Jeep Wrangler Plastic Side Steps

Should You Remove Them for Off-Roading?

Quick Answer 

Yes, Jeep recommends removing factory plastic side steps before off-roading.
They reduce ground clearance, are easily damaged by rocks, and can cause body damage on uneven terrain.

Jeep manual - side step removal

Why Jeep Recommends Removing Plastic Side Steps

Factory plastic side steps are commonly found on Jeep Wrangler Sahara models. They designed for daily driving, not trail use. While they make entry and exit easier on pavement, they become a liability once you leave the road.

According to the Jeep Owner’s Manual, these steps should be removed before off-road driving.

Jeep’s Reasons:

• Plastic is not impact-rated for rocks or trail obstacles

• Side steps reduce ground clearance and breakover angle

• Damaged steps can transfer force into fenders and body panels

In short: they’re built for convenience, not capability.

The Real Risk on the Trail

Plastic side steps hang lower than the frame rails, making them one of the first contact points on rocks and ledges. When that happens, they don’t just break but they can bend upward into the body, causing expensive damage.

Common Problems:

• Cracked or torn plastic

• Bent mounting brackets

• Fender damage

• Reduced obstacle clearance

• Getting hung up on rocks instead of sliding over them

Lesson Learned the Hard Way (Real-World Experience)

I learned this lesson firsthand.

While waiting on the trail after navigating a rock section, I relaxed and that’s when it happened. I drove my factory plastic step rail directly over a large rock.

The result?

• Loud impact

• Driver-side step pushed up

• Fender popped out of place

Thankfully, my trail guide knew exactly what to do and was able to pop the step and fender back into place. It could have been a very expensive mistake  I got lucky.

That moment permanently changed how I prep my Jeep for the trail.

Kyle fixing my side step

Ground Clearance & Breakover Angle Matter

Beyond durability, plastic side steps reduce two critical off-road measurements:

• Ground clearance

• Breakover angle

Even losing a couple of inches can mean the difference between:

• Clearing an obstacle

• Or getting stuck, hung up, or damaged

When off-roading, every inch counts.

The Better Option: Rock Sliders

Once I started off-roading regularly, I removed the factory steps and installed metal rock sliders.

Why Rock Sliders Are Better:

• Protect body and frame

• Designed to slide over rocks

• Support vehicle weight

• Improve confidence on technical terrain

• Double as a step for lifted Jeeps

They’re one of the best functional upgrades you can make if you plan to wheel your Jeep.

To Remove or Not Remove Plastic Side Steps?

It depends on how you use your Jeep.

Keep Them If:

• You stay on pavement or light dirt roads

• You don’t encounter rocks or ruts

Remove Them If:

• You wheel regularly

• You encounter rocky or uneven terrain

• You want to avoid body damage

• You plan to upgrade to sliders

Removing them is a simple DIY job with basic tools and well worth the peace of mind.
Jeep Momma's Barricade Rock Slider Install

Jeep manual 0 side step removal

Final Thoughts

Jeep didn’t include that warning in the owner’s manual by accident.

Factory plastic side steps serve a purpose, but off-road use isn’t it. If you plan to explore trails, removing them or replacing them with rock sliders protects your Jeep and preserves its capability.

FAQs 

Should I remove my Jeep’s plastic side steps before off-roading?
Yes. Jeep recommends removing them because they can be damaged and reduce ground clearance.

Can plastic side steps damage my Jeep on the trail?
Yes. They can bend into fenders or body panels when they hit rocks.

Are rock sliders worth it for a Jeep Wrangler?
Absolutely. Rock sliders protect the body, improve capability, and are designed for trail use.

For more essential Jeep Wrangler maintenance tips, visit my Jeep Wrangler Maintenance Guide.