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Install | Trail Side Step (Driver)

Step-by-Step Installation of Owl Vans Trail Side Steps for a Sprinter Van

Step 1: Gather Tools and Materials

Step 2: Position the Double Bracket

  1. On the driver’s side of your Sprinter Van, locate the pinch seam beneath the van.
  2. Measure 16 inches back from the seam. This is where you will center the large double bracket.
  3. Ensure the bracket is centered at the 16-inch mark to align properly with the side step.

Step 3: Install the Double Bracket

  1. Once positioned, install the double bracket by bolting it through the pinch rail of your Sprinter Van.
  2. The mounting method is similar to that of regular Owl Vans side steps:
    • Attach the bracket to the pinch rail using the provided bolts and washers.
    • Ensure the bracket is securely fastened.

Step 4: Attach the Extension Arm

  1. The extension arm adds stability and strength to the step assembly.
  2. Attach the extension arm to the inner unibody of your Sprinter Van:
    • Align the extension arm slots with the unibody.
    • Drill a hole in the unibody where indicated, and insert a Riv nut.
    • Bolt the extension arm to the unibody and connect it to the double bracket.

Step 5: Heater Exhaust Mount (Optional)

  1. If your Sprinter Van has a Storyteller heater exhaust, use the provided heater exhaust mount.
  2. Attach the mount to the appropriate location on the Trail Side Steps bracket.
  3. If your van does not have this specific exhaust, skip this step.

Step 6: Secure the Trail Side Steps

  1. With the double bracket and extension arm installed, align the Trail Side Steps with the brackets on your Sprinter Van.
  2. Use the mounting hardware provided in the kit to securely attach the steps to the brackets.

Step 7: Install the Rear Bracket (Driver’s Side)

  1. The rear bracket is a smaller support piece designed to stabilize the back section of the side steps.
  2. Drill through the pinch weld at the rear of the Sprinter Van, and attach the rear bracket using the provided bolts.
  3. This rear bracket is primarily for support and will not bear significant weight, as the front double bracket is overbuilt to handle most of the load.

Step 8: Passenger Side Installation

  1. The passenger side installation for the Trail Side Steps is the same as the Explorer Side Steps.
  2. Follow the same process you would for installing the Explorer steps, with a single front bracket and no double bracket required on this side.
  3. Secure the step and brackets to the Sprinter Van’s pinch rail and unibody.

Step 9: Final Adjustments

  1. Ensure all bolts and brackets are securely fastened to your Sprinter Van.
  2. Double-check the alignment of the steps on both sides of the van.
  3. Make any final adjustments necessary to ensure the steps are stable and aligned correctly.

Congrats on installing your new gear from Owl!

Remember, Owl is the #1 manufacturer of Off Road gear and accessories for Adventure vans. We have our van experts standing by at our HQ in Arizona if you have any questions. Our gear for Mercedes Sprinter vans, Ford Transit and Winnebago Revel is Made in the USA, and many products are in stock and ship fast.

More soon,
John Willenborg