Owl Sprinter Side Step Install Updated

[@joshedcostanza]

Thanks for the detailed install. Link in the description to the Step by Step returns a 404 on owlvans's site btw.

[@rrijnders]

RivNuts vs Plus Nuts? Just wondering as some installers say plus nuts are stronger. Thanks

[@rrijnders]

Got mine installed on my 2024 Sprinter 170" High Roof AWD. LOVE how they look but have to agree with a previous poster; almost every RivNut location on the passenger side (and half of the driver side) land right on the edge of a corrugation/indent of the body panel. Even with a jig I made for a pilot hole it was hard to drill the hole in the right place and get the RivNut to seat perpendicular to the panel. If I had a drill press I would have drilled new holes in the bracket. Maybe an elongated vertical hole in the bracket or a second set of holes a bit lower in the bracket would help? Also got my rear door tire carrier ladder installed. That was a smooth install and looks great, too!

[@thebatlwgn]

I've seen Riv-nut tools for regular drills... do you guys have any experience with those vs the one in this video?

[@owloffroad]

Any rivnut tool should work. There are many kinds. We like this one because it is inexpensive and small. It fits well with tight quarters.

[@katiefox6680]

Any parts list for the bolts, washers, nuts, and rivets? I either didn’t get them or the kids hid them…and likely it was the kiddos 😑

[@Joeybettencourt]

Yes I wish there was a parts list because my second box came open..

[@randallmiller2017]

Is the install for the Transit application any different?

[@owloffroad]

We will do a video but it is basically the same. Only difference is you have to trim some of the plastic side skirt under the van. It is much easier to trim then remove the side skirt for installation.

[@tylercarmody845]

Do you have written instructions for any of your products?

[@johnwillenborg]

We don't, we use videos

[@tylercarmody845]

Videos are nice, but nothing beats the simplicity of written instructions!

[@willofthemaker]

Just got these and couldn't believe there are no written instructions. When under the van working it its easier just to reference a piece of paper than skip through a video and hope you don't miss anything. These aren't cheap. Some written instructions wouldn't take that long to put together

[@johnwillenborg]

@@willofthemaker We understand. Good writen in instructions take vatly longer than you think and it is a real problem when you make updates as we frequently do. We are working on doing written in instructions but for the number of products we have, it will be a length process.

[@willofthemaker]

@John Willenborg hi John, thanks for the reply. Just got done installing the side steps myself. Some things missing from the video but was able to figure out. Filmed the process as well. Maybe itll help people as well whenever i get to editing it. Some feedback, I had some issues with getting a good surface for the rivnuts on the A brackets on the drivers side. Seems like they aligned perfectly with where there were some transfer steps between the ridges. Maybe vertical slots could be more helpful than horizontal. I actually ended up drilling some new holes in different locations in Z to offset the rivnuts vertically. I didnt have the problem with the passenger side. These vans love their ridges in random spots and different areas on each side. Nothing is symmetric so makes designing things hard I'm sure. Im an automotive enginner and want to say i love what you guys are doing in general and have the side ladder I'm about to go install and at some point get your new Pismo bumper. Keep up the good work. You are pumping out great innovative multiuse products.

[@igorurbanek8217]

The rivet nuts and bolt should be stainless steel . Little rust on end of bolt and needed loose it up the rivets will spin and only way is rip it out.

[@HotPlates.]

Geez I wish you guys made parts for VW Crafters! 😭

[@johnnynicholas3144]

Driver side has completely diff bracket in the kit

[@thechappie]

Any reason these wont fit a Jayco Terrain?

[@owloffroad]

They should fit. You might have to drop a water tank or something but that's not too difficult.

[@johngrant1337]

thanks

[@leroybishop2245]

That bit thingy, is a mandrel

[@adamlivelife2608]

Why not utilize the big hole and slide a big nut and washer in be a hole lot stronger 🤷‍♂️

[@airviewcinematography]

Written directions with the steps would have been real handy. And why are standard tools and hardware being used for accessories of an a European vehicle whose workshops and owner's toolboxes are surely metric? I just got my steps. They're lovely. But there's a lot lot that's leaving me scratching my head here.

[@owloffroad]

There are actually quite simple answers to these questions. First on the hardware. When the company started, we wanted to use metric. Unfortunately, the metric bolts would not fit inside the hinge on the previous generation van (the one we started on), so we had to use a standard bolt. We felt at that point it was better to use all standard to have half standard and half metric. Most folks here in the States have both tools, but it is understandable why this would be more frustrating overseas. We would love to switch to metric but at this point, it would cause a massive issue. As for the videos, everyone has their own preference for how they learn or like instructions. Most people prefer videos and that allows us to change them rapidly. We have done poles and most prefer videos. I apologize for not having written instructions.

[@tylercarmody845]

Who likes scrolling through a KZbin video with greasy fingers? Written instructions (and parts list) are the standard for a reason. Videos work well as a supplement to written instructions, not substitute. They are time consuming but it y’all wanna change top tier prices than should offer top tier service.

[@owloffroad]

@@tylercarmody845 Everyone prefers something different, and I wish we had time to make all the instructions. The majority of our customers prefer the videos. Videos are faster to make and allow for more explanation for complex items. We have a small team and to make written instruction for all the products we make would be time prohimative. We plan to have paper in instruction at some point in the future.

[@donb.puryearjr.8699]

No voice......

[@owloffroad]

Hey Don, we just checked and it’s working on our end. Sometimes KZbin auto-mutes the video. Maybe check that? If it is still not working please let us know