might want to put it a bit more to the rear an inch to an inch and half. For mine, I'll look for an end cover or something to extend it a tiny bit, for aesthetic purposes.

Mine was charged for labor, 2.2 hours. A rip off. I am not at all against paying for honest labor. It simply does not take a capable mechanic 2.2 hours to do this job. It soured me enough from Mill Street to not return.

I cant comment on the puddles since I dont have them. Can you see from the side angle that I took if it will obstruct? Do you need a different angle photo?

 

[njjuliano]

So I've been looking for a way to get the Romiks to look a bit more centered. I figured I'd look for an endcap that sort of extends the end a bit so that aesthetically, it would appeal more to me.

As I'm looking, I noticed that they are both not installed evenly!!! One is an inch more to the front than the other. I'm assuming that it was the one that I didnt measure. What a big d'oh moment!

I'm torn on getting it back to Mill Street and have them fix it, though at the fixed position, it is still way too close to the front. I really would rather leave that place alone. (Downgrade that C to a failing grade). I'm debating on getting another shop to adjust it, but I'm wondering if the additional holes will compromise the integrity of the car. Either way, its really souring me from fully enjoying the steps.

My wife notices the difference, but is not as particular about than I am. What do you care? You drive the other car more? It just doesnt represent the car when I see it as imperfect, when it should be.

Thoughts, advice?

 

[njjuliano]

Puddle lights, puddle lights

There have been inquiries on the puddles lights and whether they block or not. This might help some of you to see if it does or not....

This is repost of the install directions pg 2, and if you look at the very bottom of the pic, the install is actually going on a Tribe that HAS PUDDLE LIGHTS. Maybe this can help in figuring if this blocks or not.

Oh, and about Mill Street, they did install it incorrectly. Instead of connecting the tube steps towards the rear, they had it towards the front bolted towards the front. So it exacerbates the front heavy look of the bar.